Updated NHL Stanley Cup Odds & Betting Predictions (May 15th)

When this season’s Stanley Cup playoffs began, the general consensus was that it was as wide open a field as anyone could remember. The Washington Capitals started as the favorites, but given their playoff performances of the past, they never seemed like a good bet. The defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins also seemed like a good bet, but they have some injury concerns that might make them an iffy pick. After that, the betting was tight, and it has remained that way all the way through to the Conference Finals. We are a couple of games into those series, which is why we thought it might be a good idea to look at where the hockey betting is at right now.

Analyzing The Updated NHL Stanley Cup Odds & Betting Predictions (May 15th)

   

Pittsburgh Penguins (+160)

The defending champions remain the favorites even though they are a game down in the Eastern Conference Final. This is the first time that the Pittsburgh Penguins have been behind in a playoff series this year, but they certainly have the experience and the talent to pull back that deficit. It was believed that they would simply roll over the Ottawa Senators, and losing the opening game may not actually be a bad thing, as it will make this group aware that they are going to have to put in a better effort to move on. I think they will do so, and I also have them winning the Stanley Cup, a prediction I made prior to the start of the postseason.

Nashville Predators (+200)

Congratulations to any of you who took the Predators at the start of the playoffs, as they are now a legitimate threat to win it all. Their odds have been slashed dramatically since starting as the 8-seed in the Western Conference, but they have shown that they have what it takes to be a champion. They are unbeaten in their own building, and have the hottest goaltender in the playoffs. Look out for these guys!!

Anaheim Ducks (+250)

The Ducks may have lost home ice advantage in their series versus the Nashville Predators, but they should still not be counted out. This is a team that was in an 0-2 hole after losing both of their home games versus the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, but who eventually fought back to win that series in 7 games. They have won 4 of their 5 road games this postseason, and while they are facing a team that has yet to lose at home, just remember that a split in the next 2 games will win them back home ice advantage.

Ottawa Senators (+250)

Anyone who thought that the Senators would roll over and die against the Penguins got a rude awakening in Game 1. The Senators went into hostile territory and did what they have done all throughout this postseason, which was to come up with a 1-goal win in OT. I thought this series would be over in 5 or 6 games, and while that still might happen, Ottawa have already provided one of the biggest shocks of the playoffs with that Game 1 win.