The 82-game 2021-22 NHL regular season is shaping up to be an exciting one for bettors, with Tampa Bay Lightning looking to confirm their dynasty after lifting the last two Stanley Cups. No franchise has achieved this feat in 40 years! Make bets on ice hockey with bwin.

One piece of good news is the relaxation of travel rules between Canada and the United States in order to avoid a season suspension like last year. The normal schedule with games not being as crowded as last season will allow more stability for each franchise in their season planning and more rest time between games. This lets teams with fewer players have longer rest periods.

Another interesting fact is the debut of a new franchise: the Seattle Kraken, which brings the North American League to 32 teams.

Bet on Tampa Bay to be the two-time champion

Tampa Bay Lightning had everything going for them in the 2020-21 season by trading high draft picks to bring in David Savard and Brian Lashoff. This allowed them to go on and retain the Stanley Cup.

However, it left them with only one pick in the first four rounds of the 2021 draft and without the ability to bring in one of the higher-rated players to improve their team.

For bettors, the Lightning remains one of three teams with odds below 10 to win the championship.

Colorado Avalanche enter season hoping for more consistency

Under Canadian coach Jared Bednar, the Avs have been knocking on the door for the past few years, and this would be an ideal time to break through, as they are the betting favourites to lift the 2021-22 Stanley Cup. Colorado took good advantage of the free-agent signings 12 months ago, and that move seems to be paying off.

The impact of the Olympics

The NHL announced it reached an agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation that will include a break during the 2021-22 regular season.

This will allow NHL players to participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing if they so choose. Bet on the winner of the Olympic Ice Hockey tournament with bwin.