2011 Stanley Cup Round 1 Betting Picks

So the Stanley Cup schedule is out The NHL could not have asked for more when it comes to first round match-ups. The best match up by far is the Chicago Blackhawks Vs. Vancouver Canucks.

Eastern Conference Matchups

1.Washington Capitals vs. 8. New York Rangers
2. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 7. Buffalo Sabres
3. Boston Bruins vs. 6. Montreal Canadiens
4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning

Western Conference Matchups

1. Vancouver Canucks vs. 8. Chicago Blackhawks
2. San Jose Sharks vs. 7. Los Angeles Kings
3. Detroit Red Wings vs. 6. Phoenix Coyotes
4. Anaheim Ducks vs. 5. Nashville Predators

Before the puck drops let’s take a look at some matchups of interest to the betting community.

Vancouver Canucks v Chicago Blackhawks

The Canucks have lost 2 years in a row to their nemesis the Blackhawks. Both teams have a large fan base so games in each barn will be nerve racking for the visiting team if they cannot silence the crowd. Vancouver made some key upgrades which helped win their first President’s trophy in franchise history. One key element was Manny Malhotra who is out for the playoffs with an eye injury. This will hurt the team but their biggest upgrade came at the blueline. There is not a team deeper than the canucks in this area. Like all sports defense wins championships. If the odds are good for bettors I’ll be taking Vancouver the first game at home.

“We have two good goalies that are both playing extremely well,” Daniel told NHL.com earlier in the season, referring to Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider. “I think we’ve become a better defensive team, too. We don’t give up as many chances, and we still have that offensive mindset when we get the puck. We have a lot of good offensive players both on the back end and up front. I think that’s what makes us good. We can play well in all areas of the game.”

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2011 Stanley Cup Betting Odds