TAMPA, Fla. — The NHL has handed out the Presidents’ Trophy each year since 1985-1986 to the team who finishes the regular season with the most points in the standing.
The Lightning finished the regular season with a 62-16-4 record for a total of 128 points. Their 62 victories tied the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings’ NHL record for most wins in a single regular season.
Some have the belief that the President’s Trophy carries a curse -- the team that wins this trophy does not go on to win the Stanley Cup.
The past five Presidents’ Trophy winners have failed to win the Stanley Cup that same season. The 2012-2013 Chicago Blackhawks were the last team to win the Stanley Cup after winning the Presidents' Trophy.
Only eight of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning teams have won the Stanley Cup. Three other teams have gone on to the Stanley Cup Finals but failed to win the title. Click or tap here to see how Presidents’ Trophy-winning teams have fared in the playoffs.
However, Oddshark lists the Lightning as the overwhelming favorites to win the Stanley Cup this year at +200. It means a better would have to wager $100 to earn a $200 profit (payout of $300 total) if the Lightning win the Stanley Cup.
The Lightning host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night at Amalie Arena in Game 1 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
2019 Stanley Cup odds before the start of the playoffs, according to Oddshark
Not sure what these numbers mean? Click or tap here for a betting calculator
Lightning +200
Calgary Flames +900
Boston Bruins +1,000
Nashville Predators +1,200
St. Louis Blues +1,200
Vegas Golden Knights +1,200
Washington Capitals +1,200
Pittsburgh Penguins +1,400
San Jose Sharks +1,400
Winnipeg Jets +1,600
Toronto Maple Leafs +1,800
New York Islanders +2,000
Carolina Hurricanes +2,500
Colorado Avalanche +3,300
Columbus Blue Jackets +3,300
Dallas Stars +3,300
More Lightning coverage:
Lightning vs. Blue Jackets: What you need to know ahead of Game 1
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Mark Bergin is a journalist with 10News WTSP. Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter and Instagram. You can also email him at mbergin@wtsp.com.
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