Hockey Futures - Atlantic Division Wagering Preview

Last week we looked at the Atlantic Division, which is traditionally just about the easiest division in sports to predict the outcome of. The Detroit Red Wings have been so dominant in the Central that it has been foolish to place online gambling money on any team other than them for nearly a decade. Out east however, it’s been a much different story. Over the past thirty years, all five members of the Atlantic crew have had their runs with glory, and this year, as many as four of them can be considered in the NHL odds for Cup contention.

While the Winged Wheel is projected to roll to the top of the Western Conference, there is no decided favorite in the Eastern Conference. BetUS customers and hockey wagering enthusiasts can look at it one of two ways. Either it makes for a difficult hockey betting wager, or it allows for some great sports betting value on underdog teams.

Pittsburgh Penguins (+250 to win the Conference, +650 to win the Stanley Cup)

Make no mistake; the Penguins are here to stay. However, can they remain among the NHL’s elite after a run to the Cup, is the question. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have managed to stick together, despite lofty financial offers coming from Russia for the latter. Equally as lofty, unfortunately, are the odds for Pens to win the Conference, which perhaps makes it an unsafe play. Watch out for the sophomore jinx.

New Jersey Devils (+900 to win the Conference, +1500 to win the Stanley Cup)

These guys just never seem to go away. Even though GM Lou Lamoriello made no significant moves in the off-season, the Devils will most likely remain in contention with a lunch-pale crew that’s committed to defense. Oh yeah, and they have some guy named Martin Brodeur in goal. Keep in mind that they finished only three points behind the Penguins last season, and while the youngsters may be primed for a fall-off, the Devils have been there, done that already.

New York Rangers (+500 to win the Conference, +1200 to win the Stanley Cup)

They don’t look as imposing on paper as they did last year, that’s for sure. The departure of Jaromir Jagr and Sean Avery certainly takes its toll on the Blueshirts’ ability to score goals, and on their overall grit. There’ll have to be a much less flashy style on Broadway this season if they want to stay in contention. Youngsters such as Ryan Callahan will also need to step up, and adapt to a much less wide-open system in 2009. Maybe not the wisest play on either line, especially considering the strength of their division.

Philadelphia Flyers (+900 to win the Conference, +1700 to win the Stanley Cup)

The Flyers may not have the firepower necessary to win a regular season title, but they play the exact style necessary to make a deep run in the playoffs. If the 2008 playoffs were any indication, the Flyers have postseason hockey all figured out. Mike Richards and Jeff Carter are wise beyond their years, and play the brand of hockey that wins championships. If there’s a darkhorse to capture Lord Stanley’s mug, it’s riding out of Philly.