"Armor Wars": Hockey Lovers

With Marvel Studios' live-action “Armor Wars” based on the Marvel Comics title, now being targeted for a wide theatrical release, hockey lovers are gearing up for a real-life armor wars as the 'Stanley Cup, the oldest trophy that’s competed for by professional athletes in North America, donated by Sir Fredrick Stanley in 1892, will see fierce hockey competition, as fans wager on who will be the victors in 2023:

An insiders view of Stanley Cup winners

Of course, NHL lines will always have an impact on the outcome of a game, and player selection is key, but that doesn't get away from the fact that some teams are clearly more superior to others. 

In a recent interview, 'Hall of Fame' inductee Brett Hull has given his views on who the eventual winners will be. He's clear that Boston will have what it takes in the East, but is less confident about who will be victorious in the West. His conclusion? "I'm gonna' lean on Dallas to make it to the Finals, and we’ll have a Boston-Dallas Finals”. 

That’s the views of an expert, but what do those wagering have to say? Let’s take a look at where the smart money is going. 

Boston Bruins 

It seems that fans agree with Hull when it comes to how Boston is set to perform. This team is currently the +390 favorite to go on and be victorious in the Stanley Cup 2023. We've already mentioned how lines and the overall strength of a squad matter, and at Boston, the team is graced with Charlie McAvoy, David Padstrnak and star goalie, Linus Ullmark. The current team means that Boston should have no problems with being crowned, but you can never write off an upset. 

Colorado Avalanche 

Colorado Avalanche is currently sitting second when it comes to where money is being wagered. Having taken the cup last year, it makes sense that they would feature highly again in 2023. The problem that the team has faced though is that it’s been ravaged by injuries. With the likes of Nathan MacKinnon featuring, the team certainly can’t be written off but there’s no escaping the fact that injuries will play a role. 

Edmonton Oilers 

The last of the top three favorites for the Stanley Cup in 2023, Edmonton has long been a team to be reckoned with. What really goes in the Oilers' favour is that, in the form of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they have two leading NHL goal scorers. 

Whether that's enough to see them win is yet to be seen, but you can be sure that they will, as ever, be strong contenders in the battle to take the big prize.

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