500-1 rookies Vegas Golden Knights can beat Washington in Stanley Cup final

Las Vegas Golden Knights v Washington Capitals
Starts 1am Monday night

Twelve months ago Vegas Golden Knights did not exist as an active ice hockey team but they are on the verge of giving the NHL its own Leicester City fairytale.

Vegas weren't quite 5,000-1 shots but at the start of the season no team was quoted bigger than their 200-1 - and Vegas casinos have reported laying the NHL newcomers at 500-1.

At the start of the playoffs they were 9-1 to lift the trophy but they have been given few scares on their way to the final thanks to some stellar goaltending by Marc-Andre Fleury and a top forward line who have terrorised defences.

So impressive has former Pittsburgh goalie Fleury been that he is seen as a likely candidate to be named playoff MVP even if Vegas lose in the finals.

The Golden Knights are narrow favourites to see off their final opponents, the Washington Capitals.

The Caps were put up as a bet at the start of the playoffs at 11-1 but they could be up against it.

After disappointing playoff performances in the last few years, the Caps have shown great character this year, coming from behind in all three series on their way to the finals.

They faced elimination after losing three straight games against Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference finals, but blanked the Lightning in the last two games of that series and should be high on confidence.

Vegas won both regular-season meetings between the teams. They dispatched Winnipeg - a team who play a similar style of hockey to Washington - in the Western Conference finals, winning four straight games after losing the series opener.

The Capitals should be tougher opponents but if Vegas's key players continue to deliver then the Golden Knights can complete the fairytale. A 4-2 scoreline looks a decent shout at the prices.

Recommendation
Vegas to win series 4-2
1pt 9-2 general

Already advised
Washington to win Stanley Cup
1pt 11-1 April 11

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