Betting tips / Paul Bugeja / 21 May 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Although Betfair punters are backing LA to go all the way and take out the National Hockey League Stanley Cup, New York or New Jersey might have other ideas...

We're used to teams from colder climes - the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks - winning the Stanley Cup, but the Los Angeles Kings are 2.00 Betfair favourites to take the title in 2012.

The Kings have been in cracking form this play-off season, beating Vancouver 4-1 in round one then overcoming St Louis 4-0 in round two. That means that they have won nine of their ten playoff outings in 2012. No wonder punters reckon they can go all the way.

Over in the East, the final round playoff is finely balanced with New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers tied at 1-1. The Rangers won the first game but the Devils bounced back with a 3-2 victory on Wednesday thanks to David Clarkson's third period goal. The right winger has a habit of scoring important strikes, having slammed in three match winners this play off season.

Betfair punters make the Rangers slight favourites to reach the Stanley Cup.

New York have a home matches Monday before they travel over the bridge for what could be a series decider on Wednesday.

A tight series is expected with 4-2 and 4-3 - in either side's favour - the most heavily backed correct scores.