NHL Predictions: Odds to Win the 2011-12 Stanley Cup

Only a day ago the Boston Bruins hoisted the Stanley Cup above their heads and the city of Vancouver experienced an apocalypse.

However, odds for next year's winner have been presented on the Internet.

In the east, expect similar names to be thrown around.

Washington and Philly have a lot to prove after being swept in the second round.

Tampa Bay is a team on the rise and considered by ESPN to be the second-best sports franchise.

Pittsburgh should rebound, assuming Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin stay healthy.

In the west, classic franchises like Los Angeles and Chicago are on the rise as Detroit slowly trends back to normalcy.

The Sharks must prove they can get to the finals (and win).

Nashville had an outstanding year, getting to the second round for the first time in franchise history and filling the Cell Block night in and night and night out.

The following are all 30 teams, ranked by their likelihood of winning the Stanley Cup next year.

Odds provided by The Spread.

30. Florida Panthers

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TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 1: Stephen Weiss #9, Evgeni Dadonov #63 and Dmitry Kulikov #7 of the Florida Panthers celebrate goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during game action at the Air Canada Centre February 1, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Ph

Finished: Last in Eastern Conference

Odds: 125/1

Trend: Upwards (can't go much lower)

The Florida Panthers are still in rebuild mode and will probably be for the next few years.

The NHL will do what it can to stay in a large media market like South Florida, but, other than the Coyotes, this team will be in some trouble if they don't show promise soon.

29. Columbus Blue Jackets

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COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 11: Jakub Voracek #93, Rick Nash #61, and Derick Brassard #16, all of the Columbus Blue Jackets stand during the National Anthem prior to the start of the game against the Colorado Avalanche on February 11, 2011 at Nationwide Arena

Finished: 13th in Western Conference

Odds: 90/1

Trend: Plateaued

The only reason this team isn't under more fire is because they are not placed along the sun belt.

Like the Thrashers, who just moved to Winnipeg, this team has not won a playoff game in franchise history and has only one superstar, Rick Nash, who will eventually want out (like Ilya Kovalchuk) if things don't turn around soon.

It's hard to say if this team is rebuilding, or just spinning its wheels in mediocrity.

28. Minnesota Wild

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BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 06: Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild is congratulated by teammates Cal Clutterbuck #22 and Brent Burns #8 after Koivu scored the empty net goal against the Boston Bruins on January 6, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusett

Finished: 12th in Western Conference

Odds: 70/1

Trend: Plateaued

The Wild have a record of success under Jacques Lemaire and outstanding fans in the State of Hockey.

However, poor player development, evaluation and drafting has put this team in a difficult spot.

Mikko Koivu and Brent Burns are proven stars and Cal Clutterbuck plays his role effectively.

Guillaume Latendresse has another year under contract and should be productive.

However, Martin Havlat and Cam Barker have not lived up to their billing.

Fortunately, veterans Andrew Brunette and Antti Miettinen come off the books and the team can look to younger players in order to undergo a rebuilding period.

27. Ottawa Senators

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OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 22: Alex Kovalev #27 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates his goal and his 1000th NHL regular season point with his teammates on the bench during a game against the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Place on November 22, 2010 in Ottawa,

Finished: 13th in Eastern Conference

Odds: 60/1

Trend: Downward

Ottawa still has talent (Spezza, Alfredsson), but is in a nasty downward spiral.

They need to shed salary and prepare for a serious makeover.

26. Calgary Flames

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CALGARY, CANADA - APRIL 6:Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames is congratulated by teammates Alex Tanguay #40 and Mark Giordano #5 on his hat trick goal against the Edmonton Oilers in third period NHL action on April 6, 2011 at the Scotiabank Saddledom

Finished: 10th in Western Conference

Odds: 35/1

Trend: Downward

Calgary got surprisingly solid odds.

Too much emphasis was placed on their late-season surge.

This team is old and in need of a serious makeover.

25. Winnipeg

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ATLANTA, GA - MAY 21: Thrash, mascot of the Atlanta Thrashers, joins fans in the rally to help keep the team in Atlanta at Philips Arena on May 21, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. It has been reported the Thrashers may relocate to Winnipeg, Canada. (Photo by

Finished: 12th in Eastern Conference

Odds: 80/1

Trend: Upward

I'm guessing they will eventually be the Jets, but whoever the zombie Thrashers end up being, they have a decent core to build upon.

Assuming True North is not as inept as the Thrashers' management, they will form a solid team around Zach Bogosian, Evander Kane and Blake Wheeler and become a contender sooner than many people think.

24. New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 21: Matt Moulson #26 of the New York Islanders is congratulated by teammates on the bench after scoring an empty net goal for a hat trick late in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers at the Nassau C

Finished: 14th in Eastern Conference

Odds: 70/1

Trend: Upward

The Islanders are committed to staying put and, with a new arena, the team should receive increased support.

They will have to win, however, but as late-bloomer Matt Moulson and youngsters Jon Tavares and Kyle Okposo gel, the team should see better results.

I don't see them in the playoffs next year, but they could be on the bubble late in the season.

23. Edmonton Oilers

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 25: (L-R) Dustin Penner #27, Shawn Horcoff #10, Tom Gilbert #77, Taylor Hall #4 and Jeff Petry #58 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrate after Hall scored a third period power play goal against the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game at

Finished: Last in Western Conference

Odds: 70/1

Trend: Upward

The NHL's relocation of the Thrashers was good for the Oilers—Edmonton is no longer the least-attractive location for free agents to go.

There's a great young core to build around, but the ownership would be smart to invest in a new arena and will have to take advantage of having the first overall selection once again.

22. Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 20: (L-R) Radim Vrbata #17, Shane Doan #19 and Keith Yandle #3 of the Phoenix Coyotes react after being defeated by the Detroit Red Wings in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs a

Finished: Lost in First Round

Odds: 35/1

Trend: Plateaued

Phoenix has been resourceful and, under great coaching from Dave Tippett, made the playoffs in the last two years.

However, this team is in no position to spend and probably will be on the outside looking in next year.

This team probably should have gone back to Winnipeg last year and, if it wasn't for their new, hockey-only arena, would probably be the Jets right now.

Odds are, despite the investment in Jobing.com Arena and the many displaced hockey fans in Arizona, this team will be on the move next year.

21. St. Louis Blues

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 22: Kevin Shattenkirk #12 (C) of the St. Louis Blues celebrates with teammates Chris Stewart #25 and Andy McDonald #10 after Shattenkirk scored a first period goal against the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena o

Finished: 11th in Western Conference

Odds: 45/1

Trend: Upward

The Blues will have a busy offseason.

TJ Oshie and BJ Crombeen are RFAs this year and Chris Stewart and David Perron only have one year left before they become RFAs.

If they spend their money wisely and continue to develop players well, the Blues have a great chance of making an impact in the playoffs in the near future.

20. New Jersey Devils

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Andy Greene #6, Ilya Kovalchuk #17, and Anssi Salmela #29 of the New Jersey Devils celebrate Kovalchuk's goal at 9:18 of the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2011 in New York City. (P

Finished: 11th in Eastern Conference

Odds: 30/1

Trend: Hard to Tell

This team is talented, but overrated.

Jacques Lemaire will not be back next year and there's no telling if Zach Parise will stay.

Don't expect the Devils to be more than a bubble team next year.

19. Toronto Maple Leafs

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TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Colby Armstrong #9 and Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate Colby Armstrong goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during game action at the Air Canada Centre February 26, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Ph

Finished: 10th in Eastern Conference

Odds: 60/1

Trend: Upward

The Leafers are probably closer to a playoff spot than most people think.

The key in Toronto is two-fold:

1. Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf need to play to their capabilities.

2. They must be smart in the offseason.

They need to re-sign RFAs Tyler Bozak, Clarke MacArthur and Luke Shenn.

Their UFAs, for the most part, can walk.

Snagging solid free agents in the offseason and developing players will make the difference for what should be a bubble team next year.

18. Dallas Stars

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: Brenden Morrow #10 and Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars discuss a face off against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on April 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Finished: Ninth in Western Conference

Odds: 35/1

Trend: Upward

Dallas was ahead of the Pacific by a mile, but squandered their lead and finished the season playing golf while the rest of the division competed in the playoffs.

Jamie Benn, Stephane Robidas and Loui Eriksson are entering their prime and the Stars have solid leadership from Brenden Morrow.

However, Brad Richards appears to be on his way out.

Regardless of what happens to him, Dallas will have a shot to make the playoffs this season.

17. Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 15: (L-R) George Parros #16, Sheldon Brookbank #21 and Bobby Ryan #9 of the Anaheim Ducks congratulate each other following their teams victory over the Nashville Predators in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during th

Finished: Lost in First Round

Odds: 22/1

Trend: Upwards

People outside the OC are really hyped about this team after their strong showing late in the season (the people of Anaheim will wait until the team makes the playoffs to show up).

However, Teemu Selanne is getting older and the young core of Bobby Ryan, Cam Fowler and Co. need more depth (especially on defense) in order to go anywhere next year.

16. Colorado Avalanche

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 22: (R-L) Matt Duchene #9 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates his third period goal with teammate Mark Oliver #40 and Daniel Winnik #34 to tie the score 3-3 in the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pepsi Center on

Finished: 14th in Western Conference

Odds: 65/1

Trend: Upward

Eric Johnson wore out his welcome in St. Louis and was shipped out to Denver.

His arrival should be welcomed, as he should be a solid compliment to Matt Duchene, TJ Galiardi and Ryan O'Reilly in Colorado.

This team will be on the bubble and should make the playoffs this season.

15. Carolina Hurricanes

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes celelbrates with the bench after scoring against the Washington Capitalsduring the third period at the Verizon Center on March 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Im

Finished: Ninth in Eastern Conference

Odds: 35/1

Trend: Upward

The 'Canes and Rangers went down to the 11th hour before it was determined that the Blueshirts would be playing the Caps in the first round.

Next season, with youngsters Jeff Skinner and Jamie McBain and veteran Eric Staal leading the way, the Hurricanes should get back into the playoffs after a two-year hiatus.

14. New York Rangers

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PHILADELPHIA , PA - APRIL 23: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals consoles fellow countrymen Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers during the handshake following a 3-1 loose in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during

Finished: Lost in First Round

Odds: 35/1

Trend: Hard to Tell

I never thought I'd say this about a team from New York, but the Rangers may be a little underrated.

They've got a great goaltender in net (Lundqvist), a proven scorer (Gaborik, if he stays healthy) and a name-brand enforcer (Avery).

Marc Staal and Wojtek Wolski are also worth mentioning.

Assuming this team re-signs Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Brian Boyle and Mike Sauer to reasonable contracts and can woo Brad Richards to the Big Apple, this team should be in good shape next year.

13. Buffalo Sabres

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 22: Marc-Andre Gragnani #17 controls the puck in front of Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres against Philadelphia Flyers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fa

Finished: Lost in First Round

Odds: 25/1

Trend: Hard to Tell

With Buffalo, it's simple: If they spend in the offseason they'll take a step forward.

If they don't, they won't.

12. Montreal Canadiens

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MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 26: Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens steps out onto the ice during pre-game introductions before Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Bruins during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the

Finished: Lost in First Round

Odds: 22/1

Trend: Hard to Tell

Montreal must be a bully in the offseason and use their big-market, rabid fanbase to woo free agents their direction.

The team has a lot of money coming off the books and are only a few players away from being a late-seed defensive menace to a bona fide contender.

11. Detroit Red Wings

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SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 12: Henrik Zetterberg #40, Pavel Datsyuk #13, and Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings talk to each other before a face off against the San Jose Sharks in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stan

Finished: Lost in Second Round

Odds: 12/1

Trend: Downward

It is very rare that a team loses in the second round and seen as on the downward trend.

However, the Wings are aging and slowly coming back to earth.

This team is a playoff team for sure, but there's no telling how far they'll go next year.

10. Los Angeles Kings

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 25: Drew Doughty #8 speaks with Willie Mitchell #33 of the Los Angeles Kings in the first period of game six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the San Jose Sharks during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples C

Finished: Lost in First Round

Odds: 16/1

Trend: Upward

The Kings have many players entering their prime and should get past the first round next year.

Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar (assuming he stays healthy), Jack Johnson and Jonathan Quick are all going to play their best hockey over the next few years.

Doughty, Wayne Simmons, Alec Martinez and a few other RFAs must be compensated, but, for the most part, the Kings have spent well and should be competitive for years to come.

9. Nashville Predators

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - MAY 7: Joel Ward #29 celebrates with Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators after scoring a goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup

Finished: Lost in Second Round

Odds: 25/1

Trend: Upward

The Predators have all of Nashville watching them and should continue to set precedents in the coming years.

RFAs Cal O'Reilly, Sergei Kostitsyn and Shea Weber and UFA Joel Ward must be re-signed and the team will take a long look at UFA Steve Sullivan, but, as long as management is willing to spend, this team should repeat their success next year.

8. Chicago Blackhawks

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 26: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated by Marian Hossa #81 and Brent Seabrook #7 after scoring the game tying goal during the third period in Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during th

Finished: Lost in First Round

Odds: 15/1

Trend: Hard to Tell

The Blackhawks will not suffer the cap casualties they did last year.

There are no UFAs who are vital to re-sign and the team should come to terms with key RFAs Michael Frolik and Viktor Stalberg.

Odds are, this team will perform better in the regular season and snag a better seed next season.

7. Washington Capitals

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TAMPA, FL - MAY 04: Alex Ovechkin #8, Mike Knuble #22, and Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals skate against Dwayne Roloson #35 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playo

Finished: Lost in Second Round

Odds: 17/2

Trend: Underachieving

In the East it's Washington, in the West it's San Jose.

Both teams are talented enough to win the Cup, but both have come up short year-in and year-out.

Washington will be able to trim the fat with many older players as UFAs and make room for proven veterans or up-and-comers to make a mark with the team next year.

6. San Jose Sharks

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - MAY 18: Ryane Clowe #29 and Logan Couture #39 of the San Jose Sharks skate by the bench to celebrate Couture's first period power play goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the first period in Game Two of the Western Conference Final

Finished: Lost in Western Conference Finals

Odds: 9/1

Trend: Underacheiving

It's hard to call a team that's been to the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back years an underachiever, but the expectation in San Jose is that the team will win the Stanley Cup.

The team's core will stay in-tact.

The biggest questions for the team will be:

a) What to do with RFA Devin Setoguchi.

b) If Dany Heatley—$7.5 million over the next three years, the team's highest paid player—will perform to his potential.

5. Tampa Bay Lightning

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TAMPA, FL - MAY 25: Martin St. Louis #26 celebrates his third period goal with Steven Stamkos #91 and Mike Lundin #39 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Bruins during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playof

Finished: Lost in Eastern Conference Finals

Odds: 12/1

Trend: Upward

ESPN just listed the Lightning as the second-best sports franchise in America.

With a new GM, new uniforms next year and $35 million renovations to their arena, this team is certainly moving into a new era.

A Stanley Cup victory is not out of the question for St. Louis, Stamkos, Lecavalier and the Bolts next year.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 28: Evgeni Malkin #71 and Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins line up for a face-off against the Atlanta Thrashers at Consol Energy Center on December 28, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Penguins defeated the Thr

Finished: Lost in First Round

Odds: 9/1

Trend: Upward

It's amazing what this team did without Crosby and Malkin.

Adding them can only mean good things if they stay healthy.

3. Philadelphia Flyers

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: James van Riemsdyk #21 of the Philadelphia Flyers returns to the bench following his second period goal against the Boston Bruins in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the

Finished: Lost in Second Round

Odds: 9/1

Trend: Downward

The second-round sweep was tough to swallow in Philly.

However, this team should rebound and has a great mix of young and aged talent.

They'll be right back at it next year.

2. Boston Bruins

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 15: Head coach Claude Julien, Tim Thomas #30, Patrice Bergeron #37 and Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins pose with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Are

Finished: Won Stanley Cup

Odds: 8/1

Trend: Defending Champs

Fans in Boston are spoiled rotten.

All four teams have won recently now that the B's have the Cup in their hands.

This team could easily go back to defend their title.

1. Vancouver Canucks

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VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 10: Roberto Luongo #1, Alexander Edler #23 and Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrate after defeating the Boston Bruins by a score of 1-0 in Game Five of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Arena on June 10, 2011 in

Finished: Lost in Stanley Cup Finals

Odds: 5/1

Trend: Almost There

Vancouver is the favorite to go back next year.

However, right now the only thing taking more heat than the underside of a car in Vancouver is Roberto Luongo.

He'll remain with the team—the only scenario that could see him moving, is a swap with Tampa involving Vinny Lecavalier, and that's unlikely—and need to play top-notch hockey next season.