Dave Portnoy, the owner of Barstool Sports, is making headlines with a bold $150,000 bet on the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup this year. With +700 odds, Portnoy stands to win a whopping $1.2 million if the Oilers claim the championship. This high-stakes gamble underscores his confidence in the team as they prepare to face the LA Kings in the first round of the NHL playoffs starting Monday night, April 22.
Portnoy’s Bet and the Oilers’ Playoff Outlook
The Oilers finished the regular season strong, securing second place in the Pacific Division with 49 wins and 104 points, just behind the Canucks. Their first-round opponents, the LA Kings, are also formidable contenders, having concluded the regular season with 44 wins and 99 points. Portnoy’s wager shows a massive load of confidence in a team who have been competitive in playoffs for so long, but have just struggled to make the jump over the hump and get into the finals.
The Key Players: McDavid and Draisaitl
Central to the Oilers’ hopes are two of the NHL’s brightest stars: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid, often regarded as the best player in the league, had a phenomenal season, scoring 32 goals and delivering a career-high 100 assists—becoming the first player since 1991 to reach this milestone in a single season. Draisaitl also continued his impressive performance, tallying 106 points across 81 games. Their dynamic play has been crucial for the Oilers and will be even more critical as they pursue the elusive Stanley Cup.
Concerns and Challenges
While the offensive prowess of McDavid and Draisaitl is undisputed, the Oilers face significant challenges, particularly in their defensive gameplay and goaltending. Stuart Skinner is expected to start as goaltender, coming off a season with a 2.62 goals against average and a .905 save percentage. The team’s defensive strategy and Skinner’s performance under playoff pressure will play pivotal roles in their quest for the Cup.
The Betting Landscape
According to DraftKings, the Oilers are among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, tied with the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche at +700 odds, and only slightly trailing the Carolina Hurricanes at +650. Portnoy’s substantial bet places him among the most watchful eyes following the Oilers this postseason, highlighting both the potential high reward and the inherent risks of playoff hockey betting.
As the Oilers gear up for their playoff run, all eyes will be on their star players and defensive lineup to see if they can capitalize on their second-best odds and bring home the championship. For fans and bettors alike, including Dave Portnoy, the stakes are incredibly high, but so is the excitement. Dave Portnoy Edmonton Oilers bet