Early odds to win Stanley Cup

In the event that the Flames, Oilers, and Canucks all complete a full 60-game schedule, the division winner with the most wins in regulation time among those clubs will move on to the Stanley Cup finals. In the event of a tie, the team with the most regulation wins among those clubs will move on to the Stanley Cup finals. In the event of a tie among those clubs, the team with the highest goal differential in regulation time among those clubs will move on to the Stanley Cup finals. The team with the most shorthanded goals among those clubs will move on to the Stanley Cup finals, if necessary. If that team had already qualified for the playoffs via regulation time, the team with the fewest goals against will move on to the Stanley Cup finals. If teams are tied for that team, then the team with the most goals scored in regulation among those clubs will move on to the Stanley Cup finals. If that team had already qualified for the playoffs via regulation time, the team with the fewest goals against in regulation time among those clubs will move on to the Stanley Cup finals. If teams are tied for that team, then the team with the fewest goals allowed in regulation time among those clubs will move on to the Stanley Cup finals. If that team had already qualified for the playoffs via regulation time, the team with the fewest goals allowed in regulation time among those clubs will move on to the Stanley Cup finals.
Just for some reference, we pulled together all of the odds to win the Stanley Cup in the 2014-15 NHL season up until June 24, 2015. (We'll release more later this week.) The odds will be updated throughout the season, as various factors will likely affect the early odds.
This isn't a new concept. Many of the historic Montreal Canadiens wins and Stanley Cup finals were as well-known as the outcome of the game itself. The Canadiens typically found a way to get themselves home in front of a home crowd. And with little competition in the Montreal division, the Habs could make a run through their Stanley Cup Final opponents. Colorado is a big favorite to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. The Golden Knights, who won the entire Western Conference and became the first team to qualify for the Stanley Cup Finals without winning a single game in the regular season, are at even-money.
Current early odds for the Colorado Avalanche to win the Stanley Cup are 3-1. The Atlantic Division champion New York Rangers are at 7-1. The Metropolitan Division champion New York Islanders are 8-1.
The defending Stanley Cup champions and leader of the pack, Anaheim Ducks are 10-1. The Calgary Flames, who advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1995 but came up short to the Pittsburgh Penguins, are at 20-1. New York (Linsanity) is at 8-1. Vancouver is at 20-1.
Some teams need help to make it to the Cup Final. The Red Wings didn't. They're back this season, but they still need some help to make it past the opening round. First up is the Washington Capitals. Detroit should be the favorite for this series, but there will be no easy games look with electronic cigarette.
This would be a great spot to use a bet against the over, given the size of Washington's payout. And while it's risky given the size of the payout, betting against the Red Wings to win the Cup is a good play. Play Detroit to win the Cup, fold Columbus, fold Florida and fold Tampa Bay. Sure, Vegas isn't offering super-impressive odds on Detroit, but a win is a win and the Red Wings have a good history. The lines against Washington are extreme.