2011 Stanley Cup Odds to Win: Blackhawks Betting Favorites

Fresh off their first championship since 1961, the Chicago Blackhawks opened at 5-1 as betting favorites in 2011 Stanley Cup odds. Chicago is not only deep but also young and it stands to figure that they will be a top contender for years to come. Chicago also has exceptional management and coaching and ownership is committed to winning. Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals opened at 13-2 at online sportsbooks. Washington was the President’s Trophy champions in 2010 as the best regular season team and will be a popular choice. Their playoff loss to Montreal in April was one of the true shockers in recent years.

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are another 13-2 choice in 2011 Stanley Cup odds. Pittsburgh made the Final in both 2008 and 2009, winning the latter. The Penguins must shore up their defense and goaltending, much like the Capitals. The top seed in the Western Conference the past 2 years was the next choice in NHL betting at bookmakers as San Jose opened at 9-1. The Sharks have disappointed in the playoffs the past 2 years but will be returning key performers and are a proven contender.

The Philadelphia Flyers opened at 15-1 after winning the Eastern Conference championship this year. Philadelphia was a surprise finalist and there are skeptics that think they were a “one hit wonder.” Others, however, believe that the Flyers underachieved in the regular season and that their playoff run showed their true ability and character. The Boston Bruins are a 16-1 choice in odds to win the Stanley Cup and the big question is whether or not they will recover from blowing a 3-0 series lead to Philadelphia to become the first team to lose a series 4-3 after winning the first 3 games since 1975. Other notables are Bodog are Detroit at 12/1 and Vancouver at 15/1. Montreal is at 33/1 after a great playoff run this year.