This is kind of a bullshit season let's face it.
No fans to any games in Canada and only some fans later in the season in the USA
Vancouver Canucks missed almost a month due to Covid and were then asked to complete an impossible schedule. Not fair to that franchise.
Personally, the should have cancelled the season a few ago and just started like usual in October. But it is what is it. I know there are some players playing their last games of their career so that is taken into consideration. I get it.
Enough of that.
Let's talk playoffs.
You could make a serious case for anyone of the 16 teams to go all the way. A hot goalie and no big injuries, you got a shot. Here are some good value picks to win the Cup.
The Jets have backed into playoffs. A month ago, they were threatening the catch the Leafs for first. Can they recapture the magic? Maybe. Good value at +4000
Nashville. They were out of the race a month and a half ago and now might be the hottest team heading into the playoffs. Scoring, goaltending and experience. They got it all and are still at +4000 also.
Pittsburgh. Never count out a team with Crosby on it. Since Brian Burke took over as President of hockey operations, this team looks better almost immediately. Burke is a winner and that rubs off on teams. +1000
Panthers. What a season. What a team. They are used to playing in front of little to no fans most years, so it shouldn't be surprising they beat out the defending champs for second. One point from winning the division. This team is loaded with talent but their goaltending was the biggest surprise. This team can win it all. Back to back Champions from Florida? +1800
I am putting $100 on each of the 3 hottest teams down the stretch and $100 on the coldest team.
Of course you have the 2 favs in the Avs and Knights but where the fun it that? Ya the Oilers have McDavid and +1400 but they also don't have the goaltending IMO.Maybe they don't need it if he keeps on like he has been all season? The Wild also are worth a shot at +2400.
Boston Bruins+1100
Carolina Hurricanes+900
Colorado Avalanche+410
Edmonton Oilers+1400
Florida Panthers+1800
Minnesota Wild+2400
Montreal Canadiens+4000
Nashville Predators+4000
New York Islanders+2600
Pittsburgh Penguins+1000
St. Louis Blues+3400
Tampa Bay Lightning+675
Toronto Maple Leafs+650
Vegas Golden Knights+420
Washington Capitals+1500
Winnipeg Jets+4000
*Bookmaker