The Stanley Cup is the most coveted trophy in the National Hockey League (NHL), and the 2021-22 season promises to be an exciting one. As the new season approaches, fans and experts alike are speculating on which team will come out on top. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Stanley Cup odds for the upcoming season and analyze the favorites and dark horses in the competition.
Overview of the 2021-22 NHL Season
The 2021-22 NHL season is set to begin on October 12, 2021, and will feature 32 teams for the first time, with the addition of the Seattle Kraken. The league has also made some changes to the rules to increase scoring and speed up the game.
One of the most significant changes is the implementation of a new penalty for delay of game, where a team will receive a minor penalty if it shoots the puck over the glass in the defensive zone. The league has also introduced new technology to enhance video reviews and improve accuracy in offside and goaltender interference calls.
However, the most significant factor affecting the 2021-22 NHL season is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The league has stated that it plans to play a full 82-game regular season, but it remains to be seen if this will be possible. The league has also mandated that all players and staff be vaccinated, which could cause some issues for teams with players who are hesitant to get vaccinated.
The 2021-22 NHL season promises to be an exciting one, with plenty of changes and challenges to overcome. Now, let’s take a closer look at the favorites to win the Stanley Cup.
Favorites to Win the Stanley Cup
As always, there are a few teams that are considered the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. These teams have the talent, depth, and experience to make a deep run in the playoffs and come out on top. Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders for the Stanley Cup in the 2021-22 season.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are considered by many to be the favorites to win the Stanley Cup in the 2021-22 season. They have one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by superstar Nathan MacKinnon. The Avalanche have made some key additions in the offseason, including goaltender Darcy Kuemper and forward Darren Helm.
The Avalanche made it to the second round of the playoffs last season before being eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights. However, they will be looking to go further this season and win their first Stanley Cup since 2001.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the defending Stanley Cup champions and will be looking to defend their title in the 2021-22 season. They have one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by superstar forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point.
The Lightning were dominant in the playoffs last season, winning their second Stanley Cup in a row. However, they will face some challenges this season, as they have lost some key players to free agency and will have to deal with the loss of Kucherov for the regular season due to injury.
The Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning are the two favorites to win the Stanley Cup in the 2021-22 season. However, there are also some dark horse teams to watch out for, which we’ll cover in the next section.
Favorites to Win the Stanley Cup (Continued)
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights have been one of the most successful teams in the NHL since their inception in 2017. They have made the playoffs in each of their first four seasons and have reached the Stanley Cup Final once. The Golden Knights have a talented roster, led by superstar forward Mark Stone and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
The Golden Knights made some key additions in the offseason, including defenseman Alec Martinez and forward Evgenii Dadonov. They will be looking to build on their success from last season, where they made it to the third round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Montreal Canadiens.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the most talented teams in the NHL for several years but have struggled to translate their regular-season success into playoff success. Led by superstar forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the Maple Leafs will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs this season.
The Maple Leafs made some key additions in the offseason, including defenseman Brennan Menell and forward Michael Bunting. They will be looking to build on their success from last season, where they lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Canadiens.
Factors Affecting Stanley Cup Odds
Several factors can affect a team’s chances of winning the Stanley Cup, including injuries, player acquisitions, and team chemistry. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that could affect the Stanley Cup odds in the 2021-22 season.
Injuries
Injuries can have a significant impact on a team’s chances of winning the Stanley Cup. A key injury to a star player can derail a team’s playoff hopes, while a team with a healthy roster can make a deep run in the playoffs. Teams will need to manage their players’ workload to avoid injuries and maximize their chances of success.
Player Acquisitions
The NHL offseason is a time for teams to make key acquisitions to improve their rosters. A well-timed trade or free-agent signing can make a significant impact on a team’s chances of winning the Stanley Cup. However, it can also take time for new players to fit into a team’s system, and chemistry can be affected.
Team Chemistry
Team chemistry is critical to a team’s success in the playoffs. A team with a strong bond and good communication can overcome adversity and make a deep run in the playoffs. However, a team with a toxic locker room or poor communication can struggle in the playoffs, even with a talented roster.
In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at some dark horse teams to watch out for in the 2021-22 season.
Factors Affecting Stanley Cup Odds
The Stanley Cup playoffs are a grueling and unpredictable competition, and many factors can affect a team’s chances of winning. Here are two key factors that can impact Stanley Cup odds:
Impact of Injuries on Teams’ Performances
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NHL, and they can have a significant impact on a team’s chances of winning the Stanley Cup. A key player getting injured at a crucial moment in the playoffs can derail a team’s championship hopes.
For example, the Tampa Bay Lightning lost captain Steven Stamkos for the majority of the playoffs in 2016, which ultimately cost them the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. On the other hand, the St. Louis Blues were able to overcome a number of injuries in the 2019 playoffs and win their first-ever Stanley Cup.
Effect of Player Trades and Acquisitions
Player trades and acquisitions can also have a significant impact on a team’s chances of winning the Stanley Cup. A key addition to a team’s roster can provide a much-needed boost in talent and depth, while a trade that sends away a key player can weaken a team’s chances.
For example, the Vegas Golden Knights made a number of key acquisitions in the offseason before their inaugural season in 2017-18, which helped them make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. Similarly, the Pittsburgh Penguins traded for Phil Kessel in 2015, which played a key role in their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017.
Conclusion
The 2021-22 NHL season promises to be an exciting one, with plenty of changes and challenges to overcome. The Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning are the two favorites to win the Stanley Cup, but there are also some dark horse teams to watch out for.
Injuries and player trades and acquisitions can have a significant impact on a team’s chances of winning the Stanley Cup. It will be interesting to see how these factors play out over the course of the season and in the playoffs.
As always, the Stanley Cup playoffs are a grueling and unpredictable competition, and anything can happen. But one thing is for sure: the 2021-22 NHL season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top.