Posts Tagged ‘stanley cup odds’

Toronto Maples Leafs Stanley Cup Odds – 2010/2011 Longshots

August 29th, 2010 by Matt | No Comments | Filed in NHL Betting

The last time the Toronto Maple Leafs were in the Stanley cup playoffs was pre-lockout in the 2003-2004 hockey season.  Since then the Leafs missed the playoffs for a miserable five consecutive years.  However, ever since the regime under Brian Burke there has been significant overhaul to the team’s roster and dramatic changes have occurred since the Dion Phaneuf and Jean-Sebastian Giguiere acquisition last February. Although it can be argued the Leafs can and should contend to make this year’s playoffs, there is slim to no chance for them to be considered Stanley cup favourites.

With yesterday’s acquisition of Clarke MacArthurs to a one year contract worth 1.1 million the Leafs salary cap hit currently sits at 58.7 million dollars leaving them with roughly 2 million dollars in cap space for the 2011 campaign. Examining the Leafs roster in greater detail it would appear on opening night their roster would include, 2 goaltenders, 9 defensemen and 12 forwards for a grand total of 23 players with the big club.  With promising forward prospects such as Kadri, Mueller, Hanson and D’Amigo not included in the 23 man roster in grows the speculation that Burke and management will need to shorten their list of defensemen.

With the trade speculation quieting down regarding Kaberle, the thoughts have to be focusing on what to do with Jeff Finger and his 3.5 million dollar salary. It would be great (but almost impossible) if the Leafs could trade him away for anything even if it was to a division rival. The most likely case for Finger seems to be he will be placed on waivers and sent down to the Marlies.  Finger will not be the happiest camper about this but at least he will then be in the Marlies line up every night, still able to live in Toronto and not have to re-locate his family. Lashoff can also start the season down in the AHL and receive big time minutes there while also keeping the Leafs defensemen on their toes.  Expect for opening night the Leafs defence to be: Kaberle, Phaneuf, Komisarek, Beauchemin, Schenn and Gunnarsson with Lebda being the healthy scratch.  With the crazy depth at defence their will be great inner competition for NHL spots which could lead this year’s Leafs defence core to be one of the strongest in the league.

With Finger being sent down, this will also help create great competition for a rookie to make the opening day roster up front. Early odds would give this opportunity to Kadri who is a highly skilled centre man who played most of his junior career with the London Knights. It is highly known that the centre ice position is the leafs greatest weakness and Kadri should be able to improve this problem. Whether or not he can be a first or second line centre already is the million dollar question asked around Leaf nation.  For opening night as of right now you can expect to see a roster looking as follows:

Versteeg        Bozak            Kessel
MacAarthur        Kadri            Kulemin
Caputi            Grabovski        Armstrong
Brown            Mitchell        Orr          (spare Sjostrom)

This is a respectable forward crop that has some young talent but will be hard pressed to fill the net on a consistent base this year.  If the Leafs could somehow swing one more deal to find a true number one centre that would be the ideal scenario. By getting a true number one centre it would relieve pressure on Kadri, and give Kessel a true playmaker to relieve the pressure on himself too.  The Leafs should consider parting with Kaberlee, Grabovski and even Bozak if needed. Although Bozak is a young and promising player he could be deemed expendable if the Leafs could have an all-star calibre centre men and Kadri for years to come.  If the Leafs are unable to lock down a number one centre it will make the task of making the playoffs that much tougher and by no means a guarantee.

Overall though the Eastern conference has arguably four “guarantee” playoff teams being:  Washington, Pittsburgh, Boston and Philadelphia.  The Devils should make the playoffs but they are no guarantee with a new head coach in place and the major roster changes that may still need to take place there if Kovalchuck finally signs. Tampa Bay and Buffalo are two teams the Leafs will need to win the season series against and those two teams are favourites of most to make the playoffs for obvious reasons. Therefore breaking this down there are: 4 guarantees, 3 good odd teams to make the playoffs and the Leafs would fall right behind in the eight spot. The scary thing though is this does not take into consideration Carolina who was one of the hottest teams post Olympics last year, or the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators who will all be determined to make the playoffs this year as well.

In summary the Leafs will make the playoffs for sure if:

a.)They acquire a first line centre ( even at the expense of Kaberle or Bozak)
b.)They win the season series against teams such as the Lightning, Devils and Sabres
c.)Teams such as Carolina, Ottawa and Montreal don’t play above their heads
d.)The defence core has healthy competition
e.)Young forward prospers compete for open roster spots
f.)Finger gets sent down to open up needed cap space

Toronto Maple Leaf Odds for 2010 – 2011

Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Odds = +6000
Toronto Maple Leafs Eastern Conference Champ Odds =+2500

You can bet on it at Sportsbook.com where you will get $250 Free… Click here to learn more

Full 2010 – 2011 Stanley Cup Odds

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Time for Lord Stanley To Come Back North of Border – Canucks Cup Odds

August 17th, 2010 by Matt | No Comments | Filed in Opinion

As the season fast approaches more and more of the hockey experts of beginning to weigh in or their thoughts regarding the favourities to win the next Stanley Cup. Although it is still quite early it is also a great time for those sport betters to submit their pick for the 2010-2011 Stanley Cup winners as odds are still very reasonable!

What makes this season even more exciting is the strong possibility of a Canadian team winning the Stanley cup. There are very high expectations  being placed on the Vancouver Canucks. Many experts across North American including the Hockey News have them predicted to at least make the Stanley cup finals.   Other consensus picks to be contenting for the Stanley cup include the regulars such as; the Penguins, Washington, San Jose, Detroit and Chicago. Some teams of interest this year include the LA Kings, Tampa Bay and St. Louis who have young talent many believe are ready to take it to the next level!

One of the main reasons many including myself believe now is the time for the Canucks is through the importance they have placed on solidifying their defence through the acquisitions of both Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard. With arguably one of the best three goalies in the league and now a deeply improved defence it will make this team very hard to beat simply because of their back end. With one more year of experience for their star players Henrick and Daniel Sedin as well as potential 2011 all-star Alex Burrows they will have one of the most dominant first lines in hockey on offense as well. If Cody Hodgson can make the team and return to his form from the 2008-2009 campaign he could even be in consideration for rookie of the year honours.

The West will once again be very tough to get through and into the Stanley cup finals however, this may be the easiest year for the Canucks to do it with the Blackhawks and Sharks both losing valuable pieces to their team and the Kings being potentially still a year or two away from greatness. Detroit has made some improvement however not to the magnitude of the Canucks in most expert’s opinions.

Questions will still arise with the Canucks however such as is their coaching, and Luongo’s inconsistency. Cory Schneider who could be a starting goalie in the NHL someday soon will put some competitive pressure on Luongo this year which will keep him on his toes.

Although it is early the early consensus is for the Capitals to play the Canucks in the cup finals which would be a very enjoyable and entertaining series! There are some potential dark horses but these two teams have lots of fire power making them strong contenders and a good risk to take as the next Stanley cup winner.

Sportsbook.com has the Canucks at +1500 odds on winning the Stanley Cup this year – learn more about Hockey Betting!

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Teemu Selanne Signs With Ducks – Anaheim Stanley Cup Odds

August 11th, 2010 by Rob | No Comments | Filed in NHL News

The man nicknamed the Finnish Flash, Teemu Selanne, has re-joined the Anaheim Ducks on a one-year contract worth a reported $3.25million. The 40-year-old forward’s scoring exploits have made him one of the most feared players in the game and despite his advanced age and recent niggling injuries, his creativity and speed of thought on the ice helped him to 27 goals and 48 points in 54 games last season.

Thanks to his success last season, the Finland native became the 3rd European born player in NHL history to score 600 career goals and overtook hall-of-famer and five-time NHL champion Jan Kurri for most career goals by a Finish national in the NHL.  Ducks fans will be delighted that their team have re-signed the superstar who helped them to their first ever Stanley Cup in 2007.

With the Ducks managing to tie down Selanne for what could be one final season, there is speculation that Selanne’s friend and former Ducks teammate Paul Kariya could be making a return to the team he left in controversial circumstances back in the 2003. Fans are still angry with Kariya for leaving the team for Colorado in 2003, and have cheered him loudly each time he’s returned to the Honda Stadium. Most Ducks supporters though will be delighted by the potential of a rekindling of the fiery partnership between Kariya and Selanne for the 2010/2011.

From 1996 to 2000, Kariya and Selanne formed one of the best offensive partnerships in NHL history and the chance to play alongside his good friend could be too good an opportunity for Kariya to pass up, despite his complicated relationship with the Ducks fans. Fans may have to forgive Kariya and rethink back to that period in the late 90’s when Kariya’s speed, stick-handling ability and shooting accuracy made him one of the deadliest weapons on the ice. His speed may have long gone, but his ability with the puck could make the difference in tight games next season, especially with the Finnish Flash by his side. With Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf acting as the first line, the Ducks’ offensive group looks well stocked for the new season.

While their offensive line is looking great, the Ducks’ defensive group is short on proven ability. With Scott Niedermayer retiring, the 2007 NHL championship-winning defensive line-up has now completely disappeared and there are few signs that their younger prospects have the talent to become the next Chris Pronger or Francios Beauchemin.

One pre-season acquisition who could make an impact though is Andy Sutton. The former Ottawa Senators defensemen led the league in blocked shots last year and will surely be needed to continue that form in 2010/2011 as he tries to help his younger team-mates around the blue line to ensure that goaltender Jonas Hiller gets maximum protection.

With the foundation of the team in place and the possibility of a few more acquisitions to come, their season will depend on Head Coach Randy Carlyle’s ability to blend youth with experience as their new-look line-up attempts to get the Ducks soaring back to their 2007 best after three flightless years in the NHL wilderness.

Sportsbooks have the Anaheim Ducks listed at +3000 odds to win the Stanley Cup in the 2010/2011 NHL season, which puts them about middle of the pack.  For every $10 bet on the Ducks to win the Stanley Cup you would win $300 – not a bad bet considering the talent the Ducks have up front.  Bet it now at Sportsbook.com if you’re interested!

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Blackhawks Sign Turco – Stanley Cup Odds Remain The Same

August 2nd, 2010 by Kevin | No Comments | Filed in NHL News

The Chicago Blackhawks will have a new starting goalie for the 2010-2011 season as they look to defend their Stanley Cup.  Earlier today (Monday, August 2nd) the Blackhawks announced the signing of long time Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco.  The deal is a one year deal that is reported to be somewhere between $1 and $1.5 Million, which is a nice signing if Turco can play to his ability in the upcoming NHL season.

Antti Niemi, who won the Cup with the Blackhawks less than two months ago, will now be looking for a new team to play for.  Niemi had a great season going 26-7-4 with a 2.25 goals against average and a .912 save percentage in his 39 regular season starts.  Leading Chicago to their first Stanley Cup in 49 years, Antti Niemi was 16-6 with a 2.63 GAA and .912 save percentage.  Chicago and Niemi couldn’t agree on a deal to keep the unrestricted free agent, and after Antti Niemi won his arbitration the Blackhawks decided to walk away from their number one goaltender.

Marty Turco, who spent the last nine NHL season in Dallas, was told that after trading for Kari Lehtonen in February, he would no longer be in the Dallas Stars future plans.  This past season Turco was so-so with his 22-20-11 record, 2.73 goals against average and .913 save percentage.  It is rumored that Turco had been shutting down contract offers from other teams in hopes of landing a spot with the Blackhawks.

The Chicago Blackhawks next move is to figure out what to do with back up goaltender Cristobal Huet, who has a cap hit of $5.625 million on the Hawks if they can’t get rid of him.  The team is looking to make 25 year old Corey Crawford the back up for Turco for the upcoming season, which means Huet will most likely be assigned to the American Hockey League or elsewhere.

The signing of Marty Turco didn’t do anything to the Blackhawks 2010-2011 NHL Stanley Cup Betting Odds at most sportsbooks, as the Blackhawks are still listed at +600 and the favorites for the upcoming NHL season.

A $100 bet on the Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup this season would payout $600 in profits – you can bet it at Sportsbook.com, which is North America’s most popular sports betting site!

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2010-2011 NHL Stanley Cup Betting Odds

July 29th, 2010 by Kevin | No Comments | Filed in NHL Betting

The 2010/2011 NHL season isn’t too far off and the online sportsbooks have posted the Stanley Cup odds for each team.  Betting action is rolling in as NHL fans are getting excited for what should another action packed NHL season.  With lots of free agent players being moved around it is always tough to get a real grasp on which teams are going to compete come playoff time, but if you do your research you can always find some NHL teams listed with generous betting odds!

Not surprisingly the defending Stanley Cup champs Chicago Blackhawks are favoured to win the Cup in the 2010-2011 NHL season at +600 (not sure how to read these odds?  check out this sports betting odds explained article), with Eastern Conference powerhouses Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals not far behind, both at +700.

The Philadelphia Flyers come in at +1400 to win the Cup this year after losing to the Blackhawks in the finals.

Teams at the bottom of the list at +10000 odds to win the Stanley Cup are the Blue Jackets, Oilers, Panthers, Wild and Islanders.  The Atlanta Thrashers aren’t far behind at +9000, while the Maple Leafs are down there with +7500 odds.

You can bet on who will win the 2011 Stanley Cup at the most popular online betting site Sportsbook.com where you will even receive a Free $250 Bonus when you sign up for an account!

Full 2010-2011 NHL Stanley Cup Betting Odds:

Chicago Blackhawks +600
Pittsburgh Penguins +700
Washington Capitals +700
Detroit Red Wings +1300
Philadelphia Flyers +1400
San Jose Sharks +1400
Vancouver Canucks +1600
Boston Bruins +1800
New Jersey Devils +1800
Los Angeles Kings +2200
Montreal Canadiens +3000
Calgary Flames +3300
Anaheim Ducks +3500
Buffalo Sabres +3500
Ottawa Senators +3800
Click Here For Full Odds

My Predictions/Bets for the 2011 Stanley Cup:

This year I’m going with the Washington Capitals out of the East at +700.  You know that Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals will always be tough to beat in a seven game series, and I think this is the year they make it out of the East.

From the West I will be taking the Vancouver Canucks listed at a nice +1600 ($100 bet pays out $1600 in profits).  The Sedin twins seem to get better each year, and the Canucks have done a good job building out a team around them.  If Luongo can get back into his groove I like the chances of the Canucks making a run for it all in the upcoming 2010-2011 NHL season.

Place your bets online at Sportsbook.com and enjoy the NHL season!

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