NHL 2021-2022 Puck Drop: Picks and Predictions

After picking them to win the Stanley Cup last season, the Tampa Bay Lightning are trying to go for a three peat since the Islanders in the early 1980s, as they open the season against the Penguins tonight.

The Bolts open the season at +550 to win the Cup, behind only Colorado (+450). Coming off of two dominant Cup wins, so it’s not shocking they’re one of the favorites to complete the first three peat in almost 40 years. The Bolts have the best goalie and some of the best snipers in the league.

There’s a new expansion team in the NHL this year! The Seattle Kraken are going to be very interesting coming into the league. They don’t have a lot of goal scorers, unlike when Vegas came into the league. They picked up Grauber from Colorado in the off-season, who is one of the best goalies in the league. The Kraken can possibly make a wild card spot, but that’s rather unrealistic.

Predictions and Futures:

To Win the Stanley Cup:

Avalanche +450

Lightning +550

Maple Leafs +1100

Bruins +1400

Rangers +2000

Hart Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player)

Connor McDavid+165

He can total 150+ points this season to continue his great NHL career. He is the favorite to win the Hart Trophy for good reason.

Calder Memorial Award (Rookie of the Year)

Trevor Zegras +500

The Ducks got in him in the first round in last year draft and is poised to have a great first season.

The Rangers

The Rangers will make the playoffs this year (-180) and make a run to win the MetroAtlantic Division (+450). They have a strong team, combined with a new, gritty head coach in Gerard Gallant, who took Vegas to the Cup in the franchise’s first season, and all of the young guys coming into form at the right time can make this a special season for this inexperienced team. The Rangers also improved on getting bigger and tougher in the off season.

If you tail these futures, remember to bet responsibly. Let me know on Twitter @JoeyCannoli77