Look out for Detroit Ottawa in Stanley Cup Playoffs
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Watch Out for Detroit and Ottawa in the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Summary
Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators are strong contenders in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, both top seeds in the NHL and nearly equal favorites in sports betting.
Article
The Detroit Red Wings are favored to claim the Stanley Cup this season, with odds around 4-1 from various sportsbooks. Historically, they’ve made it to the finals 21 times, winning the cup 10 times. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators, with 5-1 odds, have only one cup victory from 1926-27.
Detroit had an impressive season with a 58-16 record, showcasing a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. The Red Wings need to quickly overcome early opponents to prepare for a potential intense seven-game final series.
Team captain Steve Yzerman continues to shine, reminiscent of when they won consecutive cups starting in 1996-97. His 1,300th playoff point made him second all-time on the team. In his first championship run, he was third in playoff points and led scoring with 24 points the following year.
Defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom is key, known for his puck control and precise shots. At 35, he’s a defensive anchor while contributing 16 goals and 80 points offensively.
The Ottawa Senators boast a balanced team with forwards Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, and Jason Spezza in top form. Defensemen Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara have also been impressive. However, the Senators’ success may hinge on goaltender Dominik Hasek’s return from an injury that has dogged him for years.
Hasek, 41, hasn't played since February 15 due to a groin injury sustained during the Winter Olympics. Previously, surgery kept him out for two seasons before his move from Detroit to Ottawa in 2004.
Several other teams are also in contention for the Stanley Cup, which dates back to 1893 and is unique in being passed along to players each summer after their team wins.
The New Jersey Devils, with 6-1 odds, and San Jose Sharks at 10-1, have momentum. The Devils ended the season with 11 straight wins, capturing the Atlanta Division of the Eastern Conference, while the Sharks, propelled by center Joe Thornton and right winger Jonathan Cheechoo, finished second in the Pacific Division.
Despite being ranked as high as fifth in power rankings since March, the Dallas Stars have surprising 30-1 odds. Their offensive prowess, led by veterans like Jason Arnott, who scored the winning goal in New Jersey’s 2000 cup victory, set a franchise record with 53 wins.
Other Contenders:
- Buffalo Sabres (8-1): Boast the NHL's third-best power play. Rookie goalie Ryan Miller might break the trend, as no rookie has won the cup since Patrick Roy with Montreal in 1986.
- Calgary Flames (10-1): Winners of the Northwest Division for the first time in 11 years but may struggle offensively despite excellent defense.
- Anaheim Mighty Ducks (10-1): Finished third in the Pacific. Few players remain from their narrow 2003 championship miss.
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