This had been something we were doing extensive research on actually in lieu of the approach of the Vegas Odds which have now come out. The following may be more potentially realistic odds but also have a chuckle or two mixed in. If your team is in a place that you feel is unjust, do not just whine and cry about it….let US know about it. We want your input on this.
Now thanks to PuckCentral, here is the said 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Chart……
We will not be well liked after this comes out……
WHY? Simple.because we tend to think some of these Vegas guys do not know JACK about hockey. Do you want proof? Chicago is still the Cup favorites? HOW? Oh and Edmonton only at 100:1 screams Gretzky bias. We kid of course. There will be no fancy chart here….just straight numbers. You may disagree with many of these but we will try our best to keep them fair and somewhat balanced. These are our stories and we are sticking to them.
Your SOMEWHAT REAL 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Odds
New Jersey Devils (5:1 if Kovalchuk signs, 15:1 if he does not, 50:1 if they draw the Flyers or Rangers)
Detroit Red Wings (5:1)
Pittsburgh Penguins (6:1)
Washington Capitals (8:1)
San Jose Sharks (12:1)
Vancouver Canucks (15:1)
Los Angeles Kings (15:1)
Philadelphia Flyers (20:1)
Chicago Blackhawks (20:1)
Buffalo Sabres (25:1)
Boston Bruins (30:1)
Nashville Predators (30:1)
St. Louis Blues (30:1)
Phoenix Coyotes (35:1)
Anaheim Ducks (40:1)
Calgary Flames (45:1)
Montreal Canadiens (45:1)
Colorado Avalanche (45:1)
Carolina Hurricanes (55:1)
Ottawa Senators (60:1)
Tampa Bay Lighting (60:1)
Atlanta Thrashers (60:1)
New York Rangers (80:1)
New York Islanders (100:1)
Dallas Stars (100:1)
Toronto Maple Leafs (150:1)
Minnesota Wild (200:1)
Columbus Blue Jackets (300:1)
Edmonton Oilers (500:1)
Florida Panthers (1000:1)
There are a variety of factors that go into this. We did look at THN’s early rankings of teams and we also looked at last year’s standings. Plus, we took a look at what the teams have done on and off the ice to ensure success or failure. Detrot is our favorite in reality at 5:1 because no one knows what will happen in New Jersey or what matchup they will get in the first round. Truthfully who they draw has been psychologically destructive for that team the past several years, no matter who wants to admit it so we will.
Note the cup finals combatants from last year are at 20:1. For whatever reason, I just do not see either one getting there again this year. It will be tough to duplicate last year’s success because both teams have nagging issues (health and cap for Philly and well team upheaval in Chicago). Chemistry for both could also be an issue and as for Philly, this time a timeout will not save them. Pittsburgh and Washington are slotted in fairly neutral areas while we started taking risks as we put Vancouver down a bit and then after that, almost everyone else.
Realistically, the longshots are supposed to have higher odds. Maybe Vegas was being conservative. However, once you get down to teams like Dallas, Florida, Edmonton, and such….you really can place whatever odds you want on them. For anyone over 100:1, we have a special category called DNFT. What does that mean? Do Not F*****N Touch. That is pretty self explanatory. These are teams that will be competing for the first overall draft picks and in some cases may be looking to relocate.
Also, I am sure it will be asked. Why is Florida so low? Well they cannot win with how they play defense or the lack of. Also, how long before Tomas Vokoun finally snaps and wants out of there. Also, THN has them at 30th. The off ice wacky stuff also contributes to this. Why have this much of a hoopla for a team picked by many to be so bad and a team that is in a massive rebuild and overhaul? Of course, this is Marketing 101. You are trying to hide the hideous product on the ice anyway you can. Give Florida credit for that. Now if only they could get William Shatner into the mix somehow.
Now as for surprises….take a look at teams like Nashville and St. Louis. Their odds are reasonable and are something to at least look at. Hell I might even be tempted to put some money on Buffalo IF they EVER made a trade deadline splash worth talking about so stay away from the Sabres. Boston is an interesting team to look at according to many Vegas Insiders because the potential and style is there. The only question is how much have they recovered from last year’s collapse?
I am also still one of those few that like the Kings at 15:1. As currently constructed, they still have needs but I feel they could be addressed at the trade deadline. As for flops, do not pick Calgary under any circumstances….Sutter and Sutter will be deep sixed at some point this year or next. Mark my words.
As we depart, we again encourage comments and feedback. We will even debate this a bit on Sunday’s show as well. Now about the video…it illustrates why one team has a screwed up call on their odds.
We have to get a pronounciating guide for the poor lady.
