Outside Bets for the Stanley Cup

Very soon the Stanley Cup race shall be upon us and the bookies are currently making the Pittsburgh Penguins as their favourite to hoist the cup! But as we all know, this championship is far from straight forward and playoff time can always spring a surprise. Take for example last year where the LA Kings came from nowhere early season to being the team to beat as they swept all before them and were led by Captain Dustin Brown and goalie Jonathan Quick! Who will this year’s dark horses be? And more importantly, why shouldn’t we rule them out?

Vancouver Canucks

As a Canucks fan myself, I would like nothing better than a repeat of our run to the final in 2011 but this season has proven an up and down affair, not helped by the unclear goalie debate. But now things have been settled the Canucks are looking a more resurgent team and the Sedin brothers are showing the kind of form has made them a feared forward duo. Also they have been aided by the excellent play of Alex Burrows and now with Cory Schneider as the firm number one choice things are beginning to look interesting!

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are a team that as I mentioned previously love their high scoring games but this season their form has been patchy and they have slightly faded away after a bright start. But as a regular feature of the playoffs we know what they can bring to the race. With the scoring talents of Logan Couture, Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski; defences will find it hard to contain them and the HP Pavilion is never an easy place to get a result. We could well see this team rise up in the Western Conference and make a few heads turn! 

Ottawa Senators

The Senators have made their headlines this year due to the excellent form of goalie Craig Anderson and their coach Paul MacLean has gain many positive mentions for his coaching skills. This season their form has been impressive and they seem set to make the playoffs. We know that the Senators can come alive under the right guidance and led by their important Skipper Daniel Alfredsson as well as Kyle Turris and defenseman Sergei Gonchar, this season could possibly see a repeat of their cup final appearance in 2007.

Winnipeg Jets

Since hockey returned to Manitoba last year, the Jets have been trying hard re-establish their mark on the NHL. They finished 4^th in the Southeast Division last year, but so far this season they have come out as a stronger team and as a result currently top the Southeast division and are 3^rd overall in the Eastern Conference. Captain Andrew Ladd has led by example this year and currently tops their point scoring and the form of winger Evander Kane has also been a major plus for the Jets. Can they go all the way? With a little luck anything is possible!

Minnesota Wild

As I mentioned previously, The Wild are one of this year’s most improved team and with their roster including Zach Parise, Ryan Suter and Mikko Koivu, they are turning into some serious contenders and are all looking to develop this franchise into one of the front runners in years to come. But who says that has to be later? This year’s team alone has the potential to push for cup glory and with Parise’s great scoring record in the playoffs; things could begin to happen at the Xcel Energy Center. Also having one of the leagues most winning goalies in Niklas Backstrom won’t hurt either!

Montreal Canadiens

The Habs fortunes are ever changing this year and with their impressive offensive record, they look set for a playoff return after last year’s disastrous season! The Habs have proven that they are able to come from behind to win and seem to love a challenge. With players such as PK Subban and Brendan Gallagher pushing them forwards, the loyal fans at the Bell Center are begin to believe again and we could well see the cup return to Quebec sooner than we think!