NHL betting fans know that the Eastern Conference has been regarded as the weaker half of the NHL for several years, and that is unlikely to change during the 2008-09 online NHL season.
Nevertheless, there are numerous Stanley Cup contenders in the East, with the most obvious one being the Pittsburgh Penguins, who reached Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals last NHL season. NHL analysts also have high expectations for the Canadiens and the Capitals, either of which may represent the East in the Stanley Cup this year.