When the NHL returns later this July, many will be wondering how much rosters have changed.
If a player opts to not return this season thanks to the on-going pandemic, that could greatly affect odds and a team’s ability to win a series.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 2nd, 6:00 P.M. (EST)
Online bookmaker 18Bet has the Penguins at -213 on the Money Line.
We’ve already seen Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews test positive for COVID-19 and other NHLers have also tested positive.
No NHL player has opted out of returning to action, but it seems inevitable. Many believe that once the first player announces he will not return, others will follow suit.
This is huge for a series like the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. the Montreal Canadiens. While the Penguins are easily the favorites in this matchup, if high-profile players like Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby decide they will sit this one out, then that could dramatically alter odds.
Focusing on this series, the Penguins finished with 9 more wins than Montreal in the regular season. However, thanks to the expansion of the playoffs this season, the Canadiens will have a chance at winning the Stanley Cup.
During the regular season, Montreal finished with a 1-1-1 record against Pittsburgh. While those stats would have Pittsburgh up 2-1 in a best-of-7 series, nothing is given in the NHL. The teams had no other games scheduled for the regular season before play was stopped in March.
Carey Price was vocal about the potential hazards in returning to play. It will be interesting to see if any star of either team sits out when play returns. If Price sits out for Montreal, the Habs will be dealt a huge blow.
The domino will fall soon in regards to players opting out. You can only hope your team doesn’t see top stars sit out when action resumes.
