Despite entering the All-Star break with a Western Conference-leading 70 points, the Blackhawks aren’t favored to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
Sportsbook Bovada released its updated Stanley Cup odds Tuesday and put Chicago’s chances at claiming its fourth title in seven seasons at 5-1, slightly behind favorite Washington at 4-1.
Washington’s 74 points lead the NHL, though gamblers might hesitate before placing a bet on the Capitals, who haven’t advanced past the conference semifinals since 1998.
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Chicago has the best odds in the Western Conference, followed by the Kings (+750), Stars (+1100) and Blues (+1600).
Tampa Bay ranks second in the East at +1400.
Back in October, Chicago topped Bovada’s final preseason rankings as a 13-2 favorite. Washington began the regular season as an 18-1 longshot.
The Blackhawks return to action tonight in Colorado, where they’ll be without captain Jonathan Toews. Toews was suspended one game by the NHL for pulling out of NHL All-Star weekend.