Stanley Cup Betting Odds Heating Up With Beginning Of NHL Playoffs
April 12th, 2010 – by Glen
The teams have all been decided, the seeds have been determined, and the bracket leading to the NHL‘s highest accolade, the Stanley Cup, is now set in stone – at least, that is, the quarter finals are set. Sixteen teams total, eight from each conference, but only one will remain at the end. The online sportsbooks have already released odds on who they think will win, though bettors and fans will be entitled to make their own decision.
Each conference has its stars, but most eyes have been on the Eastern Conference. The bitter NHL rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals has turned into a boil, while the New Jersey Devils, headed by Zach Parise and Patrik Elias, are turning heads all across the board.
The Capitals are, regardless of conference, are currently leading the NHL Playoff Betting Odds as the favorite to win the Stanley Cup. Having taken the number 1 seed, the Capitals will face off against the Montreal Canadiens in their first game. The Capitals, headed by Alexander Ovechkin, have sealed the President’s Trophy for the year, and will go into the competition for the Stanley Cup with 121 points in the regular season, compared to the Canadiens 88. Unless an upset like that of the Sharks in the 2009 Playoffs were to hit, the Capitals will likely move forward.
The Penguins are coming into the playofffs with only slightly worse odds, and are a sure contender for the Stanley Cup in the 2010 season. Having won last year’s Stanley Cup, the Penguins sealed their third championship in franchise history. Captain Sydney Crosby has earned the league’s top goals in the regular season, having earned his 51st goal in the last regular season game. Riding the glory of the Gold Medal from the Winter Olympics, the Penguins are expected to perform solidly throughout the playoffs.
Many fans are hoping for the Capitals and the Penguins to meet in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Devils also represent a solid contender for the Stanley Cup, as they have remained a devastating presence on the ice in the Eastern Conference. Having swept the Penguins in the Regular season and losing only one game to the Capitals, the Devils could represent a troubling force for both of these teams. The Devils have also had some success in their limited number of games against the Western Conference Stanley Cup Contenders.
The Western Conference also holds heavy favorites for the Stanley Cup victory. The Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, and the time honored Detroit Red Wings are all making a chase to the Cup, each with a relatively solid chance.
The Blackhawks are currently the heavy favorite from the Western Conference, with odds just behind the Capitals. The Predators will be their first stop, though the Blackhawks have crushed the Predators in four of their last six encounters. Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith are expected to carry their scoring power into the playoffs.
The Sharks are coming into the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs somewhat more hopeful than last season. Having been obliterated by Anaheim Ducks in a striking upset, the Sharks are hoping to improve on their two victories in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This time around, the Sharks will face the Avalanche in the first round. Though this could prove to be another upset, it is unlikely that the Sharks will be stymied by Colorado. In 2004, the two teams met in the Semi-Finals, and the Sharks managed to take their four wins in six games’ time.
The Detroit Red Wings hold the longest streak of post-season appearances in all of the professional sports in North America. This streak almost came to an end in the 2009-2010 season, though the Red Wings managed to pull back into play off contention and have made it to the event as the fifth seed. Facing the Phoenix Coyotes, these two teams are entering a rematch of the 1998 opening round where the Wings pummeled the Coyotes in six games.
The odds on the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals represent a solid chance for six teams, with many other teams hanging on as essential farms. Though there may be some major upsets, the current odds represent a true to form experience.
Washington Capitals +400
Chicago Blackhawks +450
Pittsburgh Penguins +500
San Jose Sharks +500
Detroit Red Wings +800
Vancouver Canucks +1000
New Jersey Devils +1000
Buffalo Sabres +1500
Phoenix Coyotes +2000
Ottawa Senators +3000
Los Angeles Kings +4000
Boston Bruins +4000
Philadelphia Flyers +5000
Montreal Canadiens +5000
Nashville Predators +5000
Colorado Avalanche +7500
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