Now that the trade deadline is over, NHL teams will now focus on either their playoff push or their draft day positions. With the NHL Entry Draft scheduled in June, there will be lots of time to analyze team’s futures. For now we will look at the teams that are ‘all-in’ this season, and which of those teams are the best bet to win Lord Stanley’s Cup in 2011. 

 

6. Washington Capitals

The Capitals were the top NHL team in the regular season last year and continue to be near the top of league standings. Their problem has been to translate that success to the post season. The Caps may have addressed this issue with the acquisitions of some key veteran players. 

Starting with the waiver claim of winger Marco Strum, the Caps went on to trade for defenseman Dennis Wideman and centre Jason Arnott.

Arnott seems to be the key addition because it now gives Washington a solid 2nd line centre who will help on the powerplay, and someone with valuable Stanley Cup winning experience. 

Teams can get confident, get on a roll, and go far in the playoffs. It is not out of the question to see this offensive powerhouse team get hot at the right time and make a run at the Cup.

Current Bodog odds for the Washington Capitals to win the Stanley Cup are 10/1.

5. San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks are a team that has been having some success in the regular season this year. They are currently the hottest team in the NHL with a 7-game winning streak and proving they are a contender.

The Sharks did not make any last minute deals on trade deadline day, but did make some adjustments leading up to it. Forward Kyle Wellwood was picked up through waivers, and forward Ben Eager was acquired via a trade with Atlanta. Defenseman Ian White was added though a trade just days before the deadline. All transactions have added some depth in all areas for the Sharks. 

San Jose will also be backed by Stanley Cup hero Antti Niemi for years to come as he inked a 4-year extension with the Sharks. Niemi has solidified his starting roll and has valuable experience that no other goalie on any top team has. 

Betting on the hot Sharks to win the Cup may be a good bet with their solid line-up at every position. 

Current odds on the San Jose Sharks to win the Stanley Cup are 18/1.

4. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers did not make any moves on trade deadline day. GM Paul Holmgren’s message to his team was very clear, and familiar. He wasn’t about to break up his line up, and he proved he is a man of his word. This was the exact message that Holmgren told his team last season, and that team went onto the Stanley Cup finals. 

The Flyers did make some minor upgrades leading up to the trade deadline with the acquisition of forward Kris Versteeg and waiver claim of defenseman Nick Boynton.

The motto of ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ can be applied with this Philadelphia team. There is no reason to change a team that is on top of the Eastern Conference almost all season.

Betting on a team that has been near the top of the NHL standings and was one 2 wins away from the Cup last season could be a smart bet.

Current odds on the the Philadelphia Flyers to win the Stanley Cup are 11/2.

3. Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings seem to always be mentioned when you are discussing Stanley Cup contenders. Their winning formula seems to be heating up at the right time of year after starting the season slow. 

Confident in his team, GM Ken Holland stood pat with his current roster and did not pull the trigger on any trades. This may have to do with the fact the Wings do not have much cap space, but it also does not make sense to change a team that has been steadily climbing the Western Conference standings.

A team rich in tradition and winning habits, bets on the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup will always have a chance.

Current Bodog odds on the Detroit Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup are 6/1.

2. Boston Bruins

The Bruins have been a steady team all season and are the NHL’s best team on the road. This will be a very valuable skill come playoff time. It may be easy to get excited in front of your hometown fans, but when it comes time to win in a hostile environment it can make all the difference. 

Boston was quiet on trade deadline day, however made some huge moves in the weeks leading up to February 28th.The addition of defenseman Tomas Kaberle and forward Chris Kelly have made Boston a much improved team.

With their defense now bolstered with the addition of Kaberle, the Bruins are not to be overlooked when it comes to Stanley Cup betting this spring.

Current Bodog odds for the Boston Bruins to win the Stanley Cup are 10/1.

1. Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks are on top of the NHL and Western Conference standings. They were a Cup contender going into the season, and Vancouver is betting on this to be their season to hoist the Hockey’s Holy Grail. 

Despite being on top of the league standings the Canucks went and added forwards Max Lapierre and Chris Higgins. This should add more depth and grit to their lineup.

These moves will round out an already solid team and if the Canucks can stay healthy they will be the team to beat. 

Current Bodog odds for the Vancouver Canucks to win the Stanley Cup are 4/1.

 

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