The 2024-25 NHL season has began with some stunning twists, significantly within the Western Convention. Two perennial Stanley Cup contenders, the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers, have stumbled out of the gate. On the similar time, groups just like the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, and Calgary Flames have surged forward.
Avalanche and Oilers Battle Early
The Colorado Avalanche, a Stanley Cup favourite for practically a decade, is 1-4-0 and in unfamiliar territory. By no means in NHL historical past has a crew that begun a season 0-4-0 gone on to win the Stanley Cup, placing immense strain on the Avalanche to show issues round shortly. A Friday night time extra time win in opposition to the Anaheim Geese saved the crew from going 0-5-0, however issues are usually not going nicely for the Avalanche.
Equally, the Edmonton Oilers, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have stumbled to a 2-4-0 begin after shedding to the Dallas Stars yesterday. Regardless of being the preseason favorites to win the Stanley Cup, their odds have dropped considerably. Nevertheless, it’s value noting that the Oilers have proven indicators of enchancment, profitable two of their final three video games after a dismal 0-3-0 begin.
Affect on Stanley Cup Odds
The Avalanche and Oilers’ early-season struggles have considerably impacted the Stanley Cup odds. Ontario On line casino On-line had the Oilers, the preseason favorites at +850, have seen their odds drop barely. The Avalanche have fallen even additional, dropping from +1350 to +1600.
In the meantime, the Stars’ sizzling begin has vaulted them into second place within the odds at +950, simply behind the Oilers. Early pre-season odds had Dallas at +1100, however early cash has put strain on that quantity. The Jets and Flames have additionally improved their odds, although they continue to be longshots in comparison with the preseason favorites.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the NHL season is a marathon, not a dash. Whereas these early-season outcomes have shaken the percentages, groups nonetheless have loads of time to seek out their footing or return to earth. Because the Oilers have proven with their current bounce-back wins, fortunes can change shortly within the NHL.
Because the season progresses, it is going to be fascinating to see if the Avalanche and Oilers can overcome their sluggish begins and dwell as much as their preseason expectations or if groups just like the Stars, Jets, and Flames can maintain their early-season success and problem for Western Convention supremacy.
Western Convention Surprises
In distinction to the struggles of the Avalanche and Oilers, a number of Western Convention groups have hit the bottom working. The Dallas Stars have lived as much as their preseason hype, beginning the season with an ideal 3-0-0 file. Their robust goaltending and balanced scoring have propelled them to the highest of the percentages board, now sitting at +950 to win the Stanley Cup.
The Winnipeg Jets have additionally impressed, beginning the season 1-0-0. Led by Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, the Jets are exhibiting early indicators that they could possibly be a power to be reckoned with within the Central Division.
Maybe the most important shock has been the Calgary Flames, who’ve burst out of the gates with a 2-0-0 begin. New additions like Jonathan Huberdeau and Andrei Kuzmenko have made an instantaneous impression, giving Flames followers purpose for optimism.
Predators and Sharks Stumble
Conversely, the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks have struggled to seek out footing. Regardless of excessive expectations, the Predators have stumbled to a 0-3-0 begin. Their offense has been inconsistent, and their protection has been porous, resulting in issues about their capability to compete in a tricky Central Division.
The San Jose Sharks, coming off a disappointing 2023-24 marketing campaign, have improved however are nonetheless trying to find their first win. Whereas they seem to have made strides offensively, their protection stays a piece in progress.
