I haven’t been able to write on this website very much over the past few years. Facebook shut down the page, where I was giving out my daily picks, and that pretty much spelled the end of my NHL picks career because I didn’t have time to get full prediction posts up every day.
That said, now that I’m stuck at home social distancing due to COVID-19 I figured it’s the perfect time to get up my 2020 Stanley Cup pick. Of course this pick is conditional on the NHL figuring out a way to finish the 19-20 season and award the Stanley Cup.
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My Pick
This pick may come as a bit of a surprise, but I think they have great value. I like the Winnipeg Jets to win the 2020 Stanley Cup. I was betting them at 50-1 to 60-1 in the few weeks prior to the suspension of the NHL season.
BetOnline.ag currently has the Jets at 66-1 to win the 2020 Stanley Cup. With the unknown about whether the Stanley Cup will be awarded, and how the playoff teams will be decided the site is offering great Stanley Cup odds.
The Jets were on a four game winning streak leading into this hiatus, including a huge 4-2 win in Edmonton on the final day before the suspension. The team has the firepower to score goals with Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler and Patrik Laine being one of the best top four forward combos in the league. They are also very responsible defensively with Josh Morrissey one of the best (and most underrated) D in the league, and Dylan DeMelo exactly the type of pickup that will help this team from the back end. I like this roster, even without Bryan Little and Dustin Byfuglien. Add in Connor Hellebuyck and I think this team can compete with anyone if they make the playoffs.
The playoff question is the million dollar one. From what I’ve heard the NHL would want to have at least a few regular season games leading into the playoffs. This would ensure everyone plays the same number of games and gives teams a few games to shake off the rust before heading into the playoffs. I don’t think they would just go to point percentage and start the playoffs right away like many seem to think.
The Jets have played 71 games, while the Preds, Canucks and Wild have all played 69. There are basically 2 spots for these 4 teams. Let’s say the NHL season is shortened to 74 games. I think if the Jets win 2 of those final 3 games, they would make the playoffs. Then once they are in the tournament, I think they have as good a chance as anyone. By this theory the Jets odds should at worst be 32-1 and that’s if you think they have a 50% chance of making the playoffs. I personally think they have a better shot than that.
For all of these reasons I like the Jets at odds of 66-1. If you have money that you don’t mind locking up hoping for a Stanley Cup Playoffs this year then that’s my play.
I actually prefer the Jets to win the West at odds of 33-1, so that’s another option.
Play: Jets 66-1 @ BetOnline.ag.