A Closer Look at the Most Interesting Stanley Cup Futures Odds
It seems year after year the NHL is blessed with a new team hoisting the Stanley Cup at center ice. Debatably the hardest sport to repeat a championship, there are 8 teams remaining in the 2020-21 NHL Playoffs, including the defending champs the Tampa Bay Lightning. This makes for a nicely poised introduction to our Stanley Cup futures piece!
Currently, the 2021 NHL playoffs have made their way late into the second round. NHL betting is beginning to heat up as bettors seek to profit big on their selected team being the team hoisting the cup when it’s all said and done.
2nd Round Matchups
Let’s look at each 2nd round matchup and the positions they have put themselves in.
Islanders vs Bruins: Tied 2-2
Moving on with our Stanley Cup futures odds here, let’s take a look at Islanders vs. Bruins! The Islanders and Bruins have clawed back and forth throughout the whole series thus far. No team has been able to win consecutive games, and I assure you the team that does will be the team moving forward.
Lightning vs Hurricanes: Lightning lead 3-1
With the exception of game 4, the other 3 games were decided by a one-goal differential. While the Hurricanes have maintained a fine pace with the Lightning, it seems they are always one step ahead.
- Check out our in-depth Hurricanes vs Lightning Game 4 Picks
Golden Knights vs Avalanche: Tied 2-2
It was the Golden Knights trailing the Avalanche through the first 2 games of the series 2-0, but Vegas was able to take advantage of their home ice and tie the series. Both teams are putting on an absolute display of offense throughout the series and I only anticipate for that to continue.
Canadiens vs Jets: Canadiens lead 3-0
Without a doubt, the biggest surprise of the playoffs this year has to be the Montreal Canadiens. Defeating the Maple Leafs in the opening round in game 7, they have been able to carry over their energy into the second round leading the Jets 3-0 in the series, who dealt out a sweep of their own in the opening round against the Oilers.
Stanley Cup Futures Odds
Now, let’s look at what Vegas currently has the odds at for each team to capture the Stanley Cup.
- Colorado Avalanche: +210
- Tampa Bay Lightning: +254
- Vegas Golden Knights: +351
- Boston Bruins: +595
- Montreal Canadiens: +1,000
- New York Islanders: +1,500
- Carolina Hurricanes: +2,500
- Winnipeg Jets: +10,000
Best Picks
Let’s wrap our Stanley Cup futures picks here! Analyzing the 8 teams above, I would say there are a group of three that stick out as potential candidates for winning the Stanley Cup this season. The Presidents Trophy winners, most recent Stanley Cup winner, and arguably the team to beat in the last century all have a solid chance of making their claim to skating around the rink with the Stanley Cup in their possession.
The Avalanche opened the first round with ease handing 4 consecutive losses to the St. Louis Blues. Getting over a week of rest, they picked up right where they left off in defeating Vegas in its first 2 games of the series. Although they have let Vegas grab a bit of confidence by allowing them back in the race, I expect them to close out the series in the next couple games.
The Lightning hold a comfortable 3-1 series lead over the Hurricanes in their second round after defeating their neighbor, the Florida Panthers in 6 games. They have the privilege of carrying players on their roster that were in this exact position just a year ago. Experience is definitely not something that they are lacking.
Speaking of experience, that would be the word to describe the Bruins with players like Marchand, Bergeron, Krejci, and Rask that as well have been in this position before. When the Bruins are dominant, they are impossible to stop in the offensive zone. They cycle the puck like no other team in the league tiring out their opponents.
Perhaps, it will be a team from the rest of the field that surprises us. Do the Golden Knights have what it takes to outcompete the Avalanche? Do the Canadiens have another trick up their sleeve? That remains to be seen with the 2020-21 NHL Playoffs still underway.
