2010 Stanley Cup Champion Predictions and Favorites

The 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to begin. It's a long journey, filled with scraggly playoff beards, intense grudge matches and lots of nail biting, overtime hockey. With the quest for the Cup underway, let's take a quick look at which teams have the best chance to come away as the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions.

2010 Stanley Cup Favorites - Eastern Conference

Washington Capitals; Odds: 3 - 1

Owners of the best record in the league, the Washington Capitals are a solid favorite to emerge from the Eastern Conference. They have the most dynamic player in the league in Alex Ovechkin, and he has a stronger supporting cast than ever before including the usual suspects, Alexander Semin, Mike Green and Co. The inevitable showdown with the Penguins is the hump they have to get over.

Pittsburgh Penguins; Odds: 4 - 1

The number 4 seed has to be ignored with the Penguins. They are the defending Stanley Cup Champions, and any game that Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin tie up their laces for is a game they can win. Washington has had their number during the regular season, but it's the Penguins that always find a way to advance in May and June. Two Stanley Cups and a Gold medal for Sid the Kid in 12 months... why not?

New Jersey Devils; Odds: 6 - 1

The Devils, yes the Devils, have two of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the game right now with USA Olympic hockey team standout Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk. It doesn't hurt when you have one of best goaltenders of all-time on your side either, with Martin Brodeur. Another ho-hum season for him, 76 games started, 45 wins, 2.24 GAA and 9 shutouts.

2010 Stanley Cup Favorites - Western Conference

Chicago Blackhawks; Odds: 4 - 1

The Blackhawks are the number 2 seed in the Western Conference, and are looking to parlay their somewhat surprising deep run in the postseason last year into Stanley Cup glory this year. Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith are not only the best young hockey core this side of Pittsburgh, they are also all coming off strong showings in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Detroit Red Wings; Odds: 6 - 1

Talk about a team you don't want to face. The Red Wings climbed and battled their way into the number 5 slot. They have gone on a 16-5 tear since the beginning of March, when the NHL returned from the Olympic hiatus. A little Gold medal magic from coach Mike Babcock perhaps? Either way, don't count out the perennial contenders now.

San Jose Sharks; Odds: 8 - 1

Only with the San Jose Sharks can a number 1 seed and a season with 113 points be a bad thing. The Sharks have been notorious over the past few years for great regular seasons and brutal, early flameouts in the postseason. So why should this season be any different? Over the last four years they have been second, second, first and first in the Western Conference playoffs seeding. They didn't even make it to the Conference Finals once.