What Patrick Kane to the Rangers Means for Stanley Cup Odds
The New York Rangers finally got their man on Tuesday with the acquisition of Patrick Kane. Kane is a right-winger who helped lead the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, and 2015).
He amassed 1,225 points in 1,161 games which included 446 goals. This season, Kane has 16 goals and 45 points in 53 games.
Some debate centered around Kane and a bothersome hip injury that surfaced sometime last year. One thing is clear. Kane is not getting any faster. However, the winger can still score with the best of them. Kane fired in seven goals and 10 points during the final four games of his Chicago career.
What does this do for NHL betting?
What Patrick Kane Means To The New York Rangers
First, Patrick Kane gives New York another scoring and playmaking threat on their power play. This special teams unit was already top-five caliber in the NHL. Now, it might belong in the top two or three. Kane opens up more combination possibilities and keeps penalty kills honest. Teams cannot key on a Chris Kreider stuff attempt or a Mika Zibanejad one-timer.
This increases the offensive potential for a Rangers team that slipped from last season’s pace. Their 201 goals is 11th in the league. This time last year, they ranked fifth. At even strength, the Rangers shoot only 8.1%, around the league average of 7.9%. Kane will help with 5-on-5, and then there is a but.
It has been six years since Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane terrorized defenses as members of the Chicago Blackhawks. Now, the problem for Kane is speed but, more importantly, acceleration. This will be downplayed, but the Rangers are more vulnerable defensively than they were a couple of weeks ago.
Again, this is more about trading scoring chances for positive results. Risk is plenty here, but so is the reward. If Igor Shesterkin does not regain his form, Kane and his new teammates must score many goals.
The Inevitable Betting Standpoint
Now, there are a few questions. First, when examining the futures betting, Igor Shesterkin is likely out of the Vezina running, barring a miraculous run over the final 20+ games of the regular season. Kane has already shortened the Rangers’ Stanley Cup numbers. That came down to +1000 in a few places (DraftKings) to +1200 in others (Barstool).
So, the number was near +2000 just after Valentine’s Day. It will be intriguing to see where the odds end up here. The problem is with six Eastern Conference teams at +1200 or shorter, room for movement is now marginal. A conference wager comes in around +600 to +700. For example, BetMGM lies at +650. That may be easier to stomach.
With Kane ending up in New York, BetMGM has a unique “Original Six Boost” at +230. If any of those six teams win the Stanley Cup, you win. Some might even toss a few dollars on the Rangers winning the Metropolitan Division (+2000 to +2500). This one may lower in the next several days to a week.
It was terrific to see Kane to the New York Rangers come in at +766 just after the Vladimir Tarasenko trade. The thought process was Chris Drury and New York could not swing such a deal. Consider that Kane wanted New York or bust; where there is a will, there is a way.
Kane wound up in New York with considerable wrangling and creativity.
Updated Kane Trade
TO #NYR
Patrick Kane (RW)
Cooper Zech (LHD)
TO #Blackhawks
23' 2nd Rd Pick *
25' 4th Rd Pick
Vili Saarijärvi (RHD)
Andy Welinski (RHD)
TO #Yotes
25' 3rd Round Pick *
Conditional
CHI retains 50% on Kane
ARI retains 25% on Kane
That answer will come in about seven weeks when New York begins their Stanley Cup playoff run. Let the games continue, and enjoy the showtime.
Be first to get our exclusive offers!
Join today to stay up to date on your states gambling news and offers.