Yes, the NHL playoffs have already begun, but the hockey betting odds to win 2017 Stanley Cup are a fluid situation, as always. We can adjust our NHL picks and projections on the fly. At the moment, there are a couple of value hockey picks in my estimation. So let’s offer them:
Odds to Win 2017 Stanley Cup
San Jose Sharks 12/1
The defending Western Conference champions are being overlooked. Even after coming from behind and winning the first game of their series versus the Oilers, and doing it without Joe Thornton, they’re 12 to 1 to win it all right now. Wow. That’s a lot of value for a seasoned team that will get Thornton back at some point.
Calgary Flames 28/1
Sure, they’re underdogs versus the Anaheim Ducks in the first round, but it’s not like the Ducks are world beaters! They consistently choke in the playoffs in recent years. The Flames are young but deep on grit and scoring punch. Brian Elliott has also been one of the top goalies in the league over the last three months. You do worse than the Flames as a longshot cup pick.
Stanley Cup pick to stay away from: Boston Bruins 9/1
I have no idea why the Bruins are this highly ranked. Sure, they won their opening game versus the Senators. But they have several key injuries on defense, and are missing David Kreiji at the moment. There are easily 10 other teams I’d pick for the cup before Boston.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.