Here’s another that’ll test how you feel about odds-makers.
The Washington Capitals were nearly as dominant all season as the Jets, yet they find themselves sharing the eighth spot when it comes to Cup favorites.
Lest anyone forget, the Capitals were the first team to clinch a division title and ended the season with a double-digit lead over second-place Carolina. They were five points clear of any other team in the East and, like Winnipeg, were top 10 in both offense (second, 3.51 goals per game) and defense (ninth, 2,77).
Though admittedly working with a cushion, Washington was a far-closer-to-the-pack 7-6-1 after St. Patrick’s Day, and goaltender Logan Thompson, though he established a career high with 31 wins, has all of four career starts in the playoffs.
He’s hurt, too, and hasn’t played since April 2, leaving an equally unproven Charlie Lindgren, with zero wins in four playoff starts, to shoulder the load until he’s back.
Could Alex Ovechkin and Co. still find the mojo needed for a second parade in seven years? Sure. But if you’re as confident in them as in some others, you’re in the minority.