Lightning early 6-1 favourite for 2020 Stanley Cup

President's Trophy-winning Tampa Bay is the favourite to win the Stanley Cup next season, with the Lightning opening Thursday at 6-1 at Caesars and Westgate sportsbooks. Bounced from the 2019 postseason in a first-round stunner, the Lightning had the NHL's best regular-season record. Ottawa, which finished last with 64 points this season, has the lowest odds at both books (300-1).

A surprise Stanley Cup winner, St. Louis is listed at 14-1 at Westgate. The Blues had the worst record in the NHL as of Jan. 1, but a dramatic turnaround -- 30 wins in 49 games -- ended Wednesday night with the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup. Runner-up Boston is 7-1 with the Bruins in a grouping that includes Toronto and the Vegas Golden Knights.

At 10-1, the Colorado Avalanche are fifth at Westgate; San Jose is 14-1.