Look out, online betting fans. We’re halfway through February and that means Stanley Cup betting is right around the corner. What do you look for at the Internet sportsbook when trying to pinpoint the perfect contender in the Stanley Cup odds?
Well, a perfect NHL betting contender needs several key components, including (a) offensive firepower, (b) reliable goaltending, (c) depth, (d) a physical edge, (e) experience and leadership and (f) team chemistry. The top five Stanley Cup betting contenders below have most if not all of these characteristics, though every team has a possible chink in the armor.
Here are the top five, from worst Cup chances to best. Is it “boring” that they happen to be the top five overall teams in the standings? Maybe, but that’s just how the chips fall right now.
5. WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Why they could win: The Caps boast several offensive superstars, including Alexander the GR8 and the absurdly hot Mike Green. It seems no defense will keep them down. Also, it’s common in sports betting for one superstar to carry his team several rounds into the playoffs (Sidney Crosby last year, LeBron James in 2007), so Ovechkin could take the Caps on his broad shoulders.
Why not: Simply put, goaltending. You just never know which version of Jose Theodore will show up in the postseason. Cross your fingers and hope it ain’t the Hells Angels version, Caps fans.
4. BOSTON BRUINS
Why: The Killer B’s are definitely “built for the playoffs.” They’re oh-so big, oh-so tough and extremely deep up front. Any team facing them in a seven-game series will end up battered by Zdeno Chara, Milan Lucic and company. Marc Savard also seems to have gamebreaker ability, as he showed with an overtime winner in last year’s playoffs against Montreal.
Why not: Greenness is definitely a concern, as most of Boston’s go-to guys, including Tim Thomas, Phil Kessel, Savard, Lucic and Dennis Wideman, have one year of playoff experience or less. Thomas and fellow puckstopper Manny Fernandez also don’t have the pedigree to guarantee great playoff performances.
3. NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Why: A month ago, the Devils wouldn’t have cracked this list. A month from now, they may top it. No team is hotter in NHL betting right now, as the Devils’ top line of Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner and Travis Zajac has been the best offensive unit on the planet in 2009. The Devils were always scary for their defense. How scary are they now that they can score?
Why not: Guys like Parise are good, but are they win-the-Rocket-Richard-Trophy good? A dropoff is possible. Also, as funny as it sounds…what if Martin Brodeur’s return disrupts the team chemistry or causes the guys to relax a bit defensively? We’ve seen the “superstar return” effect disrupt teams in the past.
2. DETROIT RED WINGS
Why: Their team motto should be “Been there, done that.” The Wings just have so much Stanley Cup betting experience that it’s extremely tough to bet against them making the big dance again. If last year’s deep, speedy team could win the Stanley Cup odds and now Marian Hossa joins the likes of Datsyuk and Zetterberg, how can it not equal more rings for the Wings?
Why not: It seems Chris Osgood’s stumpy, ginger-kid bubble has burst and he’s suffering through his worst season ever. That means Ty Conklin will likely get the call in the NHL betting playoffs. Can he handle the pressure of being “the guy” with no competition for the job?
1. SAN JOSE SHARKS
Why: Is anything missing from San Jose’s Stanley Cup betting puzzle? Offense to spare: check. A world-class goalie in Evgeni Nabokov: check. A deep, well-rounded blueline hugely bolstered by Dan Boyle and Rob Blake: check. Great fan support: check. San Jose is the best all-around team in hockey.
Why not: They’ve never been there even though they’ve been good enough to make it. Are they struggling to overcome some mental hurdles? If they reach the final, will they flounder in uncharted territory? We’ll see.