Trent Reinsmith
The Colorado Avalanche, despite sitting in third place in the Central Division and holding down the fifth spot in the NHL’s Western Conference, are the favorite to represent the West when it comes time for the 2021-22 Stanley Cup Final.
The Avalanche were the pre-season favorites and remain at the top of the list because of the team’s ability to score. However, the Vegas Golden Knights, who are the No. 1 team in the Western Conference, are hot on the Avalanche’s trail according to the oddsmakers.
Before we dig into the NHL’s Western Conference, let’s look at the Stanley Cup betting tips and picks. Also, be sure to check out our NHL betting tips page for tips and advice on how to wager on hockey.
2022 NHL Western Conference Futures Odds
| Team |  |  |  |  |
| Colorado Avalanche | +225 | +250 | +225 | +181 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +250 | +375 | +250 | +260 |
| Calgary Flames | +900 | +1000 | +900 | +1050 |
| Minnesota Wild | +900 | +800 | +900 | +670 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +1200 | +1000 | +1200 | +1275 |
| St Louis Blues | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 | +910 |
| Nashville Predators | +1600 | +1800 | +1600 | +1400 |
| Dallas Stars | +1800 | +1600 | +1800 | +1600 |
| Anaheim Ducks | +2500 | +2800 | +2500 | +1675 |
| Winnipeg Jets | +2500 | +2000 | +2500 | +1700 |
| Los Angeles Kings | +4000 | +5000 | +4000 | +3500 |
| San Jose Sharks | +4000 | +4000 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Vancouver Canucks | +4000 | +3300 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +12500 | +12500 | +12500 | +15000 |
| Seattle Kraken | +25000 | +20000 | +25000 | +17000 |
| Arizona Coyotes | +75000 | +50000 | +75000 | +150000 |
Avalanche offense leads the NHL
The Colorado Avalanche are not the No. 1 team in the Western Conference right now. They aren’t even the No. 1 team in their division. In fact, the Avalanche are the No. 3 team in the Central Division where they trail the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators. Despite their place in the standings, the Avalanche are the favorite to win the NHL’s Western Conference in 2021-22.
UN FREAKING REAL
IT’S CALE MAKARRRRRR#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/AwmBwox5OV
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 5, 2022
One reason the Avalanche might be the favorites to represent the West is the fact that the team is averaging 4.30 goals per game, which is nearly .5 goals per game more than the second highest scoring team in the league, the Florida Panthers.
Golden Knights are close
The Vegas Golden Knights had a rough start to the 2021-22 NHL season. The team opened the campaign on a 1-4 run, but they were able to right the ship with four straight wins after the first five games. Now 23-13-1, Vegas is the No. 1 team in the Western Conference and the highest scoring team in the NHL with 134 goals on the season.
What makes the Knights run impressive is that injuries and COVID-19 had the team suiting up 33 different players over the first two months of the 2021-22 NHL season.
❄️ ICE VISION ❄️ pic.twitter.com/Dslo9D9g7X
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) January 7, 2022
One thing to watch in Vegas, besides the health of the team, is what moves the club makes to fit Jack Eichel’s contract under the salary cap. Of course, Eichel’s play will also be something to watch as the team is expecting the former Buffalo Sabre to contribute in a big way in the second half of the 2021-22 NHL season.
Keep an eye on the Blues
The St. Louis Blues have the third highest goals per game average in the Western Conference at 3.49 and the second best power play in the West. The Blues PP is connecting at 29.6 percent the team trails only the Edmonton Oilers, who are at 30.2 percent, in PP effectiveness.
BUUUUUUUUUUUCH#stlblues | @jagermeisterusa pic.twitter.com/7ugIgOzpAU
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) January 8, 2022
The problem with the Blues is that their defensive game needs improvement. If the Blues can shore up their defense through trade or internally, they could be a team to watch when playoff time rolls around.
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