nhl ice hockey

Stanley Cup Outright Betting Odds

Just as with any sport, the earlier that you get your bets down on a championship winner, the better served you will be. You will have seen our Eastern Conference and Western Conference ice hockey betting previews, so now our attention turns to the Stanley Cup outright, so see where the best bets lie. We will cast a quick eye over the main contenders.

Washington Capitals: 7/1 at Victor Chandler

They really should deliver at some point. With Alex Ovechkin the main focus of the team, they have an embarrassment of offensive power. They are strong all over the ice, from the front to the back, but the wheels have come off when they have hit the play-offs. The big question is whether or not they can get over their play-off hump and go for the ultimate NHL Ice Hockey glory. The answer is yes, the potential, the skill, the talent is clearly there.

Pittsburgh Penguins: 7/1 at Boylesports

Sitting at the same price at the Washington Capitals, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the few teams which actually look as if they could live with the Caps. They let themselves down last year in the Play Offs as defending Stanley Cup Champions, they have a slightly different look about them at the back, but they will be one of the teams to beat. The NHL Stanley Cup could all come to a two horse race between the Eastern Conference’s strongest pairing. Crosby or Ovechkin? Caps or Pens? Flip a coin, they have just as much winning potential as the Caps.

Chicago Blackhawks: 8/1 at Stan James

The reigning Stanley Cup Champions after fulfilling their potential last season. Now the pressure will really be on their exciting young, and extremely well built side, as they will now have targets on their back. Everyone likes to beat the Stanley Cup Champions and show them a thing or too during the regular season. A new defence, a new season, and they have immense balance throughout the team to go deep into the play-offs again. It’s a tough thing winning a championship back to back, that is why they will be behind the Caps and the Pens.

Vancouver Canucks: 12/1 at Victor Chandler

The best of the Canadian teams by a long shot. They really came on leaps and bounds last year, both offensively. They finished third in the Western Conference, but to go all of the way, they will need to shut up shop just a little better than they did last year. A strong team, but they will be an outside bet at best, simply because of the strength of the three teams above.

Detroit Red Wings: 13/1 at Bwin

An elite team. The oldest team in the NHL, but that never really seems to stop them going about their business. The Red Wings are admirable in that they do things the right way. They can take average looking players who haven’t quite lived up to potential at other clubs, and turn them into Stanley Cup winners. A huge pedigree and reputation to live up. No reason why their experience can’t get them there again, you just wonder if, over the course of a long physical season, the more youthful Pens and Caps will have the legs over them.

San Jose Sharks: 14/1 at Boylesports

The Sharks actually won the Western Conference ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks last year, and they remain a powerhouse with a lot of potential. They will always remain strong and be one of the toughest teams to beat in the league, and if you are looking for one of the best bet outside of the big three, then the Sharks represent some very good value.

Outside of that, you are looking for something special from an outside bet. If you want to look beyond the major players, then you need to look at teams like the Flyers and the Bruins, but still they don’t look anywhere near as strong as any of the bunch above. Stick with the strong, just as the Premier League is only likely to be won by Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal and the potential growth of Man City, the winner of the Stanley Cup will more likely than not come from one of the elite bunch too.

Ice Hockey Betting Tip: If you are going to put your hat on the line and call the Stanley Cup Winners, then would go with the Capitals over the Penguins. There really is nothing to chose between them, but there is just a feeling that the Caps are ready.

The hits, thrills and spills of the NHL resume next week, and if you have never thought about placing a bet on the Ice Hockey, then let this be an interesting guide for you. There are generally some very good odds around, and with games going on pretty much every night, then there is ample opportunity to make some decent profit. Sadly coverage on UK TV isn’t great, but from a personal perspective, this is one of the most exciting sports to engage yourself in watching. Ice Hockey betting makes for some pretty exciting action as well. This time last year, the Chicago Blackhawks were being tipped in ice hockey betting, as one of the main threats to win the prestigious Stanley Cup. That they did. He were take an ice hockey betting look at the Western Conference first. The NHL is separated into two conferences, the Eastern and Western, and then each Conference is split into three divisions. The winners of each division automatically qualify for the Stanley Cup Play Offs at the end of the season, joined by the five best runners up from any of the divisions.

If you have never dipped into ice hockey betting online, then you may be surprised at the enjoyment you can get from it, as there are some great odds available throughout the regular season matches, and now, before the first puck is dropped in anger, before anyone drops the gloves, before anyone lights the lamp, then there are some great ante post prices to pick up on. Here is your guide to the best of them.

Western Conference Outright Betting

Chicago Blackhawks: 7/2 at Bet365
Vancouver Cancuks: 1/2 at Bwin
Detroit Red Wings: 6/1 at Bwin
San Jose Sharks: 7/1 at Stan James
LA Kings: 10/1 at BetFred

Stanley Cup champions the Chicago Blackhawks are the outright favourites in the betting for this one and rightly so. They looked so slick and so strong last year, they will be very hard to stop again. What has happened though, is that they have had to ring in the changes, just so that they can stay under the salary cap. Has that made them weaker? Maybe not weaker, just a different prospect. Their main core is all there, and that is so strong, Chicago will ride them hard. Surprisingly the Vancouver Canucks are near the front of the running, edging out what really are the stronger Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks. What Vancouver has done well is manage their squad, and they are in a position for the first time to really build upon last season. They are worth a bet, probably not as strong as Chicago, but should still be in the mix. The Red Wings are an elite side, but an aging one, and the San Jose Sharks, who are always difficult to play, look stronger than the Devils, and possible the Canucks and a worth a bet, especially as they have beefed up their goal tending significantly. The La Kings probably make the biggest outside bet who actually has a realistic chance of making the great. They are a team still on the up, but question marks will hang over them as the NHL waits to see if they really are still going forward as a team.
Tips: Chicago, San Jose

Central Division Outright Betting Odds

Chicago Blackhawks: 5/6 at Blue Square
Detroit Red Wings: 5/4 at Bet365
Nashville Predators: 16/1 at BetFred
St Louis Blues: 16/1 at Totesport
Columbus Blue Jackets: 80/1 at Bet365

Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, St Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets.
This division has been pretty much all about two teams recently. That is the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks. They are the stand out teams in the division, and with the other three teams seemingly standing someway behind them in terms of quality, it should be a straight dogfight between those two, which the Blackhawks edging it. However, Nashville are always one of those scrappy teams who make something out of nothing against better opposition, St Louis will be hoping for development from young stars, while the Columbus Blue Jackets have a new General Manager and go as something of an unpredictable dark horse. While the chasers may have good seasons in patches, the Blackhawks and Red Wings have the proven longevity to win.
Tips: Chicago, Detroit

Northwest Division Outright Betting Odds

Vancouver Canucks: 2/7 at SkyBet
Calgary Flames: 6/1 at Bet365
Colorado Avalanche: 13/2 at Bet365
Edmonton Oilers: 40/1 at Boylesports
Minnesota Wild: 40/1 at Blue Square

Vancouver Cancuks, Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalance, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild.
All signals are pointing the emergence of Vancouver as a strong arm in the Western Conference this year, so they make the sensible bet to win the Northwest division. The Canucks have a better defence on paper than last year, and have plenty of scoring talent. The Calgary Flames have fallen a little flatter than should be over the past couple of years, and that really leaves the door wide open for the Canucks to really push on for over 100 points again this season, and really dominate. The Colorado Avalanche are a strong solid team, which could push hard, but there just isn’t enough in any of the other teams to look as if they will even come close.
Tip: Vancouver, Colorado

Pacific Division Outright Betting Odds

San Jose Sharks: 11/10 at Bet365
LA Kiigs: 8/5 at Stan James
Phoenix Coyotes: 12/1 at 888Sport
Anaheim Ducks: 14/1 at Boylesports
Dallas Stars: 22/1 at Bet365

San Jose Sharks, LA Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars
The San Jose Sharks are one of the teams in the Western Conference who can make a genuine run at the Stanley Cup. They really have it in them, and that will obviously put them in good standing for your ice hockey betting on them winning their division. They are a powerhouse team which can really intimidate others. The LA Kings are an interesting one to watch, as they have a fantastic core of players, who really pushed the team on to performing better than they were ever expected to last year. Now the big question will be if they can take it to the next level and challenge the Sharks. Not sure they are that strong just yet, but the Coyotes, Ducks and Stars all shadows of what they really should be, it will come down to how far the Sharks can stretch their legs over the Kings.
Tip: San Jose, LA Kings

Nationwide Area, Columbus, Ohio
7pm Start (Eastern Time -8 GMT)

It’s a big game in the NHL on Wednesday night, as the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Detroit Red Wings in the Central Division match-up. For too long the mighty winged-wheel of the Detroit Red Wings have dominated things in the division, while the Ohio based Columbus has been flailing and fighting not to finish bottom. The Blue Jackets are one of the NHL’s newest franchise teams, starting professional life in the year 2000.

Columbus made their first ever Conference Play-Offs last season, being the last team of the 30 in the NHL to make a Play-Off appearance. They lost their best of seven, first round series to, guess who, yes, the Detroit Red Wings, being outplayed in all departments. Their best effort was in the fourth game at the Nationwide Arena, Columbus’s home, where the young club produced their first real display of Play-off hockey, which is widely regarded as being much quicker, much more intense, and much more physical than that of the regular season games. They still lost, but at least they showed up and contested, something they didn’t do in the first three games.

Now the two teams go head to head again, the first time since that Play-off series. The new season is fairly young, with teams only having played around 15 games or so, and this is the first of six meeting between the two Divisional rivals. The contest takes places at the Nationwide on Wednesday night, in a mouth-watering match-up, and the teams will be facing new lines set up by their opponents, after the off-season’s trades, signings, and prospect call-ups.

The Red Wings, which can only be compared to the Manchester United of NHL ice-hockey, have been there and won it all, and have been a familiar face in the Stanley Cup Finals. They are one of the mighty powerhouses, but this season has seen them not quite hitting the pinnacle one expects of such a mighty team. Much like Manchester United, one supposes. In fact, such has been the turnaround in things this season, it is the Blue Jackets, the perennial underdogs who are leading the Central Division by two points.

One of the most famous Blue Jackets games came at the Joe Louis Arena back in March of this year, when they trounced the Red Wings 8-2 on their own ice. Sadly that form did not carry through to the Play-Offs. After a sluggish start to the season, which included losing their opening two games to St Louis, the Wings have picked things up, and they are the kind of team which can just explode and go on a long unbeaten streak. Detroit however lost their last game 5-1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Blue Jackets, with a 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes have won three of their last four.

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ coach Ken Hitchcock, marks the occasion with his 1,000th game as an NHL coach, but the Red Wings will be relishing this chance to take down the pretenders to their divisional crown. There is not a lot to chose between the two teams, and Columbus will have to be prepared for a physical game, something which they are not particularly well equipped for. Their two stars are left wing Rick Nash, who is one of the elite goal scoring superstars in the league, and goaltender Steve Mason, a young lad who won Rookie of the Year in his first season last year. The Red Wings have talent oozing out of all four offensive lines. Both teams have injury concerns though, the Red Wings more than Columbus, but this could be one of those classic action nights, packed with passion at the Nationwide Arena.

Detroit to win: 5/6 at Boylesports
Columbus to win: Evens at Boylesports

Betting Tip:
Columbus Point Spread Handicap Bet: -1.50 at Boylsports 12/5

Also check out Bet365 on the day of matches for great NHL betting coverage.

The new NHL ice hockey season across North America got underway last weekend, and what is regarded as the most physical and competitive league in the world, continues to draw large crowds and childhood aspirations. Ice Hockey is tough, there are no two words about it. If you are not hitting, or getting hit, then you are not in the game. But, as renowned as it is for its physical toughness, there is a certain amount of unrivalled grace that goes with the game. It is tough, it is passionate and it rarely disappoints in action, with high scoring games very common.

The professional game is played at such a high speed, that it can take mere seconds from your goaltender stopping a shot, to your team scoring a breakaway goal at the other end. There are all types of players, just as in soccer, you have your goal-scorers, your playmakers, your agitating goons and the show-boaters who can go coast to coast (one end of the rink to the other) and score. It collates to one of the most exhilarating sporting spectacles there is. From the physical hits, to the punch-ups, to one-time passes and impossible looking stick handling skills at a hundred miles an hour, there is always something to appreciate.

This is league where stars can literally win games for their teams night in, night out. So who to look out for? The two most famous names at the moment in NHL circles, are that of Sidney Crosby of the Pittburgh Penguins, and the Washington Capital’s Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin in particular is a sheer delight to watch, looking more like a scrappy street kid than a super star of sport, he has such a presence on the ice, and commands such respect from his peers. He is a goalscoring wonder with stick handling skills that dazzle. Crosby is another in the same vein, and they both are relative NHL newcomers of a young age. Crosby, along with high scoring teammate Evgeni Malkin, lead the Penguins to the Stanley Cup last year, with a seventh game victory over one of the most famous names in sport, the Detroit Red Wings. New kid on the block to watch out for is the New York Islanders’ John Tavares, but is unfortunately stuck on a very poor team.

The NHL is made up of two conferences, East and West, with three five-team divisions in each. The winners of each division progress to the post-season knock-out format within their conference. Qualifying along with them are the five best placed teams from the conference, meaning that eight teams from each conference progress. The trail for the Stanley Cup is based within the conference during these playoffs, and East only meets West in the Stanley Cup finals themselves. Each round of the play-offs is a best of seven series between teams.

So which teams to look out for? In NHL the good teams are good, for not only do they possess the superstars, but they have the right mix of toughness and skill to get through the tougher games when the players are running on fumes. They will also have strength in depth, something which is imperative with injuries. NHL has a lot of lesson from which football could learn, and the sport is kept under tight control with finances and rules.

So, on to the Stanley Cup. With the season in a new dawn, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be expected to go back to the finals. They have been there with the Red Wings in the last two finals, and the pressure will be on them to retain it. The Red Wings are powerhouses and are the team to beat in the West, but there are new challengers on the way. The San Jose Sharks should always be there or there abouts, and the rise of the Chicago Blackhawks is not something to be trifled with. They have youth, speed and ability, but perhaps lacking the inexperience of the teams above them. One word of advice, is that the Red Wings should win their division, and they will be the threat from the West. If you want a comparison, then they are the Manchester United of Ice Hockey. They are relentless, and will be hungry for their title back.

How to Pick Ice Hockey Winners:
There are natural game winners which perform all of the time, and this can make a huge difference. For new followers of the NHL, the best way to pick up tips for outright winners is to let the competition settle down a little. That will help you to see who is struggling after running on new season enthusiasm. But at the start of the season is the prime time to pick up on some upsets. This is because teams are fresh, and with the slate wiped clean, then all teams are full of early season promise. For example, the St Louis Blues have beaten the much favoured Detroit Red Wings back to back, something that is unlikely to happen during the final stretch when everyone is in their groove. Pittsburgh losing 3-0 to Phoenix? Unheard of.

That is the early season for you. It happens, but it won’t mean a lot come December, for that is when the cream starts rising to the top. While some favourites may be struggling early on, and some surprise names like the New York Rangers and Phoenix Coyotes have gotten out of the gates well, it will turn around. Streaks are hot topics in betting on ice-hockey games, as winning puts extra strength in the legs. When picking individual games to bet on, look at these factors:

• Length of winning/losing streak
• Key Injuries
• Lengthy Road Trips
• Back to Back Games
• Which Goaltender is getting the start
• Divisional rival games (for those games are often more intense).

When it comes to betting on NHL games, there is plenty of opportunity to bank some cash. Those above are some of the key pointers to look out for when betting on games, and another one of the major factors being the last time a team played. The NHL arguably is one of the most schedule-heavy seasons, with teams often playing games on back to back nights. This is physically demanding on teams, and when the second game is away from home, then it is made all the tougher. Those second games will usually see a team tighten up to a more defensive game. The teams at the top, the challengers for the coveted Stanley Cup, will have the guile to negotiate these tricky occasions.

Betting on individual games does not have to start or stop with fixed odds. You can, more often than not expect goals and that is great for handicap and spread betting. A shutout by a goalie is something which is heralded when it happens, and is a keenly eyed stat to success. Look for points spreads, as good teams will easily overcome a 2 goal deficit. One game earlier in the season saw the Philadelphia Flyers come back from 5-0 down to win the game in a shoot-out. That’s the kind of action you can expect to see in the NHL.

Stanley Cup Outright Odds
Pittsburg Penguins: 13/2 at Stan James
Detroit Red Wings: 7/1 at Stan James
San Jose Sharks: 9/1 at Expekt
Chicago Blackhawks: 10/1 at Stan James
Boston Bruins: 10/1 at Stan James
Washington Captials: 14/1 at BetFred
Philadelphia Flyers: 18/1 at Paddy Power
Vancouver Canucks: 20/1 at Coral
Calgary Flames – 20/1 at Paddy Power
Anaheim Ducks – 22/1 at Stan James

Stanley Cup: This could be a much closer run thing than in recent past seasons. The Red Wings should be challengers again, but the likes of the Washington and Pittsburgh could be the ones to beat. If you want to look a little further afield, then Chicago look to have built a strong squad, and somewhat surprise early pacesetters the New York Rangers are looking good, but this is a long and arduous season. The archetypal marathon and not a sprint. For a banker, look at the Pens to retain the Stanley Cup, but
Pick 1: Pittsburgh Penguins 13/2 at Stan James
Pick 2: Washington Capitals 14/1 at BetFred
Pick 3: Detroit Red Wings 7/1 at Stan James

WESTERN CONFERENCE
The West holds a lot of strength, and again the Detroit Red Wings seem untouchable at times. Along with the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Anahiem Ducks this is a fiery conference, one which is a bit more physical than the East. There are some surprise names at the top of the conference after the first couple of weeks of games, notably the Colorado Avalanche and Phoenix Coyotes. Neither of them will last.
Pick 1 Banker: Detroit Red Wings 17/5 at Stan James
Pick 2 from the Running Pack: Calgary Flames 11/1 at Paddy Power
Pick 3 Outside Chance: Chicago Blackhawks 9/2 at Stan James

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Washington and Pittsburgh are the stand out names, simply because they have teams built around superstars. The Buffalo Sabres are slick team at times, and they have another goalscoring superstar, Ilya Kovalchuk, and the Ottawa Senators always cause problems when they are on their game. It is just how much the off-season trading has affected teams, and although Ottawa fell away last year, they should be good enough to challenge. As will Boston, who played some enthralling hockey last season in the east, and if they can enhance on what they achieved last year, then they will be a force to reckon with.
Pick 1 Banker: Pittsburgh Penguins 3/1 at Stan James
Pick 2 from the Running Pack: Washington Capitals 6/1 at Coral
Pick 3 Outside Chance: Boston Bruins 9/2 at Stan James