2012 Stanley Cup Latest Vegas Odds

February, 2012 - One of the most prestigious sports competitions, Stanley Cup 2012 has already started to generate a lot of buzzing in the betting circles. And with the odds already out, there is no better time to take a punt than now. A good hunch now and you will be one of the happiest persons at the end of the season. Check out the latest NHL teams which are on the rise and decline during the start of the season.

2012 NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Winner Odds

As with other seasons, this time also the teams which were the most successful last time round have been chosen as the favorites. The slight aberration is that the last year’s runners up Vancouver Canucks have emerged as the clear favorites, opening with odds of 5/1.

It is evident that although the Canucks lost the play offs at the seventh game, the bookmakers have a firm belief on the team’s talent and ability. We must remember that Vancouver Canucks have never won the Stanley Cup. So the faith the bookmakers are bestowing on them means a lot.

The Vancouver Canucks are followed by last year’s champions Boston Bruins, opening with odds of 8/ 1. One of the reasons for Boston Bruins to be not at the top of the bookmakers’ list appears to be the fact that though they emerged champions, their overall record was not as impress as that of the Canucks. The Canucks have a 54-19 record in the Western Conference while the Bruins managed only 46-25. That the Bruins were able to beat the Canucks in the seventh game of the finals was largely due to the heroics of their goaltender Tim Thomas.

The two finalists are closely followed by the Washington Capitals (17/2), Philadelphia Flyers (9/1), Pittsburgh Penguins (9/1), San Jose Sharks (9/1), Detroit Red Wings (12/1), and Tampa Bay Lightning (12/1). Most of these teams have been consistent performers over the years and a have good blend of youth and experience in them.

Of course with scope for signing new players and getting the injured players back to fitness still available, there can be some significant changes in the odds. Philadelphia Flyers have already acquired the services of goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov from the Phoenix Coyotes for a record nine-year $51 million contract. With this acquisition, many believe that the Flyers will now have the stability at the goal which they were lacking during the last season and will be a much better team this time round.

Pittsburg Penguins will be hoping that Evgeni Malkin recovers from his knee injury and Sidney Crosby gets over his concussion symptoms and are ready to play. If both the players join the team, the Penguins will be the team to beat. These are early days and a lot can happen over the next couple of months.

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