The Lightning are Setting Fire to the NHL and Changing the Stanley Cup Odds
The NHL season is officially heating up. New Year’s Day’s Winter Classic was a nationwide spectacle that captured the eyes of the nation and marks the turning point of the season as the NHL heads into its second half. With that in the rearview mirror, the contenders are starting to take a step above the rest in the beginning of the second half.
The Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues are still holding firm near the top, but the Tampa Bay Lightning have quickly joined them as they look like themselves again.
Just a few weeks ago, the Lightning were barely above water with a 17-13-3 record after a loss to the Capitals on Dec. 21. Now, less than a month later, they are the cream of the crop in the NHL. They have won nine straight games to catapult them to fifth place in the Eastern Conference and sixth place in the whole NHL. Tampa Bay has been on a tear and they’re showing why they’ve been perennial favorites to win it all for a few years now.
The Lightning have been putting on a clinic as of late with wins of 6-1, 6-4, 5-3, 3-1, and an incredible 9-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. They’re the real deal.
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Tampa Bay Lightning Odds to Win the Stanley Cup: Why Sportsbooks Immediately Moved the Stanley Cup Odds
Unfortunately for the bettor, the sportsbooks have noticed that as well and the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Stanley Cup odds are at the top of the list at +800. That’s the best odds in the NHL.
Don’t get discouraged, however, they are that good that +800 might even be in your favor. There are only a handful of teams that are long for the playoffs, and they are one of them. Get them on your betslip now and you’ll be comfortable heading well into May.
There are still a few value picks for the Stanley Cup out there as well.
Boston (+950), the Colorado Avalanche (+1000), Washington (+1000) and St. Louis (+1100) are right behind Tampa Bay at the top. Each of them are a solid pick in their own right.
The Bruins are slumping, but should be equal to if not better than the Lightning’s odds. The Avalanche have a full team and can keep up with anyone — as can the Capitals. The Blues are really being overlooked as they have most of their Stanley Cup winning roster back and are taking down opponents with ease.
There are also a few longer shots worth a flier. The New York Islanders (+1700) and Philadelphia Flyers (+2700) are still holding strong.
The Islanders have a great goalie, team defense, and coach with a system that knows how to win. Barry Trotz has been great for that franchise and they have turned it around with him at the helm. Semyon Varlamov is a Vezina candidate and the rest of the team follows suit.
The Flyers have been slumping, but came back from their road trip with a big win against the NHL-leading Washington Capitals. At +2700, they’re definitely worth the value.
2020 STANLEY CUP
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