The Western Conference is generally viewed as being better than the East and I’ve noticed that this is not only true in the NHL. When you look at the NBA the difference is even more pronounced and looking at the CFL standings (the worst West team is better than the best East team) from this season you can really see a massive difference. It’s harder to look at either the NFL or MLB, who have two different “leagues” within the same larger league so the teams aren’t split up by geography quite as significantly.
According to Bet365.com the odds of the Stanley Cup Winner coming from the Western Conference is 1.74, while the odds of an Eastern Conference team winning the Cup is 2.05. Not a huge difference, but in reality it’s the depth of the strong teams within the Conference that make the West so much better than the East.
Let’s look at the odds for the teams from either Conference advancing to the Stanley Cup. As you see there is a lot more competition in the West, while in the East it really comes down to 2 main teams who have the best shot.
Eastern Conference Winner
Boston Bruins 4.33- Pittsburgh Penguins 5.50
- New York Rangers 7.50
- Tampa Bay Lightning 8.00
- Montreal Canadiens 8.00
- Detroit Red Wings 12.00
- Philadelphia Flyers 13.00
- Washington Capitals 17.00
- Columbus Blue Jackets 17.00
- Toronto Maple Leafs 17.00
- New Jersey Devils 26.00
- Ottawa Senators 29.00
- New York Islanders 31.00
- Carolina Hurricanes 51.00
- Florida Panthers 51.00
- Buffalo Sabres 67.00
I really do think that we will get back to a Bruins vs Penguins Conference Finals this year. The Bruins in my opinion are hands down the best team in the East and you can never count out the Penguins with Crosby, Malkin and company. I actually think the Rangers, Lightning and Habs have too short of odds because these teams are quite a bit off of the Bruins and Pens in terms of team ability.
I would take the Bruins at odds of 4.33 to get back to the Cup this season.
Western Conference Winner
Chicago Blackhawks 4.75- LA Kings 5.50
- St. Louis Blues 6.50
- Anaheim Ducks 6.50
- San Jose Sharks 8.00
- Colorado Avalanche 10.00
- Minnesota Wild 10.00
- Dallas Stars 13.00
- Vancouver Canucks 19.00
- Arizona Coyotes 29.00
- Nashville Predators 36.00
- Winnipeg Jets 36.00
- Edmonton Oilers 41.00
- Calgary Flames 51.00
As you can see there are 4 teams in the same odds range as the East and there are 7 teams being given a 9/1 or better shot of making the finals. The West has depth and I truly believe that any of the top 8 teams on that list could find themselves in the finals. The Blackhawks are at the top of my list as well and I do actually think they will be back in the Finals and once again winning the Cup this year. Even as big favourites they are my pick out of the West.
I’m taking the Blackhawks with odds of 4.75 at Bet365.com.
Based on these two picks I really need one of them to make the finals in order to make any kind of small profit. If they both qualify for a repeat of two years ago that would be even better.
Look into my theory of the West always being better than the East in North American sports. I think it becomes pretty convincing.
Tagged With : Conference Winners • NHL betting • NHL Conference