Tampa Bay are underdogs to complete a hat-trick of NHL title triumphs in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final odds, with Colorado firm favourites.
The Avalanche will have home advantage in up to four matches and are 2.55 for the best-of-seven series.
Colorado have enjoyed the smoother ride during the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, losing only a couple of games in three rounds.
The Western Conference top seeds whitewashed Nashville and Edmonton either side of a 4-2 victory over St Louis.
Having reached their first title decider since 2001, the Avs are happy to be taking on the two-time defending champions.
“They’re back where they are for a reason, it’s a very difficult team to win against,” commented Colorado head coach Jared Bednar.
“The way I look at it is, if you want to be the best, you’ve got to expect to be able to beat the best. That’s them.
“We’re ready for the challenge. It’s going to be a long, hard-fought series. Two great teams going at it. We’re confident in what we do.”
The Avalanche are 5.0 to shade the series 4-3.
Lightning to strike thrice?
Tampa Bay were taken all the way to the wire when edging out Toronto 4-3 but then crushed President’s Trophy winners Florida 4-0.
In the Eastern Conference Final, the Lightning trailed the New York Rangers 2-0 but rallied to claim the next four fixtures.
Andrei Vasilevskiy has been awesome between the posts and skipper Steven Stamkos has led from the front for the Bolts.
“You’ve got to look at the players,” said head coach Jon Cooper. “I sit back and I’m just impressed. I’m impressed by them. It’s impressive what they’ve done.
“To watch their growth, watch the pain, I’m utterly impressed by what they do to win a hockey game.
“To come back and go for a third, I’m impressed. It’s probably not the greatest word to use, but I’m damn impressed by this group.”
Punters can get 7.5 for a 4-3 thriller.
In the betting on how many games will be played, it is 3.0 for seven.
Other 2022 Stanley Cup Final odds are 3.6 for none of the matches to go to overtime.
As for the Conn Smythe Trophy betting, Colorado defenceman Cale Makar is favourite at 5.0.
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