Oddsmakers: Lundqvist, Rangers become Stanley Cup favorites
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Rangers' strong start has planted them as favorites to win the 2016 Stanley Cup at the season's quarter mark, and they have one man to thank - Henrik Lundqvist.
The 33-year-old is leading all goalies in wins (11), save percentage (.943), and GAA (1.85), but even more impressive is the fact Lundqvist has faced more shots (522) than any other goalie in the league through Sunday.
A few other notables in this week's updated list from the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook:
- After missing the playoffs last season, the Dallas Stars' 17-4-0 start has them tied with the reigning champion Chicago Blackhawks for the second-best odds in the league.
- Out of teams who appeared in the 2015 postseason, the Calgary Flames' have slipped to the bottom third of the league with 80-1 odds.
- Tied with the Flames at 80-1 are the surprising New Jersey Devils, who would take a wild-card spot if the season ended today. Cory Schneider has backstopped the team to 10 of their 11 victories.
- Bringing up the rear are the Carolina Hurricanes, who sit alone with 300-1 odds but did manage an impressive win over the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| New York Rangers | 6-1 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 8-1 |
| Dallas Stars | 8-1 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 10-1 |
| Los Angeles Kings | 10-1 |
| Minnesota Wild | 10-1 |
| Montreal Canadiens | 10-1 |
| Anaheim Ducks | 12-1 |
| Nashville Predators | 12-1 |
| St. Louis Blues | 12-1 |
| Washington Capitals | 12-1 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 20-1 |
| New York Islanders | 20-1 |
| Detroit Red Wings | 30-1 |
| Winnipeg Jets | 30-1 |
| Boston Bruins | 40-1 |
| Ottawa Senators | 40-1 |
| San Jose Sharks | 40-1 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 50-1 |
| Florida Panthers | 50-1 |
| Vancouver Canucks | 50-1 |
| Calgary Flames | 80-1 |
| New Jersey Devils | 80-1 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 100-1 |
| Arizona Coyotes | 100-1 |
| Colorado Avalanche | 200-1 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 200-1 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 200-1 |
| Edmonton Oilers | 200-1 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 300-1 |