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
Competitor | Odds | |
---|---|---|
Odds to win the 2011 Eastern Conference | ||
All wagers have action. Team who makes the Stanley Cup Finals is the winner. | ||
Boston Bruins | +450 | |
Buffalo Sabres | +1400 | |
Montreal Canadiens | +1500 | |
New York Rangers | +1600 | |
Philadelphia Flyers | +400 | |
Pittsburgh Penguins | +450 | |
Tampa Bay Lightning | +900 | |
Washington Capitals | +225 | |
Odds to win the 2011 Stanley Cup | ||
All wagers have action. | ||
Anaheim Ducks | +2000 | |
Boston Bruins | +850 | |
Buffalo Sabres | +2500 | |
Chicago Blackhawks | +2200 | |
Detroit Red Wings | +900 | |
Los Angeles Kings | +3000 | |
Montreal Canadiens | +3000 | |
Nashville Predators | +3000 | |
New York Rangers | +3500 | |
Philadelphia Flyers | +800 | |
Phoenix Coyotes | +3000 | |
Pittsburgh Penguins | +1100 | |
San Jose Sharks | +700 | |
Tampa Bay Lightning | +2000 | |
Vancouver Canucks | +300 | |
Washington Capitals | +550 | |
Odds to win the 2011 Western Conference | ||
All wagers have action. Team who makes the Stanley Cup Finals is the winner. | ||
Anaheim Ducks | +900 | |
Chicago Blackhawks | +1200 | |
Detroit Red Wings | +450 | |
Los Angeles Kings | +1600 | |
Nashville Predators | +1500 | |
Phoenix Coyotes | +1500 | |
San Jose Sharks | +350 | |
Vancouver Canucks | +140 |
I guess the proof will be in the pudding…dont forget the mighty Canucks failed to beat the worst team in the league (the Oilers) in back to back games just a few games ago.
Makes me wonder if the complacent Canucks have the heart and grit it will take to with it all. Chicago had to fight to get into the playoffs so they are already playing with grit – lets see if the Nucks can rise to the occasion.