NHL 2021 Season Preview
The 2021 NHL hockey season is officially underway! And you know what that means: the NHL odds for Stanley Cup betting are up across the board.
And while new divisions, game schedules, and travel restrictions have set the NHL season into an unprecedented scramble, you can still rely on one thing to be the same: NHL betting at Bodog is still pumped up and ready to deliver, as always.
To get a feel for the current climate and the best way to bet on NHL hockey odds this season, we’ve listed our top picks.
NHL Championship Favourites
If you like to keep your sights on the top teams of the season, watch out for these picks boasting some of the best NHL odds on the board.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning clinched their second Stanley Cup in team history last season. This year a stellar defense will lead the charge, while newly-signed forward Cristoval “Boo” Nieves will join the forwards. Expect a polished, well-coached team to take the ice this season.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins saw a devastating loss to the Lightning in 6 games in the Stanley Cup finals in 2020. But don’t expect this seasoned franchise to roll over and die in 2021. Patrice Bergeron, 2021’s newly-named captain for the Bruins, along with fan favourites David Patrnak and Jaroslav Halak, will build on last season’s momentum and carry the Bruins for another deep playoff run.
Toronto Maple Leaves
While Toronto did lose to the Blue Jackets in 2019-2020, center Austin Matthews scored 47 goals in the same year. Expect him to build on this solid foundation and make another run at the Stanley Cup in May. As far as NHL betting for favourites go, you’ll want to keep your eye on these guys.
NHL Championship Contenders
Next up for Stanley Cup betting are the up and coming teams that are sure to make their place in the Cup.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins are looking to break the franchise record for most 20+ goal seasons played. Then we have all-star goalie Tristan Jarry who consistently ranked in the top 10 of all goalie stats in 2020. Experience and home-grown talent make the Penguins a solid team to watch out for in this season’s NHL betting.
Colorado Avalanche
Newcomers Devon Toews and Brandon Saad will likely take some time to click with their new system and teammates. We’ve still got Nathan MacKinnon who led the team with 35 goals in 2020, though, and he’s surely looking to add another trophy to an already-decorated team that’s 15 years running.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Knights are feeling new, fresh, and poised to make a playoff run in 2021. As a well-funded team entering their 4th official NHL season, the Golden Knights had seven starters in the double digits for goals scored last season. Watch Marc-Andre Fleury and company try to carry that momentum into 2021 and continue to harass their western division rivals.
NHL Championship Underdogs
We haven’t forgotten about you, underdogs! With NHL odds at Bodog, we factor in everything to make NHL betting fair for every team. Take a peek at the underdogs we’ve got our eye on.
Chicago Blackhawks
Entering the season without their captain Jonathon Toews may put a damper on their performance. But we’d expect the Hawks to find a rhythm halfway through the season and coast to a playoff appearance in the central division. That would make them a solid underdog choice for this year’s Stanley Cup betting.
Montreal Canadiens
Expect a new and improved defense to quickly emerge around goalie Carey Price. This could start giving their Canadian counterparts some trouble in the regular season. With a staggering 24 Stanley Cups to their name, it would be foolish to count out the Habs this early on.
New York Rangers
Finally, for our top underdog pick in this year’s NHL betting, we have New York Rangers. #1 overall pick Alexis Lafreniere and Hart Trophy finalist, Artemi Panarin, will lead this young squad into battle this season. Look for them to get past the qualifying round of the playoffs this year in pursuit of their 5th Stanley Cup.
All in all, it’s safe to say this will be a solid year for Stanley Cup betting. Head over to Bodog to search for your favourite teams and keep an eye on the upcoming NHL odds. The season won’t hold back, and neither do we.