Eastern Conference Betting Odds

The Boston Bruins may be big favorites to capture the Eastern Conference again this season, but they'll get plenty of fight from the likes of the Rangers, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington.

The Bruins are currently the favorites on the Eastern Conference futures at 5Dimes at +275. Heading into the All-Star break the Bruins are second in the East with 64 points. They entered the break on a bit of a slump (at least for them) with a 3-4 record in their last seven games, but that's likely just a blip over a long season. Boston still has the highest scoring team in the league, a monstrous defense led by Zdeno Chara and a Vezina winning goalie in Tim Thomas.

While Boston is the best offense in the league right now the best defense (statistically anyway) is the New York Rangers. The Rangers have allowed the fewest goals in the league so far this season and they also lead the East with 66 points. With Henrik Lundqvist in nets the Rangers will be dangerous against anyone in a seven-game series. Right now at 5Dimes the Rangers are listed at +450, along with Pittsburgh.

The Penguins are a tough call for bettors right now. Even with Sidney Crosby out the Penguins have remained in the playoff picture in the East thanks to an amazing season by Evgeni Malkin. If Crosby returns in time for the playoffs the Penguins will be extremely tough to beat. That's a big if right now though since Crosby has hardly taken to the ice in more than a month.

According the the oddsmakers at 5Dimes the other contenders in the East are Philadelphia at +500 and Washington at +750.

The Flyers trail only Boston in goals scored so far this season. However, as usual in Philly their goal tending remains an issue. The signing of Ilya Bryzgalov was supposed to change that, but due to his difficulties on and off the ice that remains a work in progress. The injury bug has also hit the Flyers hard with Chris Pronger, Danny Briere and James Van Riemsdyk all battling concussions.

Washington has seen a lot of ups and down so far this season. After a disappointing start Bruce Boudreau was axed and replaced by Dale Hunter. So far Hunter's coaching career has been medicore. A resurgence by Alex Ovechkin might help change that. Washington still has a ton of firepower and has to be taken seriously in the postseason.

5Dimes Eastern Conference futures

• Boston +275
• NY Rangers +450
• Pittsburgh +450
• Philadelphia +500
• Washington +750
• New Jersey +1800
• Florida +2400
• Ottawa +2400
• Toronto +2400
• Winnipeg +3300
• Montreal +3500
• Tampa Bay +4000
• Buffalo +4000
• NY Islanders +10000
• Carolina +10000