Looking over the Super Bowl betting line has probably got you thinking about other championships, and while it’s still a ways away, it’s not too early to think about your Stanley Cup picks. Here’s who we think will get there.

East – Washington (+500)

The Capitals have been a juggernaut this year, and they’re currently on a 10-game winning streak. Alex Ovchekin has flourished as the captain, and he has help with Alex Semin and Nicklas Backstrom. The difference is the defense: Washington is much better defensively, but there’s still a question of who the No.1 goalie is, Jose Theodore, or the injured Simeon Varlamov.

West – Chicago (+400)

The Blackhawks should take over for Detroit, and we’re not sold on San Jose in the postseason (why should anyone be?). For being such a young team, the Blackhawks are excellent on the road, and this will aid them immensely in their quest for the Stanley Cup. Like Washington, they can score on you all day with Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and company, but they’re also very good in their own zone. Cristobal Huet is proving to be a very good No.1 goalie, but he doesn’t much playoff experience.