The onset of 2022, Stanley Cup Final is a profound contrast. The Tampa Bay Lightning are the grizzled and proven champion. Tampa Bay is not as fast or skilled as it used to be. But the Lightning is still quite good and possesses the intangible factor of having the heart of a champion. Colorado is all speed and skill. But they are yet to beat the NHL betting odds for a Stanley Cup. For the past several years, gamblers have seen the Avalanche coming. Fashion that the Avalanche were Stanley Cup favorites last year.
2022 Stanley Cup Final Colorado Avalanche vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
| Date and Time: | Series Opens Wednesday, June 15, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado, and Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN+ |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | +1½ (-200) | 6 (-110) | +140 |  |
| Lightning | -1½ (+170) | 6 (-110) | -160 | |
| ||||
SBG Odds Analysis – Avalanche of Colorado Cash
On this occasion, the Avalanche have opened as strong online betting favorites to win the 2022 Stanley Cup Final. In reaction, there is a lot of surprise amongst gamblers at the relatively high Colorado price. Cause of the Lightning being 2-time defending Stanley Cup champions. Tampa Bay is an inviting underdog. But some gamblers see the price as too good to be true.
Colorado has enhanced its reputation with gamblers for its dominant playoff performance. In contrast, Tampa Bay was pronounced dead against the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers, only to prevail.
Gamblers are split on the merits of each team relative to price. Everyone agrees the Avalanche has more speed and skill. But there is just as much agreement about the Lightning being mentally tough and resilient.
2022 Stanley Cup Final – The Coaches
Namely, Jared Bednar of the Avalanche was virtually unknown when he took over. After a terrible first season, it was assumed Bednar would be fired. Instead, Colorado admitted that he had nothing to work with. The Avalanche kept building its roster at a rapid rate. And Bednar started to win big. Of course, there have been crushing playoff disappointments the past two years. But Colorado continues to get better.
When he was hired, Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper was touted as one of the great young minds of hockey ten years ago. Cooper is a new breed of coach that communicates well with his players. Tampa Bay is in its fourth Stanley Cup Final with two NHL betting wins. So far in the playoffs, Cooper and his team have shown the ability to come back. Their resilience and grit are something that doesn’t show in the numbers.
2022 Stanley Cup Final – Key Players
Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon is a proven dominant center. To show, MacKinnon has 11 goals and seven assists in the playoffs. Defenseman Cale Makar is the best at his position. Makar has five goals and 17 assists in the postseason. By contrast, the Lightning has strong depth. Center Steven Stamkos has nine goals as the weathered veteran. And defenseman Victor Hedman is a rock. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is the best in the NHL.
2022 Stanley Cup Final SBG Free Pick
Colorado is well-rested, younger, faster, and more skilled in this situation. Tampa Bay won’t make it easy, but they are still up against their toughest opponent.
SBG Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche.