The first round of the NHL Playoffs is coming to a close which means now is a great time to look at the best and worst bets to win the 2021 Stanley Cup. Before we get started, let’s understand what we’re looking for in each category.
For the best bets to win the 2021 Stanley Cup, it is important the team have a viable path to the finals. Additionally, we want teams with odds that are favorable. So, while the Colorado Avalanche can clearly win it all, wagering on them at +280 doesn’t really move the needle.
As for the worst bets to win the 2021 Stanley Cup, the opposite holds true. We’re looking for teams where the odds and quality don’t quite match up. And for this article, we won’t consider those sides facing series deficits because betting on them at this stage is way too risky.
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The best bets to win the 2021 Stanley Cup
Carolina Hurricanes
Bet365 +550/Fanduel Sportsbook +950
It would be easy to dismiss the Carolina Hurricanes after losing two games in a row to a not very good Nashville Predators team. However, both losses came in double overtime and Nashville is a tough place to play. It’s hardly the end of the world and they will most likely win this series.
What makes Carolina one of the best bets to win the 2021 Stanley Cup is their odds right now. Despite being the third best team during the regular season and having home ice until the finals at the least, their odds are longer than five other teams. That being said, you may prefer betting on this next team who the Hurricanes would need to beat to advance.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Bet365 +750/Fanduel Sportsbook +700
Only one team will emerge from the makeshift Central Division, and it is most likely going to be the Hurricanes or the Tampa Bay Lightning. The scary thing about the latter is the fact this is the first time all season they have been healthy. And after winning the Stanley Cup last year, you can’t doubt their credentials.
At +750/+700, Tampa Bay is currently getting outstanding odds. It seems likely that the Lightning will avoid having to face the Pacific Division winner until the finals which means their only real challenge is the aforementioned Hurricanes.
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The worst bets to win the 2021 Stanley Cup
Boston Bruins
Bet365 +450/Fanduel Sportsbook +500
This makes very little sense. The Boston Bruins just beat a Washington Capitals team dealing with major goaltending issues and now they’re somehow one of the favorites? Sure, they will probably advance from the East Division. But they aren’t nearly as good as whatever team eventually comes out of the Central or Pacific Division. Boston will probably need to overcome both those squads to hoist the Stanley Cup. It seems highly unlikely.
Winnipeg Jets
Bet365 +1300 /Fanduel Sportsbook +1200
Props to the Winnipeg Jets for brushing aside the Edmonton Oilers like it was nothing. That doesn’t change the fact this is a very flawed hockey team who needs a ton of breaks to win it all. It’s not a wager worth chasing.
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