New York Rangers Take Over As Favorites In 2012 Stanley Cup Futures Betting Odds
April 13th, 2012 | Author: John
The Pittsburgh Penguins had a lot of backers heading into the playoffs with Sidney Crosby back, and a good outing against the Philadelphia Flyers in their regular season meeting. But after a difficult Game One, oddsmakers are shifting their views in NHL Betting Odds.
Now, the New York Rangers, the top seed in the east, are creeping up the list as favorites to win the Stanley Cup. They are actually tied with the Penguins at 5/1, according to Bovada. But that’s still bad news for the Penguins, who had the lead outright just a few days ago.
It’s also bad news for the Vancouver Canucks, who dropped into a tie for third-best odds with the Boston Bruins. They both had similar fates. The Canucks, favored to win the West, were upset in Game One by the Los Angeles Kings while the Bruins scraped by in overtime against the Washington Senators. They both have 13/2 odds to win the Stanley Cup, followed by the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia (both at 10/1).
Pittsburgh surrendered a 3-0 lead and lost in overtime, but the Rangers managed to keep their 3-0 lead. Ryan Callahan scored early and was followed by Marion Gaborik and Brian Boyle shortly after. The last time they were seeded first they won the Stanley Cup.
Ottawa did, in fact, give New York a scare in the third period, jumping on the board with two goals to make it close. But unlike Pittsburgh, the Rangers were able to hold off the rally when Henrik Lundquist settled down.
“That is the way we have to play to win,” Callahan said. “We felt like we’ve been playing playoff hockey right through the season. It’s still a long series left. Taking Game 1 doesn’t mean much.”