Changes in NHL Rosters can bring value in Futures Betting
The Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres are the sexy picks to win this year’s edition of the Stanley Cup because of what’s seen as very positive changes in each of the respective organizations.
Oddsmakers with various online sports betting sites will have to be adjusting the odds on each team up to accommodate for this additions. Check around, as betting what team will win the division, the conference and the Stanley Cup can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook. Interestingly, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Bostonb Bruins and the Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks are not on this list.
The LA Kings seemed to have made the biggest splash, with the additions of centre Mike Richards and winger Simon Gagner, and now have a dynamic 1-2 punch up the middle along with All-Star Anze Kopitar. The San Jose Sharks added another dynamic puck rushing defenceman in Brent Burns to go along with perennial All-Star D-man Dan Boyle. The Hawks bolstered their lineup with lots of muscle and size, adding Dan Carcillo, D-man Sean O’Donnell and skilled forward Andrew Brunette.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia Flyers traded away both Richards and winger Jeff Carter, but added much in budding superstar Brayden Schenn in the Richard deal, and added goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, and wingers Maxime Talbot and Jaomir Jagr. Washington added a veteran netminder in Tomas Vokoun and size with gritty forward Joel Ward. Finally, the Buffalo Sabres really added to their roster by adding swift puck moving defenceman Christian Ehrhoff, rugged rearguard Robyn Reghr, and the pugnatious Ville Leino.
Los Angeles Kings visit Boston Bruins on Saturday
During Saturday’s full slate of games, NHL hockey fans will be treated to a great interconference match up between the Los Angeles Kings and the Boston Bruins. Boston has cooled off lately and currently sits in 6th place in the Eastern Conference, 6 points behind Montreal for the division lead. Los Angeles has been the complete opposite posting an 8-2-0 record in their last 10 games en route to a first place standing in the Western Conference.
Even though Boston has been struggling as of late they will be looking to turn things around before meeting one of the best teams from the Western Conference. Boston is still leaning on their stellar defense to keep them in games this season. Currently the Bruins are #1 in the NHL in goals against per game yielding just 1.9 goals. The penalty kill has also been a bright spot for the Bruins as they are ranked 3rd in that category at 88.9%. It is on offense where the Bruins are seeing their problems, scoring only 2.9 goals per game on average.
While the Boston Bruins have been struggling the Los Angeles Kings have been going in the opposite direction. With a combination of a potent offense and stellar goal tending, the Kings have risen to number one in the Western Conference, one point ahead of the Detroit Red Wings. Currently the Kings score 3 goals per game on average while only giving up 2.1 goals per contest. With these quality scoring and defensive numbers, the Kings figure to be in the mix for the Western Conference crown all season long.
This Saturday’s contest will be a good measuring stick for both teams to see where they stack up against the other conference’s better teams.
NHL – Possible destinations for free-agent Ilya Kovalchuk
NHL free-agent Ilya Kovalchuk continues to be courted around the league as free agency kicks into high gear. Acquired from the Atlanta Thrashers in an early February trade, the New Jersey Devils hope to retain the high scoring Left Winger for at least another season.
Having reportedly turned down a $60 million dollar contract over 6 seasons, the two sides are currently at an impasse regarding negotiations. The Los Angeles Kings, thinking they were just one big scorer from making a run to the Stanly Cup are considered one of the front runners for the 27 year old. However, after hitting a snag again on their offers, they have allegedly withdrawn their bid.
Kovalchuk has other options besides the NHL if he so chooses. There are purportedly feelers floated out by the KHL (Russian Hockey League) that could entice the native to return to his home country for at least one year. The fact that a contact can't be reached from either of the 2 front runners has to be frustrating.
The Devils won't just allow him to leave without at least making a bid for his services. But the winger also loves the L.A. lifestyle and may be persuaded to relocate for a lesser deal. That is the only way that he would be willing to take less money in order to sign a new contract.