Red-hot Lightning favored in Stanley Cup odds
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (right) celebrates a goal with teammate Erik Cernak. (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)
January 17th, 2020
In this edition of BetAmerica’s Stanley Cup odds update, we’ll delve into the recent run of exceptional play by the Tampa Bay Lightning, then get to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have also taken a noticeable drop in odds lately. Is either club worth a futures wager at this point in time?
Odds to win the Stanley Cup
| Team | 2020 Stanley Cup Odds |
|---|
Tampa Bay Lightning | +750 |
Boston Bruins | +800 |
Washington Capitals | +850 |
St. Louis Blues | +900 |
Colorado Avalanche | +950 |
Vegas Golden Knights | +1200 |
Pittsburgh Penguins | +1300 |
Tampa Bay has surpassed Boston
The Lightning, last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winner that was ignominiously eliminated by the Blue Jackets in the first round, was no great secret going into this year. Tampa Bay was on the fringe of the playoff picture Dec. 1, but they were listed at +1000 to win the Stanley Cup. Now the Lightning sits as the +750 favorite, just in front of the slumping Boston Bruins (+800).Tampa rode a 10-game win streak between Dec. 23 and Jan. 11, when the team outscored its competition 43-17. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy was granted First Star of the Week honors Jan. 12, after he posted consecutive shutouts against the Flyers and Coyotes during the hot streak. Among the sharpest skaters for the Bolts this month has been right winger Nikita Kucherov, who has seven goals and four assists.
The @dunkindonuts Fueled Performance for the @TBLightning's overtime
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) January 15, 2020
win against the Kings is Andrei Vasilevskiy!#GoBolts pic.twitter.com/ROwRaxcxqh
Tampa still might not be worth a bet at this juncture. The Lightning has lost two of its last three, and perhaps it’s a fluke, but it could be a sign of things to come. Tampa's odds are not likely to drop much more, so it might pay to play the waiting game if you like the Lightning.
Goaltender Tristan Jarry has a .929 save percentage since Dec. 4. The Penguins lost left winger Jake Guentzel for the season with a shoulder injury, but forwards Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust have risen to the occasion. They've combined for 48 points over the last 20 games. More importantly Sidney Crosby returned to the ice Tuesday, so this team won’t be short on motivation. If you like Pittsburgh, grab them at these odds while you can.
Penguins are an attractive wager
The Penguins have seen their odds drop significantly from Dec. 1, when they were +2000. The move makes plenty of sense following a 15-4-1 run over the last six weeks, which has moved them into second place in the Metropolitan Division, just six points behind the Capitals. Pittsburgh’s goal differential is +33, just one off the pace set by the Bruins.Goaltender Tristan Jarry has a .929 save percentage since Dec. 4. The Penguins lost left winger Jake Guentzel for the season with a shoulder injury, but forwards Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust have risen to the occasion. They've combined for 48 points over the last 20 games. More importantly Sidney Crosby returned to the ice Tuesday, so this team won’t be short on motivation. If you like Pittsburgh, grab them at these odds while you can.
Who do you like to win the Stanley Cup? Bet your opinion at BetAmerica!
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