NHL Futures: Best Bet to Win the Eastern Conference (2020)
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With the NHL’s hub cities leaked, it is now time to take a look at NHL futures. Playing with no fans in what will be neutral ice for 22 of the 24 teams, should level the playing field, allowing talent and form to take precedence to home-ice advantage, or the disadvantages of travel. Today we will be taking a look at the Eastern Conference odds at FanDuel sportsbook. Boston, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, and Washington will all receive a bye. Let’s dig in.
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Eastern Conference Odds
- Boston Bruins (+300)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (+300)
- Philadelphia Flyers (+450)
- Washington Capitals (+550)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (+1100)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (+1300)
- Carolina Hurricanes (+2000)
- New York Islanders (+2000)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (+2000)
- New York Rangers (+3200)
- Florida Panthers (+3200)
- Montreal Canadiens (+5000)
The Hopefuls
Boston Bruins (+300)
The Boston Bruins currently sit as the co-favorites to win the Eastern Conference. Arguably the most talented team in the East, the Bruins top line will be difficult for any team in either conference to contend with. The best team in the league through the 70 games of the season that were played, Boston had 44 wins and 100 total points when the season was shut down. They led the league in both of those counts, and also led the league in goal differential at +53. Tuukka Rask is on his way to his second Vezina Trophy and is the type of goalie who can carry his team through a series based on his heroics alone. It would be a surprise if the Bruins did not at least make the Eastern Conference Finals. Even as favorites, at +300 the Bruins still represent a value.
Tampa Bay Lightning (+300)
The co-favorites to win the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning sit at +300 at FanDuel. Tampa Bay recorded the second-most wins during the shortened regular season but was third in overall points. Their +50 goal differential put them in second place, just three goals behind the Boston Bruins. Nikita Kucherov and Steve Stamkos are a dynamic duo that will prove extremely difficult for any defenceman pairing to slow down. If the seeding matchups go as expected, we should see a Bruins-Lightning conference final.
Philadelphia Flyers (+450)
The Philadelphia Flyers sat with the fourth-best point total in the Eastern Conference prior to the suspension of the season. Dominant at home, their 10 home losses are an NHL best. However, they are the only team with more than 80 points to have a losing road record in the entire Eastern Conference. They have a balanced enough team to make some noise in the playoffs, but it is doubtful that they have the goaltending to contend with Tampa Bay or Boston’s offense. They would have a tough time with Washington, Toronto, or Pittsburgh. Listed at only +450 at FanDuel, the Flyers are an easy pass.
Washington Capitals (+550)
Fourth in odds despite sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals could be a sneaky value. Alexander Ovechkin is always going to give the Capitals a chance, and this year is no different. Two-way defenceman John Carlson figures to play an X-factor role this postseason, as if he can keep his pre-shutdown form, he could prove invaluable. Washington was actually better away from home ice this season, so playing an entire playoff series in a hub city will not be the detriment to them that it may be to some other teams. This by itself makes them one of the best values on the board as their road winning percentage was the best in the East. When you add the strength of their offense and the strong play from both their defenceman and in net, Washington should be strongly considered.
Pittsburgh Penguins (+1100)
The Pittsburgh Penguins had a disappointing season with Sidney Crosby sidelined. Crosby played in just 41 of a possible 69 games, and as a result, the Penguins find themselves in fifth place in the East. They had lost seven of their last 10 prior to the shutdown and were in the worst form of any Eastern Conference tournament team with a winning record. A healthy Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Tristan Jerry will give them a chance, but the smart money is on them faltering against either Boston or Tampa Bay.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+1300)
Outstanding offense, still pitiful defense. That sums up the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tied for second in the league with 3.4 goals per game, the Leafs have allowed a fifth-worst 3.04 goals per game. This ranks as the second-highest mark of any Eastern Conference tournament team, and the highest among East squads with a winning record. The Leafs sit in seventh place but will have the benefit of playing on home ice. This could provide a distinct advantage with every other team displaced and living out of their suitcase. Tampa Bay and Boston will be extremely difficult outs due to their talent on the offensive end, but if there was a dark horse to consider in the East, the Leafs just may be it.
The Rest
- Carolina Hurricanes (+2000)
- New York Islanders (+2000)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (+2000)
- New York Rangers (+3200)
- Florida Panthers (+3200)
- Montreal Canadiens (+5000)
All of the above teams are long shots at best that will need to qualify for the playoffs. They will have a tough time facing off against teams that are better than them at every stage but will not have the disadvantage of rust when it comes to the start of the series. There is a very high probability that none of these teams make it past the first round, never mind winning their second-round matchup, and completing the Cinderella story by defeating Boston or Tampa Bay to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. These teams are safe to ignore unless you are looking to lay a partial unit for a full unit return.
Final Thoughts
The Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning appear to be the plays. They are the two best teams in the East and are listed at a very fair +300. Boston and Tampa Bay both have the bye, so there is no differentiating them based on that variable. However, Boston has a better offense and also has the better goaltending with Tuukka Rask. They are going to be a tough out for any team, especially if Toronto is indeed announced as the hub city. Boston has always played well in Toronto, all the way back to when they were still in the opposite conference.
If there were different odds assigned to Tampa Bay, the value pendulum might have swung their way, but as it stands, with both teams at +300 at FanDuel, there is little doubt that Boston, as the best team, provides the best value. We suggest waiting until we know what players will be sitting out the restart before laying any action, but if you are interested in making sure you can nab Boston at +300, a one-unit play is recommended.
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Pick: Boston Bruins (+300)
Raju Byfield is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Raju, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyContext.