Let's discuss Stanley Cup matchup odds (2011-2012 season)

I'm still researching a bit, be back soon to discuss what I like and get opinions from y'all.

These are Stanley Cup matchups only - not Cup winners.

Book:  5Dimes (listed odds are from there)

Pit vs Van   +2775

Wsh vs Van   +2900

Pit vs Det   +4125

Pit vs SJ    +4125

Wsh vs SJ   +4350

Pit vs Chi    +4600

Wsh vs Chi   +4850

Wsh vs LA    +5000

Buf vs Van    +6250

TB vs SJ     +7900

TB vs Chi    +8800

TB vs LA     +9100

Buf vs Det  &  Buf vs SJ     Both at   +9300

Buf vs Chi     +10300

The color scheme is represented as follows:

Bold Blue = A strong lean    

Bold Orange = An above average lean    

UnBold Black = A lean    

Each of these will be bet on, and each will be bet with the same wager amount.  I don't do a couple of futures and hope to hit.  I'm more of a "cover all the bases" type of guy when it comes to futures.  I know one will only hit (hopefully one that I posted here), and I bet accordingly to ensure that my one hit will cover all other lost picks and give me a resonable take back on top of the lost money.

Let the critiques, criticisms, and opinions flow.

I think Tampa has a nice shot.  There's gonna be a ton of pressure (and a huge spotlight) on Washington this year.  Tampa's definitely going to make the playoffs. 

I'm not sold on Philly at all - the transactions they made should mesh well with the remaining squad, but only time will tell.

I'm also not sold on Pitt - can Crosby and Malkin stay healthy?  They'll be a solid team as usual, and probably win the Atlantic, but advancing to the finals doesn't seem likely.

And then there's Vancouver.  I look at the Canucks like I look at the St. Louis Cardinals.  A great team in a very weak division - and that can be bad for them.  I think that they'll obviously make the playoffs, but then they'll run into legitimate competition - and hungry teams, scrappy teams.  Will Luongo have another breakdown before Vancouver has a chance to reach the finals?  Probably.