Entering the final week of action before the NHL takes a two week break for the Olympics, the Washington Capitals are making a statement to the rest of the league with a double-digit winning streak. The Capitals are just one of the top contenders for the Stanley Cup title in the NHL this season. While one of the favorites is most likely to prevail in the end, the nature of the sport gives underdogs a live shot to make a playoff run as well. Here’s a look at some of the top contenders from each conference:
Eastern Conference
Through February 9th, the Capitals lead the NHL in points with 88. Even with a significant 14-point edge over the second-place New Jersey Devils in the conference standings, Washington’s odds are barely ahead of New Jersey’s. The Capitals are at +450 while the Devils check in at +475. In the East, Pittsburgh is next at +555. The defending Stanley Cup champions are tied with Buffalo and Ottawa for third place in the conference with 72 points. The Sabres are viewed as the next strongest contender from the East at 7/1. The odds for the other teams that would currently qualify for the playoffs are Ottawa at 20/1, Tampa Bay (63 points) at 50/1, Montreal (62 points) at 40/1 and Philadelphia (61 points) at 18/1.
Western Conference
Despite Washington’s hot streak, the top overall contenders for the Stanley Cup are over in the Western Conference. The San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks are the co-favorites to capture the crown at +390 odds. The two clubs are in a tight battle for the top record in the conference. The Sharks are on top with 87 points but the Blackhawks are just four behind at 83.
As a division leader, Vancouver is currently the third seed in the West with 72 points. The Canucks have odds of 12/1 to win the Cup. Phoenix has emerged as the fourth seed in the conference with 77 points. The Coyotes are at 20/1 to win the NHL title. The other teams that would be in the postseason are the Los Angeles Kings (75 points, 18/1 odds), Colorado Avalanche (72 points, 20/1 odds), Nashville Predators (67 points, 30/1 odds) and Calgary Flames (67 points, 35/1 odds). While defending Western Conference champion Detroit is currently out of the playoffs with 65 points, the Red Wings are still viewed as a live contender at odds of 17/1.
