Bodog Beat

Can the Red Wings hold onto the Cup? (AP Images)

Not only are the Detroit Red Wings the reigning Stanley Cup champions and odds-on favorite this year, they will also have history on their side when they open the playoffs this week against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are making their first postseason appearance.

The Red Wings (+350) have won the coveted trophy 11 times in their 82-season history, while the Blue Jackets have reached the playoffs for the first time in their eight-season existence.

The Blue Jackets, led by leading scorer Rick Nash, will face a stiff test against the team that scored a league-leading 295 goals in the regular season.

That offensive output helped the Red Wings compensate for their 25th-ranked penalty killing. However, the Blue Jackets do have an ace up their sleeve in goaltender Steve Mason, who owns the second-best goals-against average in the NHL. Is that enough to pull off the huge upset? Head to the Bodog Sporstbook for all your NHL hockey odds.