Stanley Cup
Look out for Detroit, Ottawa in Stanley Cup Playoffs
History is on the side of the Red Wings, about 4-1 in a consensus of several sportsbooks odds-makers. Of 21 trips to the finals, the team has carried home the cup 10 times. The Senators, 5-1, have captured the cup only once: 1926-27.
Detroit posted the NHL's best record, 58-16, successfully blending an aging core of players and a stellar group of youngsters. But the Red Wings must dispose of early round foes quickly so they can survive a possible grueling seven-game war in the finals.
Leader Steve Yzerman is playing like he did when the team won back-to-back cups starting in 1996-97.
His 1,300th career point in the playoffs boosted him to second all-time on the team. Experiencing his first championship, the center was third in overall playoff points. The following year, the longtime Red Wings captain, 40, led playoff scoring with 24 points.
Nicklas Lidstrom, maybe the top NHL defenseman, dominates with quick puck movement and a dangerous point shot. At 35, he anchors the miserly defense while contributing offensively with 16 goals and 80 points.
Ottawa's strength is a balanced lineup of skaters. Forwards Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, and Jason Spezza began the season on fire and kept on going while defensemen Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara were masterful.
However, the Senators could be vulnerable if goalie Dominik Hasek doesn't return from an injury that has plagued him the last several years.
The 41-year-old hasn't played since Feb. 15, when he strained a muscle in his left groin during the Czech Republic's 4-1 victory over Germany at the Winter Olympics.
The nagging groin injury, which required surgery, forced him to miss two seasons before being traded from Detroit to the Senators in the summer of 2004.
There are several other clubs that have a chance to take the cup, first presented in 1893, the oldest and only sports trophy passed from player to player during the summer after their team wins it.
New Jersey, 6-1, and San Jose, 10-1, have the momentum. The Devils won their final 11 games of the season to take the Atlanta Division of the Eastern Conference. The Sharks finished strong, led by center Joe Thornton, 26, and right winger Jonathan Cheechoo, 25, ending up second, behind Dallas, in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.
The Stars are a surprising 30-1 despite being ranked no lower than fifth in several power rankings since March.
The offensive attack, powered by veterans such as center Jason Arnott, who scored the game winner when New Jersey won its second cup in 2000 defeating the Stars, established the franchise record for victories set during the 1999 season - 53.
Other contenders:
Buffalo Sabres, 8-1, sporting NHL's third-best power play success rate. While no rookie goaltender has been on a cup-winning team since Patrick Roy of the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, Ryan Miller isn't the only inexperienced goalie in the playoffs.
Calgary Flames, 10-1, winning their first Northwest Division in 11 years. But the excellent defense can't carry the offensive load.
Anaheim Mighty Ducks, 10-1, third in the Pacific. Only a handful of players from the 2003 team that fell one win short of a championship.
NHL Hockey Playoffs @ WagerWeb.com Sportsbook
About the Author
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
 |
 2 Sec 307 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $662.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 40m |
 Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup playoff tickets game 3 6 4 2012 $1,800.00 Time Remaining: 6d 3h Buy It Now for only: $1,800.00 |
 2 FRONT ROW TICKETS LA Kings Stanley Cup Playoff 06 04 12 Los Angeles $945.00 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 58m Buy It Now for only: $945.00 |
 2 NHL LOS ANGELES KINGS HOME GAME 1STANLEY CUP FINALS LOWEST PRICE LA 6 4 $779.00 Time Remaining: 5d 23h 2m Buy It Now for only: $779.00 |
 2 Sec 311 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $710.00 (19 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h |
 2 Sec 305 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $865.00 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 25m Buy It Now for only: $865.00 |
 2 Sec 402 New York Rangers Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Madison Square Garden 6 2 $1,195.00 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 54m Buy It Now for only: $1,195.00 |
 2 Sec 106 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $1,099.00 Time Remaining: 5h 10m Buy It Now for only: $1,250.00 |
 2 Sec 102 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $1,395.00 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 43m Buy It Now for only: $1,395.00 |
 2 LA KINGS STANLEY CUP FINALS Tickets GAME 3 6 4 HM GAME 1ROW 3 AISLE $940.00 Time Remaining: 9d 21h 54m Buy It Now for only: $940.00 |
 2 LA KINGS vs DEVILS RANGERS STANLEY CUP FINALS TICKETS HOME GAME 1 6 4 12 $590.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 6h 20m |
 2 Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Finals Tickets Rangers Devils Game 3 HG1 $799.99 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 49m Buy It Now for only: $799.99 |
 LA KINGS STANLEY CUP FINALS HOME GAME 1 $1,100.00 Time Remaining: 6d 6h 54m Buy It Now for only: $1,100.00 |
 2 NHL STANLEY CUP FINALS HOME GAME 1NY RANGERS PLAYOFFS BEST PRICE 5 30 $1,279.00 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 42m Buy It Now for only: $1,279.00 |
 2 Sec 313 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $127.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 23h 11m |
 1 Sec 107 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $649.99 Time Remaining: 9d 22h 51m Buy It Now for only: $649.99 |
 1 Sec 307 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $469.00 Time Remaining: 9d 23h 52m Buy It Now for only: $469.00 |
 2 Sec 312 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $535.00 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 57m |
 LA KINGS STANLEY CUP FINALS HOME GAME 1 $1,100.00 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 23m Buy It Now for only: $1,100.00 |
 2 Sec 107 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $1,195.00 Time Remaining: 8d 21h 22m Buy It Now for only: $1,195.00 |
 2 Sec 316 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $585.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 2h 10m |
 1 Sec 15 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $545.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 35m Buy It Now for only: $545.00 |
 1 Sec 121 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $345.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 28m Buy It Now for only: $345.00 |
 4 Sec 17 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $2,775.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 31m Buy It Now for only: $2,775.00 |
 2 Sec 216 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $20.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 50m |
 4 Sec 9 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $4,175.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 39m Buy It Now for only: $4,175.00 |
 2 Sec 325 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $835.00 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 14m Buy It Now for only: $835.00 |
 2 Sec 117 New Jersey Devils Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $157.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 2h 15m |
 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Los Angeles Kings Game 3 Home Game 1 Staples Center $6,000.00 Time Remaining: 9d 5h 53m Buy It Now for only: $6,000.00 |
 2 Sec 225 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $675.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 41m Buy It Now for only: $675.00 |
 2 Sec 122 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $172.50 (18 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 3h 10m |
 2 Sec 213 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $695.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 42m Buy It Now for only: $695.00 |
 2 Sec 10 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $1,375.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 30m Buy It Now for only: $1,375.00 |
 3 Sec 215 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $975.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 40m Buy It Now for only: $975.00 |
 2 LA KINGS vs DEVILS RANGERS STANLEY CUP FINALS TICKETS HOME GAME 1 6 4 12 $596.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 4h 51m |
 2 Sec 118 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $715.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 26m Buy It Now for only: $715.00 |
 2 Sec 13 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $1,045.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 34m Buy It Now for only: $1,045.00 |
 2 LA KINGS vs DEVILS RANGERS STANLEY CUP FINALS TICKETS LOWERS HOME GAME 1 $560.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 6h 15m |
 4 Sec 118 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $1,445.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 27m Buy It Now for only: $1,445.00 |
 2 Sec 322 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $835.00 Time Remaining: 8d 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $835.00 |
 2 LA KINGS vs DEVILS RANGERS STANLEY CUP FINALS TICKETS HOME GAME 2 6 6 12 $610.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 6h 46m |
 2 Premier Seats PR17 LA Kings Stanley Cup Finals Tickets 06 04 12 Staples $1,600.00 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 59m Buy It Now for only: $1,600.00 |
 2 Sec 18 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $2,175.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 36m Buy It Now for only: $2,175.00 |
 2 TICKETS STANLEY CUP FINAL LA KINGS vs DEVILS RANGERS GAME 1 LOWERS 12th ROW $1,999.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 57m Buy It Now for only: $1,999.99 |
 New Jersey Devils vs LA Kings Stanley Cup Tickets 6 2 2012 Newark game2 Saturday $999.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 42m Buy It Now for only: $1,300.00 |
 2 Sec 312 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $795.00 Time Remaining: 21d 18h 30m Buy It Now for only: $795.00 |
 2 NHL LOS ANGELES KINGS HOME GAME 1STANLEY CUP FINALS LOWEST PRICE LA $899.00 Time Remaining: 12d 1h 14m Buy It Now for only: $899.00 |
 2 Sec 308 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $455.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 2h 10m |
 2 Premier Seats PR 17 LA Kings Stanley Cup Finals Tickets 06 06 12 Staples $1,700.00 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 21m Buy It Now for only: $1,700.00 |
 2 Tickets New York Rangers Playoffs MSG Stanley Cup Finals Game 2 6 01 12 $1,320.00 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $1,320.00 |
 2 Tickets Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 Stanley Cup Finals Sec 207 $785.00 (31 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d |
 Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Finals 06 04 Sec332 Row6 Seat 21 22 $9,999.00 Time Remaining: 29d 35m Buy It Now for only: $9,999.00 |
 2 Sec 106 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $1,250.00 Time Remaining: 21d 18h 46m Buy It Now for only: $1,250.00 |
 4 Sec 14 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $2,095.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 33m Buy It Now for only: $2,095.00 |
 2 Sec 412 New York Rangers Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Madison Square Garden $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 1h 43m |
 2 Sec 107 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS GAME 4 Clincher $1,350.00 Time Remaining: 8d 19h 47m Buy It Now for only: $1,350.00 |
 LA Kings 2 Tickets STANLEY CUP FINALS Home Game 1 AISLE SEATS $1,000.00 Time Remaining: 28d 22h 36m Buy It Now for only: $1,000.00 |
 2 Sec 118 New Jersey Devils Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $76.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 3h 10m |
 2 Sec 306 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $825.00 Time Remaining: 8d 27m Buy It Now for only: $825.00 |
 2 TIX Stanley Cup Finals Los Angeles Kings vs TBD HG1 6 4 Staples Center $2,162.00 Time Remaining: 27d 1h 56m Buy It Now for only: $2,162.00 |
 2 Sec 123 New Jersey Devils Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $26.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 3h 15m |
 1 Sec 305 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $425.00 Time Remaining: 21d 18h 40m Buy It Now for only: $425.00 |
 2 tickets Stanley Cup NJ Devils vs LA Kings HG2 6 2 $810.00 Time Remaining: 18d 20h 58m Buy It Now for only: $810.00 |
 2 TIX Stanley Cup Finals Los Angeles Kings vs TBD HG2 6 6 Staples Center $2,942.00 Time Remaining: 27d 1h 56m Buy It Now for only: $2,942.00 |
 2 LA KINGS vs DEVILS RANGERS STANLEY CUP FINALS TICKETS HOME GAME 1 6 4 12 $500.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 5h 48m |
 2 Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup vs Rangers Devils Tix 06 04 12 Los Angeles $999.99 Time Remaining: 24d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $999.99 |
 2 Sec 115 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $1,400.00 Time Remaining: 21d 22h 20m Buy It Now for only: $1,400.00 |
 2 LA KINGS vs DEVILS RANGERS STANLEY CUP FINALS TICKETS LOWERS HOME GAME 2 $867.77 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 7h |
 2 Tickets NHL Stanley Cup Finals Los Angeles Kings 1 6 4 Staples Center $1,066.02 Time Remaining: 22d 20h 26m Buy It Now for only: $1,066.02 |
 4 Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Finals Tickets Rangers Devils Game 3 HG1 $1,699.99 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 52m Buy It Now for only: $1,699.99 |
 2 Sec 304 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $500.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 2h 10m |
 2 TIX Stanley Cup Los Angeles Kings v TBD HG2 6 6 Staples Center 312 $994.00 Time Remaining: 20d 7m Buy It Now for only: $994.00 |
 2 Sec 303 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $925.00 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 8m Buy It Now for only: $925.00 |
 1 Sec 108 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $625.00 Time Remaining: 21d 18h 45m Buy It Now for only: $625.00 |
 La Kings Stanley Cup Finals Home Game 1 $540.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 9h 4m |
 2 Sec 302 Los Angeles Kings Home Game 1 STANLEY CUP FINALS Staples Center $1,045.00 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 57m Buy It Now for only: $1,045.00 |
 2 AISLE CENTER ICE LA KINGS v New Jersey Devils Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 $1,650.00 Time Remaining: 4d 7h 21m Buy It Now for only: $1,650.00 |
 2 LA Los Angeles Kings STANLEY CUP Finals Game 3 Home Game 1 $525.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 2h 55m |
 2 Sec 216 New Jersey Devils Home Game 2 STANLEY CUP FINALS Prudential Center $695.00 Time Remaining: 6d 42m Buy It Now for only: $695.00 |
 2 TIX 6 6 Stanley Cup Kings v TBD HG2 Sect 117 Row 14 $1,855.00 Time Remaining: 4d 49m Buy It Now for only: $1,855.00 |
 2 LA Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Finals Game 4 Home Game 2 $640.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 2h 56m |
 2 Tickets NHL Stanley Cup Finals Los Angeles Kings 2 6 6 12 Staples Center $2,781.00 Time Remaining: 21d 1h 39m Buy It Now for only: $2,781.00 |
 CHICAGO STADIUM BALCONY BLACKHAWKS STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS HOCKEY GAME TICKETS $11.99 Time Remaining: 1d 23h 41m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 1 2 OR 4 VIP PREMIER TICKETS 6 11 LA Stanley Cup Kings vs TBD HG3 100FB $2,632.50 Time Remaining: 15d 8h 18m Buy It Now for only: $2,632.50 |
 Los Angeles LA Kings Stanley Cup Tickets Vs Rangers or Devils 06 04 FREE SHIP $400.00 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 55m Buy It Now for only: $1,400.00 |
 2 Tickets NHL Stanley Cup Finals Los Angeles Kings 1 6 4 12 Staples Center $1,843.70 Time Remaining: 8d 21h 38m Buy It Now for only: $1,843.70 |
 2 Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Finals Tickets Rangers Devils Game 3 HG1 $1,249.99 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 43m Buy It Now for only: $1,249.99 |
 Los Angeles Kings Tickets Stanley Cup Finals Home Game 1 06 04 12 500 pm PST $455.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 9d 9h 52m Buy It Now for only: $1,400.00 |
 2 Tickets NHL Stanley Cup Finals Los Angeles Kings 2 6 6 12 Staples Center $1,957.00 Time Remaining: 15d 1h 37m Buy It Now for only: $1,957.00 |
 4 TIX 6 6 Stanley Cup Kings v TBD HG2 Sect 304 Row 6 $2,315.00 Time Remaining: 7d 18h 39m Buy It Now for only: $2,315.00 |