2017 NHL: Stanley Cup Finals Betting Tips

2017 Stanley Cup Finals
Nashville Predators vs Pittsburgh Penguins 
Series Starts: Tuesday 30th May 10.00am AEST 
Fox Sports 3HD

2017 Stanley Cup Finals Betting Tips

After six weeks of postseason Hockey, the two Stanley Cup finalist’s have been decided. Eighth seed in the West the Nashville Predators will take on last years Stanley Cup winner the Pittsburgh Penguins. Game one of the best of seven will begin this Tuesday 30th May in Pittsburgh.

It doesn't happen often but anytime the eighth seed advances to the Stanley Cup final it's a huge surprise. The Nashville Predators will be hoping they can do what the LA Kings achieved in 2012, by going all the way and bringing the Cup home to Nashville. The Kings are the only team in the past 45 years to achieve this milestone as the beat the Devils in four.

Nashville haven't put a foot wrong during the postseason, as they easily made their way past the Blackhawks in a one sided affair, as Chicago only managing three goals past Rinne in that series. Round two against the Blues was a different result with all six games decided by two goals or less. The defence once again stood up on both ends which was to strong for the St Louis Blues. Nashville finally clinched their first Stanley Cup berth in franchise history with a series win over the Anaheim Ducks.

Nashville’s defense plays a key role in their success, not just at one end but both ends of the ice. The defense is led by P.K Subban and Roman Josi who have provided help at both ends of the ice. Josi had five points in the Anaheim series and Subban provided the overtime goal in game four. The Predators defense strangles opposition’s offense with pressure in the neutral zone and numerous blocked shots to help Pekka Rinne in front of the net. The Predators haven't had any issue with scoring goals but coming into this series they will be without Ryan Johansen who will miss the remainder of the year with a thigh injury. Johansen played a pinnacle part in early success in the post season registering 13 points in 14 games.

If Nashville take the Stanley Cup it will be their franchises first, and the first team that finished 16th to take the cup.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are competing in their second Stanley Cup in consecutive years, and also could make history with being the first team to go back to back since the salary cap was introduced. It's no doubt Pittsburgh have a stronger offense, led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. The Penguins do a great job of keeping the puck in the zone, and have unbelievable passing and puck control.

Pittsburgh just keep on showing up and grinding their way to victory. The last two series have gone the distance with the Penguins continuing their winning postseason record over the Caps and then stripping Ottawa of a Stanley Cup appearance. They have also welcomed back goalie Matt Murray in game three of the Ottawa series. Marc Andre Fleury was taken out in game three after the Senators put six goals past him in game two. Pittsburgh have had their fair share of injuries and will be pushing to get veteran Patric Hornqvist back for this series as they have already suffered with Kris Letang missing the whole postseason.

In this marquee matchup will we see Sidney Crosby going back-to-back? Or will PK Subban make history with the Preds in his first season in Nashville?

TIP: Nashville Predators to win series - $2.18 at Sportsbet