If you’re a fan of the NHL, or even a sports fan in general, it doesn’t get much better than what’s on tap for the Stanley Cup Finals. If the NHL could handpick the matchup for the Finals, there’s a good chance it would have been this one.
In one corner, you have the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche opened as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup in the preseason, and have maintained that role throughout the whole season. Currently, Colorado is -190 favorites to win this series and the Cup. The Avalanche have been dominant, finishing the regular season with the second best record in the league and following that up by going 12-2 through the first three rounds of the playoffs.
However, their final challenge can best be described as the “ultimate boss.” The Tampa Bay Lightning enter as the winner of 11 straight playoff series, and more importantly, as back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. Some might argue they are already a dynasty, but a third-straight championship would certainly cement that legacy. The Lightning look to become the first team to win three straight Cups since the New York Islanders of the 1980s, who won four straight from 1980 to 1983. Despite their championship pedigree, Tampa Bay is +155 underdogs to win the Stanley Cup.
The Avalanche opened the season with the best odds to win the Stanley Cup, and Tampa Bay opened with the third best odds. The Vegas Golden Knights had the second best odds, but they failed to make the playoffs. While this matchup between the Lightning and Avalanche is intriguing, oddsmakers certainly have a side they’d rather see win. “The Avalanche are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup and have been a big problem from a liability perspective since BetMGM posted opening odds. The sportsbook is cheering for the Lightning to lift the Cup,” said BetMGM trader Christian Cipollini. Will they get their wish?
Analyzing the series
On paper, the Colorado Avalanche are the better team in this series. They have more elite talent and…