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Presidents' Trophy curse: Can the Lightning reverse the trend?

The 2012-2013 Chicago Blackhawks were the last Presidents' Trophy-winning team to win the Stanley Cup.
Credit: Michael Dwyer, AP
Tampa Bay Lightning's Cameron Gaunce (33) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Boston Bruins in an NHL hockey game on Saturday, April 6, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

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

Previous: Lightning open playoff series against the Blue Jackets

What other people are reading right now:

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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