As the NHL offseason gets underway, one can’t help but wonder “What chances do my team have of winning the Stanley Cup next season?” While teams will either improve or regress as the summer wears on, the guys over at www.vegasinsider.com have already released their future odds for the 2014-2015 Stanley Cup. What does this mean for the gambling type? That you can take advantage of these preseason odds and (hopefully) make some money next year if you can guess correctly! (Calgary Flames at 100/1 odds, anyone?)
Odds to win the 2014-15 Stanley Cup
Team Odds
Boston Bruins 8/1
Chicago Blackhawks 8/1
Los Angeles Kings 12/1
Pittsburgh Penguins 12/1
St. Louis Blues 12/1
San Jose Sharks 14/1
Anaheim Ducks 14/1
Minnesota Wild 15/1
Colorado Avalanche 16/1
Montreal Canadiens 18/1
New York Rangers 18/1
Detroit Red Wings 18/1
Tampa Bay Lightning 23/1
Columbus Blue Jackets 33/1
Dallas Stars 33/1
Philadelphia Flyers 33/1
Vancouver Canucks 55/1
Edmonton Oilers 55/1
Ottawa Senators 55/1
Arizona Coyotes 55/1
Washington Capitals 55/1
Winnipeg Jets 55/1
Toronto Maple Leafs 55/1
New York Islanders 65/1
Florida Panthers 65/1
New Jersey Devils 65/1
Carolina Hurricanes 65/1
Calgary Flames 100/1
Nashville Predators 100/1
Buffalo Sabres 100/1
What I find very interesting is that the Stanley Cup Champions, the Los Angeles Kings are not favored to repeat. Sure, they had to play from behind and their road to the cup was not easy, but having the Chicago Blackhawks (whom LA beat out to get to the Cup Finals) ahead of them is a bit odd. Of course these numbers will change as the offseason commences and teams bulk up their existing rosters in preparation for next season, but getting the Stanley Cup champs at 12/1 is a helluva good deal.
I also really like the Anaheim Ducks at 14/1 for next season, especially after hearing that they are in the running for either Ryan Kesler, Jason Spezza, and Joe Thornton. Adding one of these dynamic players will only further bolster their already star studded offense, and will push them to becoming a top contender for the cup next year.
As for a “long-shot” pick, you can’t go wrong throwing down some money on either the Dallas Stars or the Philadelphia Flyers at 33/1 odds. Both teams made the postseason this year and will probably improve in the offseason. For those who are more adventurous, the Washington Capitals are getting a pretty 55/1 odds to win it all next year. With new head coach Barry Trotz at the helm, who knows what will happen in Washington? Finally, for the “Cinderella Story” bets, take the Calgary Flames at 100/1. There is a reason they are giving those odds to the Flames, but they looked really good to end last season and there have been crazier things that have happened in the world of sports.
You can follow James on Twitter: @hashtagswag604
