2013-14 NHL Predictions: Stanley Cup Odds, Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers

2013-14 NHL Predictions: Stanley Cup Odds, Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers: Unlike last season when a lockout delayed the start of the NHL season until January, the 2013-14 season will get going as scheduled on October 1. Of course, there were some other changes that occurred during the offseason, most notably the consolidation of the conferences into just two divisions each. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings actually jump from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference this season. On the ice, the Chicago Blackhawks will be trying to make it back-to-back titles this year after riding a record-setting start all the way to a championship in 2013, eventually beating the Boston Bruins in the finals. The Blackhawks and Bruins figure to be factors for a championship again in 2013-14, but there are several other teams poised to challenge for the Stanley Cup. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the top teams in the NHL heading into the upcoming season.

The Favorites

The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks posted an incredible 36-7-5 record en route to the title last season, and with the core of the team made up of young players, back-to-back titles isn’t out of the question. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews lead the offense, and Duncan Keith leads an excellent defense in front of goalie Corey Crawford. After scoring the second-most goals and allowing the fewest goals in the NHL last year, it’s tough to find a weakness with the Blackhawks.

After losing in the Stanley Cup Finals last year, the Boston Bruins spent the offseason bolstering an offense that was inconsistent at times last season. They added wings Loui Eriksson and Jarome Iginla to a unit that already features stalwarts like David Krejci and Patrice Pergeron. Meanwhile, the defense should remain one of the best in the league with defenseman Zdeno Chara patrolling the blue line and Tuukka Rask protecting the pipes. Boston allowed the third-fewest goals in the league a year ago, and the upgraded offense could get the Bruins over the hump.

In terms of star power, few teams can compete with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In fact, they might have the two best scorers in the game in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The duo led an offense that scored the most goals in the NHL last year, and the Penguins posted the best record in the Eastern Conference and reached the conference finals in the playoffs. With wings James Neal and Chris Kunitz and skilled defenseman Kris Letang also among the returnees, Pittsburgh should be a scoring juggernaut once again. Ultimately, consistent play from goalie from Marc-Andre Fleury will be needed for the Penguins to win it all, but their offense alone makes them dangerous.

The Dark Horses

It may not be the prettiest brand of hockey, but the St. Louis Blues suffocating defense gives them a chance against any opponent. Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott form one of the league’s best tandems in net, and Alex Pietrangelo, Jay Bouwmeester and Kevin Shattenkirk are among the stars on the blue line. The offense could be better, but David Backes and T.J. Oshie are part of a solid top line, and second-year player Vladimir Tarasenko has star potential the offensive end. If the Blues’ offense can improve just a bit, their defense will do the rest.

Hockey is a team sport but the Los Angeles Kings have the ultimate X-factor in goalie Jonathan Quick. One year after leading his team to the Stanley Cup, Quick helped the Kings reach the conference finals before falling to eventual champion Chicago. Of course, the offense isn’t without its own weapons, and while Los Angeles doesn’t score a ton of goals, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter are among the veterans that have a knack for scoring timely goals. Meanwhile, center Anze Kopitar has star potential. If Quick gets hot at the right time, the Kings could hoist the Cup for the second time in three seasons.

The Sleepers

Not much was expected out of the Anaheim Ducks last year, and all they did was finish with the second-best record in the Western Conference. More importantly, this year’s group returns all its main weapons and then some. In particular, the offseason addition of Dustin Penner to a top line that already featured center Ryan Getzlaf and explosive scorer Corey Perry on the wing should bolster the Ducks’ scoring attack. Meanwhile, the emergence of Viktor Fasth lasr year as a strong backup to starting goalie Jonas Hiller gives Anaheim a dynamic duo in net. With so many pieces back, a repeat of last year’s success isn’t out of the question.

After being terrible two years ago, the Montreal Canadiens bounced back by winning their division and scoring the second-most points in the Eastern Conference last season. A big reason for the turnaround was having a healthy roster, and Montreal is currently at full strength heading into the start of the year. Defensemen P.K. Subban and Andre Markov might form the best two-way tandem in the NHL. Meanwhile, the offseason addition of wing Daniel Briere to the top line should give the Canadiens a little more firepower. Goalie Carey Price can run hot and cold, but if he can provide steady play in net, Montreal has the balance to contend for a title.

Get expert NHL picks, tips and predictions daily from World Champion Handicapper Sonny LaFouchi(aka The LEGEND) only on NSAwins.com! Plus check out daily vegas odds to win the 2013 Stanley Cup!