Might there be another Stanley Cup parade in Chicago next spring? (Photo credit: swanksalot / Foter / CC BY-SA)
The 2014-15 NHL betting season is already nearing the quarter pole, and it’s never too early to take a look at updated NHL futures odds.
Here’s a look at the top five Stanley Cup favourites this year, according to NHL futures odds.
Blackhawks +700
Chicago was just 9-7-1-0 through its first 17 games, and four of those wins came in a shootout. Still, that hasn’t been enough to lower expectations for the Blackhawks this season. Defence is not an issue in the Windy City, with Chicago allowing just two goals a game to rank second in the league in goals-against average. But, despite leading the league with an average of 37.4 shots per game, Chicago has been limited to 2.5 goals per contest (22nd in the NHL). You don’t need to be a Corsi stats geek to know that the Hawks’ woeful shooting percentage is only going to go up. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Chicago go on a hot streak soon, even without the injured Patrick Sharp.
Penguins +750
The Pens seem to be adjusting well to a new voice behind the bench, going 11-3-1 in their first 15 games under new coach Mike Johnston. Johnston’s preference for an up-tempo style shows in Pittsburgh’s league-leading attack, which is averaging 3.7 goals per game. Much of the offence might be attributed to a power play that has clicked at 33.9 per cent through 15 games, which is hardly a sustainable clip. However, the Penguins have also been good in their own end, giving up 2.2 goals per contest (sixth in the league).
Bruins +850
Like Chicago, Boston has been a disappointment through the first quarter of the season, but at least the Bruins have an excuse. The B’s (10-8) have played eight of those games without Zdeno Chara, and they’ve also had to make do for a few games without David Krejci. Still, this Boston team doesn’t seem the same as it has in recent years. The Bruins have been one of the best bounceback teams in hockey lately, but one night after getting embarrassed 6-1 in Toronto, they were routed 5-1 by the Habs.
Ducks +850
Anaheim was 11-3-1-2 through 17 games, but it might be the least dominant 11-3-1-2 team in NHL history. Seven of the Ducks’ 11 victories came by one goal, including two in a shootout and another in overtime. Anaheim’s offensive numbers are pretty middle of the road (17th in goals for, seventh in shots, 15th on the power play). Of course, they’ve had to deal with that weird virus this month, which forced both Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry out of the lineup at one point. The Ducks continue to hang their hat on their defensive play (2.1 goals against per game, fourth in the NHL), which might explain why 13 of their first 17 games went under the total.
Kings +900
Los Angeles hasn’t exactly been known for tearing up the regular season, and that trend has continued this year with an 8-5-2-2 start. Goal scoring continues to be an issue for the Kings, who rank 24th in the NHL at 2.4 goals per contest. A 26th-ranked power play hasn’t helped matters. Another possible reason for concern for the Kings is that they’re just 1-3-2-1 on the road so far this season. However, let’s not forget that LA has gotten it done two of the last three years to win the Stanley Cup. This is a team that can never be counted out on the NHL Futures odds.