Streaking Bruins move into top 5 in 2021 Stanley Cup odds

The Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights sit atop the list of NHL teams with the lowest odds to win the Stanley Cup this season, which represents no significant change from just prior to the start of the season.

There are, however, two "Original Six" franchises trending up in the latest outright odds. 

Boston Bruins (+900)

Winners of four straight and eight of their last 10, the Bruins have jumped up the board for the Stanley Cup outright odds, from +1500 Jan. 10 to +900 on Feb. 12 at TwinSpires Sports. 

The best time to invest in the Bruins to win it all may have been just before the shortened 2021 season began. A $25 wager on the Bruins at +1500 last month has the potential for a payout of $400, while that same bet now has a potential payout of $250. 

Boston didn’t get off to a lightning-quick start to the season, with two losses in its first three games. Those setbacks came against the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders, with the biggest issue an inability to finish chances. The Bruins had three goals in their first three games, but were quick to rid themselves of that problem. 

Brad Marchand remains near the top of the league in scoring, with eight goals, just three behind NHL leader Auston Matthews of Toronto.

One driver of Boston’s early season success has been its play in five-on-five situations. They’ve held a 55% edge over opponents in shot attempts in five-on-five situations — an indicator of puck possession.

That ability to keep possession can grind teams down, especially in a shortened season.

Their power play is also operating at 31%, which ranks sixth in the league. 

Montreal Canadiens (+1150)

The Canadiens have seen their Stanley Cup odds move up in the first month of the season, from +2600 in January to +1150 at TwinSpires. 

The Habs have a 8-4-2 record, and their 18 points are only five off the pace set by the league-leading Toronto Maple Leafs.

Montreal’s roster has been bolstered by a few notable moves in the offseason. 

Power forward Josh Anderson has been an instant fit, after he was acquired in a trade with Columbus in the offseason. Anderson has scored nine goals and 11 points in 13 games, which is a great start with a new club. Another forward, Tyler Toffoli, has also added more scoring into the lineup, and these two additions have paid immediate dividends. Toffoli also has nine goals. 

It is, however, still difficult to know what to make of the Habs. They’ve taken care of business against the struggling Canucks, with four wins in five games against Vancouver. But since Feb. 2, Montreal has lost three of its last four games, including a back-to-back set with Toronto and Edmonton. 

Carey Price has a .896 save percentage, which isn’t great, but he is still capable of providing terrific goaltending when it matters. The Canadiens will need it in playoffs. 

Florida Panthers (+2400)

The Tampa Bay Lightning have hogged the hockey spotlight in Florida. The Lightning won the Stanley Cup a few months ago and has the third-lowest odds to win it again this season.

But we cannot overlook Tampa's state rival, the Panthers, and the jump they’ve made in the outright odds over the past month. 

Florida’s outright odds in January were +4500, which is what you’d expect for a team that has made the playoffs just three times since 2000. 

The Panthers have jumped to +2400, but they’re still middle of the pack. That might not be for much longer. The Panthers have a 8-1-2 record, with 18 points.

The Lightning has been one of the best teams in the East for the past few years, while the Panthers have struggled to find any identity. That could change this year, and it may not be long before bettors take notice.