This is a post to say congratulations to the LA Kings for winning the 2014-15 Stanley Cup. Alec Martinez scored in double overtime on Friday night to clinch the series in 5 games for the Kings on home ice. Justin Williams was named the Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP after finishing third in scoring with 25 points, the majority of these coming in very crucial games and situations. I felt like the MVP could go to either Justin Williams or Drew Doughty, but I’m happy for Williams as Doughty will likely have a few more opportunities to add a Conn Smythe trophy to his collection.
Contrast from 2014 to 2012
There is a huge difference between the 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup runs for the Kings. In 2012 the Kings steam rolled through the playoffs losing just 4 games en route to winning the Stanley Cup. They never faced an elimination game and never trailed in a series. In 2014 they actually set the record for most games played to win the Stanley Cup with 26 games played in these playoffs. They were 7-0 in elimination games and found themselves trailing in every series except for the Stanley Cup Finals. It was a far different win and one that could be that much more gratifying for the team and their fans.
LA Kings Chances in 2015
Bet365.com already has the Stanley Cup odds up for 2014-15 and the LA Kings are right with Pittsburgh with 9/1 odds to win the 2015 Stanley Cup. The Chicago Blackhawks at 7/1 and Boston Bruins at 15/2 are the only two teams being given a better shot than the Kings next season.
I like the Kings at 9/1 odds. From top to bottom they have an amazing team and they have most of their key guys under contract. The only players who aren’t signed for next season are Dwight King, Marian Gaborik, Willie Mitchell and Matt Greene. Even if the Kings aren’t able to sign these players Lombardi has shown a great ability to add players during the season to put the team in a position to win. The addition of Marian Gaborik this season for Matt Frattin and a couple of picks paid huge dividends in the playoffs with Gaborik scoring 14 goals to lead the playoffs. Two years back Jeff Carter was the weapon that was added at the deadline and he played a big role that year and an even bigger role this time around. The Kings have a ton of depth, star power in Kopitar, Doughty, Carter and more and a top quality goaltender in Quick who has now won the Cup twice.
Other News and Offseason Bets
In other news the NBA season has also finished with the San Antonio Spurs defeating the defending champs in 5 games and showing that age is just a number. The Heat are the favourites again next year though with their odds currently set at 11/4 before we even know if Lebron, Wade or Bosh will be back with the Heat next season. If you’re into basketball betting I suggest checking out www.BasketballBetting.co.uk through the summer to keep up to date on potential NBA bets.
I’ll be adding posts less often over the summer months, but check back often for my thoughts on several prop betting opportunities such as draft selection props, free agents and more. Have a good summer!
Tagged with: Los Angeles Kings • Odds • Stanley Cup betting