It came as something of a surprise but the Canadian cities of Edmonton and Toronto were selected as hubs. Edmonton will host all Western Conference games. While Toronto gets the Eastern Conference playoffs. Both Conference Final series will be played at Edmonton. Additionally, the Stanley Cup Final will be played there as well. Over four months of inactivity make the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs a crapshoot with the NHL odds. Even its harshest critics concede that the NHL has the best postseason in pro sports. Cause by unmatched unpredictability. For 2020 that’s likely to be magnified significantly.
Odds to Win 2020 Stanley Cup
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Arizona Coyotes | +3000 |
| Boston Bruins | +650 |
| Calgary Flames | +4000 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +4000 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +7000 |
| Colorado Avalanche | +875 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +5000 |
| Dallas Stars | +1600 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +2400 |
| Florida Panthers | +4000 |
| Minnesota Wild | +4000 |
| Montreal Canadiens | +6000 |
| Nashville Predators | +3500 |
| New York Islanders | +3800 |
| New York Rangers | +3800 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | +1300 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1500 |
| St. Louis Blues | +1150 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +550 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +2200 |
| Vancouver Canucks | +3500 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +875 |
| Washington Capitals | +1100 |
| Winnipeg Jets | +5000 |
2020 Stanley Cup Odds Betting Analysis
Naturally, the Bruins are understandable sports betting favorite. Boston has the best record in the NHL. And they were 2019 Eastern Conference champions. The second-best record in the NHL belongs to the Lightning. Tampa Bay’s stunning playoff failure from last season makes them a motivated group for redemption. Defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis has the best record in the Western Conference. While the Colorado Avalanche is seen by many as the deepest roster in the West. As mentioned earlier hockey is vastly more unpredictable than the other pro sports. Recall the Blues were a stunning 2019 champion.
Killer B’s Bring Complete Game
Boston brings one of the most complete 200-foot games to the ice. NHL metrics have the Bruins ranked ninth for goals scored, second for power play, first for goals against, and third for penalty killing. In the same way, Boston has to be motivated after missing the Cup by a single game last year.
Skill Makes Lightning Capable of Striking Hard
Certainly, no team in the NHL has as much skill and offense as the Lightning. Tampa Bay ranks first in the NHL for goals scored and fifth for the power play. Defensively they are a respectable eighth for goals against. But penalty killing ranks 14th. The outcome of last year’s four-game sweep elimination to Columbus is unforgettable. In like manner to Boston are the Lighting looking to settle scores?
One Note Wonder?
Of course, the Blues first Stanley Cup in 51 years exercised all demons. Though this may be a better team in 2019 its unlikely to repeat. Cause by NHL parity and the sheer difficulty of winning a single Stanley Cup. Further, the Note was staggering when the play stopped.
NHL Bracing for an Avalanche?
Above all the Avalanche have drawn attention for their ability and rapid improvement. Special teams are where improvement is needed most. Second, only to the Blues in the West indicates maturation.
Edmonton Looks to Strike Oil
Ironically enough the Oilers are the host hub city. Although there will be no fans. Namely, Connor McDavid gives the Oilers a real shot at a Cup run. So too does the random nature of the NHL make Edmonton viable. And the price is right!
2020 Stanley Cup Betting Odds Free Picks
In this situation, Edmonton combines price, ability, intangibles, and legitimate NHL betting
value.
SBG 2020 Stanley Cup Champion Free Pick: Edmonton Oilers