Hurricanes’ Odds to Win Stanley Cup Improve to 7-2 After Taking 3-0 Series Lead

• The Carolina Hurricanes are +350 to win the 2018-19 Stanley Cup
• Carolina leads the New York Islanders 3-0 in their second-round playoff series
• The Hurricanes have gone to at least the final four in their previous playoff appearances

One game away from the Eastern Conference finals, the Carolina Hurricanes have been upgraded to the category of serious Stanley Cup contenders by oddsmakers.

Wednesday’s win over the New York Islanders gave Carolina a 3-0 series lead and they will have the chance to end the best-of-seven in Game 4 on Friday.

2019 Stanley Cup Champion Odds

*Odds taken on 05/02/19. 

As recently as April 28, the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup odds were the longest on the board at +1500.

Hurricanes Issue Storm Warning

While the names and faces have obviously changed, this franchise has a remarkable history of postseason success. The Canes have won seven of their last eight Stanley Cup playoff series, dating back to 2006. Their last three playoff berths have resulted in three conference finals (2002, 2006, 2009), two Stanley Cup appearances (2002 & 2006), and one championship (2006).

What they are doing to the Islanders is somewhat uncharted territory, however.

Carolina holds a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven series for just the second time in franchise history. The Canes won the first three games in the second round against the New Jersey Devils in 2005-06. They took that series 4-1 en route to winning the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Teams that take a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven series own an all-time series record of 188-4 (97.9 percent).

The Islanders are one of the four teams in NHL history to overcome a 3-0 deficit and win a postseason series, doing so in the 1975 quarterfinals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Justin’s Time

Hurricanes forward Justin Williams is Mr. Clutch. He’s played in nine Game 7s and his teams are 8-1 in those games. Williams has collected more points than anyone in Game 7s (15) and shares the all-time mark for Game 7 goals (seven).

Justin Williams assisted on the @NHLCanes’ overtime winner to record his 15th career point in a #Game7 (7-8—15 in 9 GP), extending his NHL record. #NHLStats #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/qWYpqsAYEu

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 25, 2019

The Stanley Cup seems to follow him around. Williams won with the Hurricanes in 2005-06. He was a two-time Cup champion with the Los Angeles Kings (2011-12, 2013-14) and won again last spring with the Washington Capitals.

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it’s a matter of choice…” – Justin Williams with the postgame wisdom. Canes lead the series 3-0 against the Isles with the 5-2 win tonight. #canes #StanleyCupPlayoffs2019 @wral @WRALSportsFan @NHLCanes pic.twitter.com/HrlHNIXmzc

— Mary Dunleavy (@Mary_Dunleavy) May 2, 2019

Williams won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2014. He’s the only player left in this year’s postseason who’s been named MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Anyone Else Noticing A Trend?

The Hurricanes don’t often make the playoffs, but when they do, get out of their way.

The @NHLCanes won each of their first four home games in a postseason for the second time in franchise history (also 4-0 in 2002). #NHLStats #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/ExPrjLsBbG

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 2, 2019

In 2001-02, Carolina made the first Stanley Cup final appearance in franchise history, losing in five games to the Detroit Red Wings. The Canes weren’t back in the playoffs again until 2005-06. This time, they rolled all the way to a Stanley Cup title.

In their previous playoff visit in 2008-09, the Hurricanes reached the Eastern Conference final before succumbing to the eventual Cup champion Penguins.

These Hurricanes are only gaining steam. They rallied from 3-2 down in first-round, including overcoming a 2-0 deficit in Game 7, to bounce the defending champion Capitals.

Curtis McElhinney is the third goaltender in @NHLCanes / Whalers franchise history to earn a win in his first career postseason start.

The others:
Kevin Weekes (Game 5 of 2002 CQF)
Cam Ward (Game 3 of 2006 CQF)#NHLStats #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/uWOXJ1gdAX

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 2, 2019

When goalie Petr Mrazek was lost to injury, 35-year-old waiver claim Curtis McElhinney stepped in to win Game 3, becoming the oldest goalie to make his first playoff start.

Bunch Of pic.twitter.com/s59zmBGYaQ

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 1, 2019

In a year where it seems unfashionable is in form, you’d have to be a bunch of jerks to bet against the Canes.