Legal sportsbooks around the country didn’t expect the Nashville Predators to win Lord Stanley’s Cup this year before the season began. By announcing the Peter Laviolette firing, Nashville moved even further from the distinction of favorite.
The discharge of Laviolette and associate head coach Kevin McCarthy is about more than just the current season for the Predators. Regulated U.S. sportsbooks are only interested in the current campaign, however.
The Predators’ odds before the Peter Laviolette firing
Early in the season, Nashville was part of a second-tier of Stanley Cup contenders at most legal sportsbooks around the country. Laviolette had impressive accomplishments like a President’s Cup and Stanley Cup Final appearance on his résumé.
Perhaps more importantly, the Predators tried to address the league-worst power play that plagued them in the 2018-19 season. They also moved to improve their second line scoring by acquiring center Matt Duchene.
Because of that, sportsbooks had cautious optimism about Nashville’s title hopes. The results since the season began proved that they were right to be cautious.
How the lines have moved on Nashville over the season
Through 41 games, Nashville has managed just 45 points. That is barely enough to keep them out of the bottom of the Central Division standings.
Because of that, the Predators have steadily slid down the rankings in terms of championship contenders. In turn, the lines on things like Nashville claiming its first Stanley Cup title have increased.
Firing Laviolette didn’t improve that standing either. As a matter of fact, the Predators’ title odds have slipped even further.
The morning after the announcement, DraftKings has Nashville at +2,000 to win the Stanley Cup this season. A dozen other NHL teams have shorter odds right now at that book.
In terms of winning the Western Conference, DraftKings currently lists the Predators at +800. Colorado, Dallas, Vegas, and St. Louis all have more favorable lines in that regard.
While no legal sportsbooks like DraftKings are yet operating in the Volunteer State, DraftKings does accept wagers in neighboring Mississippi. DraftKings is one of several books that may operate in Tennessee in the future as well.
Just as there is uncertainty about whether or not Nashville can salvage something out of this season, it’s unclear how quickly books like DraftKings may start accepting wagers in the Volunteer State.
What else is happening in Nashville right now?
The public comment period on the state’s draft regulations for legal sports betting is over. The Tennessee Sports Betting Council (TSBC) will now review them and work on finalizing regulations.
Once that’s done, sportsbooks will apply for licenses. From there, it’s a matter of approving those applications and the sportsbooks getting their apps/websites up to Tennessee’s code.
When the TSBC gives the green light, the fun will begin. Right now, however, there is no set timeline for launch day in the Volunteer State.
It’s possible that it could come in time for the 2019-20 NHL playoffs. Right now, it doesn’t look like the Predators will take part in that tournament. If they can right the ship in time to make that happen, it will defy the odds in multiple ways.
