Bruins Stanley Cup Odds Now +525 After Reaching Quarterfinals

• The Boston Bruins Stanley Cup odds have shortened from +800 (before Round 1) to +525
• The Bruins will be without goaltender Tuukka Rask the rest of the way
• Is there value betting the Bruins at this point?

When the Boston Bruins returned to the bubble and didn’t win any of their round-robin games, their Stanley Cup odds dipped to +800. Now that they’ve rather easily taken care of the Carolina Hurricanes, their Stanley Cup odds have shortened to +525. Are they worth a play now that they’re looking like the Bruins of old?

2020 Stanley Cup Odds

Odds as of Aug. 20, 2020

Bruins Roast Hurricanes After Shaky Round Robin

The Bruins entered the bubble as the only team in the NHL to reach the 100-point mark. They were on course to not only be the top seed in the Eastern Conference but also were in great shape to win the Presidents’ Trophy (which they technically still did).

However, when they returned to action, it was a bit surprising to see them lose all three of their games, scoring a total of just four goals in those contests. As a result, they fell to the No. 4 seed in the conference.

One series down.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/nP4R2LyA7V

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 19, 2020

That may have been a good thing, though, as the Bruins woke up against the Hurricanes. It took a Game 2 loss to really light the fire but in the last three games, we mostly saw the pre-hiatus Bruins, who really took control.

Loss of Rask a Big Concern Moving Forward

The Bruins were able to skate by the Hurricanes in four games but it’s important to note that they rarely have problems with that team. They beat them in five games in this series, swept them in the Conference Finals last season, and won six of the last seven regular-season meetings. Overall, they’ve won 14 of the last 16 meetings. They own this team.

However, Boston is going to face stiffer competition moving forward. It’s not that Carolina is bad but that’s a great matchup for them. Facing someone like the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning or Philadelphia Flyers might require more out of them.

https://twitter.com/MulletsVoxDB/status/1294645768071110662

That’s why it’s a little bit concerning that they lost Tuukka Rask. He opted out midway through the Carolina series and they’ll miss him. Jaroslav Halak is one of the better backups in the NHL is can play at a starter’s level. However, when you compare the numbers, you can clearly see he’s a step-down.

On the year, Rask was 26-8-6 with a 2.12 GAA and a .929 save percentage. As for Halak, he was 18-6-6 but his GAA was at 2.39 and his save percentage was at .919. To put that in perspective, Rask led the league in GAA and was second in save percentage. Halak was sixth and 12th in both categories, so that’s a step back.

What’s the Best Bet?

For me, the best time to bet the Bruins was before the first round when they dipped to +800. At that point, you were getting value with the team that was the best in the NHL throughout the regular season. At this point, you’re now betting them at a shorter price without their top goaltender.

Good morning, B's fans.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/Trr2Ydk4Gg

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 20, 2020

While I do think the Bruins are a contender, I’m not up for betting them here. I’d be more inclined to take a shot with Tampa Bay at +450, who has looked strong and has done so without the help of star Steven Stamkos, who might return in the near future.