With the 2008-2009 NHL season coming up, it’s time to start looking at some Stanley Cup futures. The Detroit Red Wings destroyed the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Finals (4-2).

The early odds favor these two NHL teams once again. Rounding out the list are the Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings.

Here’s the complete odds list for the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup as of today:

The Buffalo Sabres downed the New York Rangers in game 6 of the Eastern Conference semis today and I’ll I can say is thanks.

This series was electrifying. It’s the kind of hockey that you want to see in the playoffs. Today’s game was offensive in nature and the perfect cap to a great series. How about those 4 goals by the Sabres in the 2nd period?

We almost got to see some more OT action from these two teams.

We’re closing in on the Stanley Cup, but you can still bet NHL futures at most sportsbooks. This morning, I decided to visit a couple sportsbooks to see what the lines were like and if there was any value left.

If you think the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, or Anaheim Mighty Ducks are going to win the Stanley Cup—or even be in the finals—there’s no value playing the futures. All three of these teams pay poorly—+260 to +310 on average. That’s not great considering each of these teams—after advancing this round—has to play another series and then cap it off by winning yet another series.

Last night the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup by defeating the Edmonton Oilers in game 7, 3-1. Cam Ward won the Conn Smythe Trophy. The Edmonton Oilers gave it a good ride, but in the end, the Hurricanes were simply too much. It was a close game. The Hurricanes were up 2-1 until their empty netter at the end of the game.

The Stanley Cup Finals took a sudden turn of events when the Oilers won in game 5 thanks to a lazy pass and then dominated at home in game 6. The Hurricanes were one OT goal away from a Stanley Cup—and they were on a power play now less. Now, they find themselves at home with the series tied 3-3 and facing a win or go home game seven. How did this all happen? The Oilers were distraught and ready to go down for the count.

Last night the Edmonton Oilers escaped elimination for another day. They beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime in game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The series is now 3-2 in favor of Carolina. Game 6 will be played on Saturday in Edmonton. The Hurricanes will be looking to close out the series again and take home the Stanley Cup. The early line has Edmonton slightly favored at -105 to -120. The Hurricanes are listed anywhere from +102 to -105.

Ok, I am going to let you in on a secret. Well, maybe it’s not a secret. I am sure you have already read this blog and put your money down on Carolina. However, if you didn’t, listen up. As a sports bettor, there is more than analyzing a match up. We also look for […]

Tonight the Carolina Hurricanes are coming home to play game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. The Hurricanes are up 3-1 and are looking to close out this series at home tonight. The Hurricanes have proven they are a class above the Oilers and most people expect them to close the deal tonight. The books certainly do. The Hurricanes are a -200 favorite tonight.

The writing is now on the wall. Last night, in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Carolina Hurricanes outlasted the Edmonton Oilers for a 2-1 victory. The Game 4 victory gave the Hurricanes a commanding 3-1 series lead and perhaps the Stanley Cup. The Hurricanes have two home games left and pretty much no one expects the Oilers to come back in this one. They would have to win the remaining 3 possible games, including two in Carolina, to take the series.

Game four of the NHL playoffs is tonight in Edmonton. The game goes off at 8:00 pm EST. The game is pretty much a pick em at most sports book. The under/over is 6 with the under being -125 and the over being +105. This is a critical game for both teams and really a must-win for both as well.