The National Hockey League has finally decided on a start date. We dig deeper when that day is as well as discuss how some teams in the league might switch it up this season before taking a look at the current Stanley Cup odds. Check out the latest news in our hockey update so you can go ahead and place your bets against their NHL odds!
NHL COVID-19 Update – December 15th Edition
2020-2021 NHL Season
- When: January 13, 2021 – TBD 2021
NHL Stanley Cup Odds
- Colorado Avalanche +550
- Tampa Bay Lightning +800
- Vegas Golden Knights +650
- Boston Bruins +1100
- Toronto Maple Leafs +1000
- Philadelphia Flyers +1500
- Washington Capitals +1800
- Pittsburgh Penguins +1700
- Dallas Stars +2000
- St. Louis Blues 2000
- Vancouver Canucks +1800
- Edmonton Oilers +1500
- New York Rangers +2000
- Carolina Hurricanes +2100
- New York Islanders +2700
- Calgary Flames +2600
- Nashville Predators +2800
- Winnipeg Jets +2800
- Arizona Coyotes +5000
- Columbus Blue Jackets +3500
- Florida Panthers +3400
- Minnesota Wild +6700
- New Jersey Devils +4700
- Montreal Canadiens +2000
- San Jose Sharks +4700
- Anaheim Ducks +6700
- Buffalo Sabres +4600
- Chicago Blackhawks +4700
- Los Angeles Kings +7000
- Ottawa Senators +8100
- Detroit Red Wings +11000
NHL targets January 13 as it’s start date
The NHL Players Association and the league have decided on a start date. The two sides had agreed to a Dec. 1 start, but that never happened. One of the reasons was because the United States and Canada continue to approach the coronavirus pandemic differently.
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine got emergency approval from the Trump Administration. With a vaccine on the way, both nation’s may get a chance to breathe some. That will help the NHL in figuring out how they will play this upcoming season.
Money is the other reason the two sides stopped talking. Before Thanksgiving, owners brought out a couple of plans. Both included monetary hits to players. One proposed that players defer 10% more of their compensation above what they already agreed to.
The players came back with proposals of their own. The league didn’t like any of them. The two sides then decided to table money discussions and instead talk about coronavirus protocols, schedules, and a proposed divisional alignment.
All of that will work itself out before the start of the new season on January 13. The National Hockey League has pegged the 13th as the opening day for its 2020-2021 NHL Season. Teams will play a 52 or 56 game schedule. The league hopes to have a finalized plan by the end of this week.
NHL outdoors? It’s a possibility!
Two teams are considering playing games in outdoor stadiums. The Boston Bruins have talked to the Boston Red Sox about playing at Fenway Park. Fenway has hosted both college basketball and hockey games before.
The Los Angeles Kings have talked about playing games at Dignity Health Sports Park, home of the MLS L.A. Galaxy. The coronavirus is less contagious in outdoor settings. Arenas are indoor facilities which spread public air throughout.
That makes arenas more likely super spreader locations than outdoor venues. Expect other NHL teams to follow the Kings’ and Bruins’ lead. Playing hockey outdoors makes all the sense in the world.
Avalanche remain overall favorite with Golden Knights and Lightning second and third choices
The National Hockey League season starts in less than a month. The NHL and NHLPA must work out some details, but for now, things look like they’re moving in the right direction. That’s good news for anyone whose craving hockey.
It’s also good news for overlay handicappers. Unlike the NFL, where Kansas City is a less than +200 favorite to win the Super Bowl, or the NBA, where the Lakers are less than +300 favorites to win the NBA Championship, the Colorado Avalanche are at +550 to win the Cup.
The Avalanche look solid, but odds makers don’t believe they’re a lock. Tampa Bay offers +800 odds while the Vegas Golden Knights are at +650. If you’ve got a strong opinion, lay down money before the season starts.
The team you like could be this year’s NHL juggernaut, causing their odds to plummet. Don’t let that happen to you. So if there is a team you feel good about, back them with a few dollars at preseason odds.
Have a great rest of your week!
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