The loss of top scorer Patrick Kane has not scared off the betting public from the Chicago Blackhawks on winning the Stanley Cup. Vegasinsider.com has the Hawks as 11/2 favorites to win the Stanley Cup followed by the Nashville Predators at 15/2.
Four teams come in next at 10/1 with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers. The Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues are at 12/1. At 15/1 are the Detroit Red Wings, and Tampa Bay Lightning. The Boston Bruins are at 18/1 followed by the Washington Capitals at 25/1. 40/1 longshots include the Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, and Winnipeg Jets. The Vancouver Canucks are at 45/1 and the Florida Panthers are a 100/1 shot followed by the Philadelphia Flyers at 200/1.
Remember, the betting odds are NOT about what Vegas thinks but what you and the rest of the betting public thinks. Prices are based on public perception more than reality.
Let’s now analyze the betting value and lack thereof on the post trade deadline board.
Chicago Blackhawks: Without Kane, the 11/2 price is absurd. There are also growing rumblings about goalie Corey Crawford being a good but no longer great or dominant netminder that can steal games.
Nashville Predators: Pekka Rinne is the best goalie in the game and the Preds boast the deepest quality defensive corps led by Shea Weber. That is countered by a lack of playoff experience and a rookie in Filip Forsberg as their leading scorer. The lack of a proven finisher will be the Preds downfall.
Los Angeles Kings: The lack of defensive depth and the wear and tear of three straight long playoff runs will have the Kings running on fumes far too early to make a serious push.
New York Islanders: The Isles are worth taking a flier on at 10/1 with their prolific scoring and home ice advantage at Nassau Coliseum. Defensive depth and dominant goaltending are of concern but there is enough here for a deep run.
New York Rangers: This team is better than last year’s Eastern Conference championship edition. The key is goaltender Henrik Lundqvist returning healthy and in top form from his neck injury. Rick Nash is dominant again to make for a quality finisher and the defense is deep. The Broadway Blueshirts are a good look at 10/1.
Minnesota Wild: Goaltender Devan Dubnyk is on fire but can he keep up such ridiculous numbers for the long haul? Secondary scoring and defensive depth remain a deal breaker.
St. Louis Blues: Vladimir Tarasenko looks like the finisher that the Blues lacked last year. Can Brian Elliot finally end all doubts in goal? The defense is strong and deep and perhaps the Blues are long overdue for some luck. This is an appealing 12/1 betting value.
Detroit Red Wings: This is a good and well balanced team but something seems to be missing. Perhaps a dominant scorer and a goaltender that can carry a series is what is lacking? Pass.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos makes for a quality finisher but the Bolts lack the defensive depth necessary for a deep run. Goaltender Ben Bishop is also unproven in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Defensive depth is lacking as is scoring depth. But with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin you always have a chance. Recent playoff failures do not inspire confidence.
Montreal Canadiens: The Habs could have made the Stanley Cup Final if not for an injury to goalie Carey Price, who is in the conversation as the best in the game. Price and defenseman P.K. Subban make for a strong core but secondary scoring and defensive depth is a concern. Goalie is the most important position in the game which makes Montreal a worthy consideration.
Boston Bruins: An absurd name brand price. This aging team lacks scoring depth, a finisher, and defensive depth. They may not even make the playoffs.
Washington Capitals: This is the best bargain on the board at 25/1. Alex Ovechkin is playing with purpose and with a complete game. Center Niklas Backstrom and defensemen John Carlson and Mike Green add to an aura of confidence and that something could be different for the Caps this year. Goalie Braden Holtby has a strong .925 save percentage and seven shutouts. Head coach Barry Trotz has changed the culture and personality of the team. This is the best bet on the futures board.
