Revised NHL Odds to Win the 2016 Stanley Cup
Posted by Henry Watkins on Monday,April 11, 2016 11:59, EDT in
This week sees the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs, which means it’s time to take a look at the updated odds for all 16 teams taking part. We will, of course, be breaking down every series in individual posts, so be on the lookout for those, but this article is all about where the odds are sitting right now. I will break it down into the favorites, dark horses, and underdogs, but just remember that any of these teams can get on a hot roll and win. It’s up to you to decide where the best value may lie. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the current betting odds for NHL for each team, keeping in mind that these may shift once the series get underway starting on Wednesday.
Revised NHL Odds to Win the 2016 Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup Favorites
No real surprise to see the Washington Capitals (+280) installed as the favorite to win it all. They were far and away the best team in the NHL this season, and look like a team with no real discernible flaws. Something has to give with the next two favorites – the Chicago Blackhawks (+500) and the St. Louis Blues (+550) – as they will be going head to head in the opening round. The winner of this series could see their odds change dramatically for round 2, so now is the time to get in if you like either of these two to win it all. Another Central Division team is next up, with the Dallas Stars (+600) among the favorites. The Pittsburgh Penguins (+650) finished the season strong, and look like a serious contender. You also cannot count out the LA Kings (+700), especially since they have won the Stanley Cup twice in recent years.
The Stanley Cup Dark Horses
These are the teams that are in the middle of the betting pack, but who may still be a good bet. The Anaheim Ducks (+800) recovered well after a slow start, and made it all the way to the Western Conference Final last season. The San Jose Sharks (+1200) had a bit of a disappointing season, but it’s a clean slate once the playoffs begin. The New York Rangers (+1300) posted the best regular season record last year, and while they fell short this season, they are still a dangerous team. The Florida Panthers (+1600) surprised everyone by winning the Atlantic Division, and you have to wonder just how far they can go with Jaromir Jagr leading the way. The Tampa Bay Lightning (+1800) were runners-up last season, but are in a tough spot this time around with Steven Stamkos likely to miss the opening round.
The Stanley Cup Underdogs
A lot of things are going to have to go right for these teams to make a serious run. The Nashville Predators (+2000), Minnesota Wild (+2300), and New York Islanders (+2300) are all good enough to perhaps spring a first round surprise, but likely not strong enough to go all the way. The Philadelphia Flyers (+2500) and Detroit Red Wings (+3800) are both surprise playoff participants, and honestly, look like lambs to the slaughter heading into the opening round.
