2020-2021 NHL Eastern Conference Odds:
| Team | Open | Current |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +350 | +350 |
| Boston Bruins | +600 | +600 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | +650 | +650 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +750 | +750 |
| Washington Capitals | +800 | +800 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +1000 | +1000 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1100 | +1100 |
| New York Islanders | +1300 | +1300 |
| New York Rangers | +1300 | +1300 |
| Florida Panthers | +1700 | +1700 |
| Buffalo Sabres | +2300 | +2300 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +2300 | +2300 |
| Montreal Canadiens | +3000 | +3000 |
| New Jersey Devils | +4500 | +4500 |
| Ottawa Senators | +7500 | +7500 |
| Detroit Red Wings | +15000 | +15000 |
Tracking the NHL’s Eastern Conference Winner Odds
The shortened 2019-2020 NHL season recently concluded with the Tampa Bay Lightning winning the franchise’s second Stanley Cup. In winning the cup, Tampa was able to shed its reputation as a team that folds under pressure.
Can they repeat the feat in 2021? Well, bookmakers seem to think they have a good chance of at least making it to the finals. The Lighting opened at +350 to win the Eastern Conference. It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to many hockey enthusiasts that the Boston Bruins are also getting a lot of respect as they are listed at +600 to win the Eastern Conference.
The Philadelphia Flyers (+650), Toronto Maple Leafs (+750), and Washington Capitals (+800) round out the top 5 favorites. However, if history has taught us anything, it’s that you should never count out the underdogs. There is a fair amount of value to be had among the Hurricanes (+1000), Penguins (+1100), Islanders (+1300), Rangers (+1300), and Panthers (+1700).
Some may also feel that getting Buffalo at +2300, Columbus at +2300, or Montreal at +3000 is a good deal. Those who like to play long shots might want to consider New Jersey at +4500 or Ottawa at +7500. The highest odds to win the Eastern Conference in 2021 go to New Jersey who opened at +15000.
In a perfect world, the 2021 NHL season will commence on January 1st. But the Covid-19 epidemic has brought much turmoil to professional hockey and other sports. The start of the new season could easily be pushed back.
There are still some significant obstacles that must be overcome. The biggest impediment is the travel restrictions that exist between the United States and Canada. This has brought about the idea of having an all-Canadian division which is under consideration as we head into November.
Naturally, any realignment would have an impact on these conference odds. So would a big trade. Regardless, the NHL’s return to play plan from last year was a resounding success and there is little reason to believe that hockey won’t be played in 2021.
For now, it’s business as usual for the sportsbooks who are offering odds on a wide range of NHL futures. We will continue to regularly update the Eastern conference winner odds so you can track them throughout the season and strike when the moment is right.
2020-2021 NHL Western Conference Odds:
| Team | Open | Current |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | +325 | +325 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +350 | +350 |
| St. Louis Blues | +800 | +800 |
| Dallas Stars | +1000 | +1000 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +1100 | +1100 |
| Calgary Flames | +1200 | +1200 |
| Nashville Predators | +1300 | +1300 |
| Vancouver Canucks | +1700 | +1700 |
| Winnipeg Jets | +1700 | +1700 |
| San Jose Sharks | +2000 | +2000 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +2500 | +2500 |
| Los Angeles Kings | +2500 | +2500 |
| Anaheim Ducks | +3000 | +3000 |
| Minnesota Wild | +3000 | +3000 |
| Arizona Coyotes | +3500 | +3500 |
Tracking the NHL’s Western Conference Winner Odds
The Dallas Stars surprised many hockey fans with their run to the 2020 Stanley Cup finals. They soundly defeated the Calgary Flames before sending the uber-talented Avalanche home. They then proceeded to knock off the Golden Knights in a convincing fashion.
The semi-Cinderella run ended when they ran into a determined Tampa Bay Lightning in the finals. Bookmakers don’t appear to have a lot of confidence in Dallas’ ability to follow up with another deep run. Bookmakers have listed the reigning Western Conference champs at +1000 to win the Western Conference in 2021.
So, this begs the question: Who do bookmakers think has the best chance of winning the Western Conference in the upcoming season? Some people might think that the bookies would favor the St. Louis Blues. While the Blues opened at +800 to win the Western Conference, they are far from being the favorites. You’d be getting a little warmer if you guessed the Las Vegas Golden Knights. They opened at +350. However, at +325, the Colorado Avalanche have garnered the most respect.
The Edmonton Oilers (+1100), Calgary Flames (+1200), and Nashville Predators (+1300) are also getting a lot of attention while the Canucks (+1700) and Jets (+1700) are close behind. San Jose opened at +2000 while the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks are sure to generate their share of Western Conference winner bets as they both opened at +2500. The ducks and Wild both opened at +3000 while the Arizona Coyotes hit the boards at +3500. The Western Conference appears to be wide open compared to the Eastern Conference.
The NHL has circled January 1st as its target date to start the season. However, Covid-19 could wreak havoc on these plans. The possibility of creating an all-Canadian division is in play, and this would undoubtedly cause bookmakers to reassess the odds.
Still, sportsbooks would surely continue to list the Avalanche and Golden Knights as the clear favorites out of the remaining teams. Be sure to check here regularly to keep track of breaking news and the latest odds to win the Western Conference in 2021. We will update the odds as we lead up to the new season and continue to do so as the regular season and playoffs play out.
