Stanley Cup Betting – Top Five Upset Picks
It’s NHL hockey betting season once again. Hockey Gambling fans sure are getting their money’s worth from the free nhl picks we give out here at Capperspicks.com.
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If there’s one thing recent seasons have taught us about NHL playoff betting, it’s that we have to respect the low seeds. Last season, the No. 5, 6, 7 and 8 seeds advanced in the Eastern Conference. If that doesn’t reflect league parity, nothing does.
Here are my top five potential low seed/upset teams that might have the contenders secretly shaking in their boots.
Calgary Flames
Stanley Cup odds: +25000
If the Flames even make the playoffs, they’ll be just happy to join the party at all, so an early playoff exit is likely. But they’ve shown a certain desperation to their game since the All-Star break. Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff, the franchise’s pillars, are running out of time. Could this veteran group play with extra fire, pun intended, knowing that this could be its last real shot at the Cup?
Montreal Canadiens
Stanley Cup odds: +3000
In all honesty, I’m not a believer in the Habs. But I wasn’t last year and they beat Washington and Pittsburgh. Carey Price has the ability to steal a series when he’s on the same way Jaroslav Halak did last season. And P.K. Subban will play a much bigger game-breaking role than he did last year. He’s the type of special player than can get in other players’ heads and take over a series (like Mike Richards or Milan Lucic).
Anaheim Ducks
Stanley Cup odds: +3000
I’d like the Ducks’ chances more if Jonas Hiller wasn’t battling his vertigo-like symptoms but, then again, Ray Emery has filled for him admirably. The Ducks have some of the NHL’s best forward talent with the likes of Corey Perry. Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan giving opposing defenders fits. If the banged-up blueline can hold up, Anaheim could steal a series – or three.
Buffalo Sabres
Stanley Cup odds: =2500
At the start of this season, plenty of people liked the Sabres as a Stanley Cup contender. They looked like a bust early but have recaptured that form; it just took them a little while to do it. Few teams have been better than the Sabres down the stretch. Ryan Miller needs to be healthy for Buffalo to qualify as a good sleeper – and it appears he’ll be recovered from his collarbone injury in time for the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Stanley Cup odds: +2500
We know Tampa has the talent at forward to win it all, with Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and Vinny for Lecavalier on board. The key for their playoff hopes is Dwayne Roloson. He’s ancient, and could easily tank in the playoffs, but Rollie the Goalie is one of hockey’s best when he’s on a hot streak. If he finds his game at the right time, Tampa could make some serious noise. The Lightning may be my favorite sleeper on this list.
