It’s the last week before the two week Olympic break. It’s time to put up of shut up for those wishing to make a push toward the playoffs.
After a week break (Super Bowl Madness), Dave B is back with his ever-changing NHL Power Rankings.
Welcome to Dave B’s inaugural NHL Power Rankings list. Each Sunday, I will review each team’s previous week’s performance, analyze their upcoming schedules, and rank the teams accordingly.
If you agree or disagree, I encourage you to leave a comment.
Bodog Brand gaining strength
Bodog has been a worldwide brand for 15 years, unfortunately Canadians have always been left out in the Yukon cold.
Not anymore. Like the iPhone and HBO, Bodog and its online gaming conglomerate is finally coming to Canadian players everywhere.
We’ve got some big second-round playoff action in the NBA and NHL this weekend, as well as a Sprint Cup NASCAR Race. The Los Angeles Lakers meet the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series in Houston on Friday, and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be in Atlanta to take on the Hawks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal Saturday.
Give the people what they want.
Commissioner Gary Bettman has gotten mixed reviews since he took over the NHL’s top job in 1993. His legacy includes two work stoppages, getting and losing TV deals with FOX and ESPN, and aggressive expansion (some would say over-expansion) into the United States. But all is forgotten when the puck drops on a game that people care about.
Just when the NHL betting playoff picture looks like it’s taking shape, crazy things start happening. The Flames win the trade deadline and are suddenly rubbing shoulders with the elite. The Habs and Rangers show a bit of fight. Most of all, the Penguins – written off by many online betting fans as recently as two weeks ago – are the hottest team in the league.
You know what they say, NHL betting fans: you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. So you can’t teach Martin Brodeur to, uh, not…stop…pucks. OK, it’s a bad analogy. But it’s Monday, so gimme a break.
We’ve officially reached the NHL’s dog days of winter, though next week’s trade deadline will inject life back into the league. This time of year is dangerous for NHL betting fans, as even the best teams can lag (read: New York Islanders 4, New Jersey Devils 0).
Last week, the Sharks reasserted themselves, the Wings stood pat and the Devils went backward.
Two big Eastern Conference matchups highlight the NHL betting schedule Saturday, as the Penguins and Flyers clash in the latest meeting in the battle of Pennsylvania, and the slumping Rangers travel to Buffalo to face the Sabres.
Well, hockey betting fans, the NHL trade deadline rapidly approaches, and that means the season is more than two thirds complete. Now is the time for teams to jockey for playoff positions and, consequently, spots on the NHL betting power rankings. Just as Pittsburgh did against UConn in a major March Madness rankings matchup, the Devils made a huge statement against the Sharks on the weekend.
NHL betting is in full-swing on Friday night, and all of the early Stanley Cup contenders on hockey futures are in action. Friday night is a fantastic time to bet on favorites, because talent is generally what carries teams through these late week matchups.
Penguins vs Canadiens odds: a potential playoff preview
Kings vs Senators odds: Ottawa moving forward with new coach
Penguins vs Canadiens odds: Tuesday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET
New Jersey Devils’ backers are rolling in cash as the team continues to cruise to the top of the Eastern Conference.
The Devils are the hottest team in the league with nine wins in their last 10 games as they prepare to host the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night. During the streak, bettors have reeled-in big profits with their team winning four of those games as an underdog.
There are a dozen games on the NHL betting schedule on Saturday highlighted by three top-notch matchups as Detroit takes on Washington, the Rangers head to Boston, and Chicago faces off against San Jose.
The weekend NHL betting schedule delivers two top-notch matchups on Saturday night, as the top two teams in the East (Boston and Washington) and the top two teams in the West (San Jose and Detroit) collide.
Buffalo Sabres (-175) at Chicago Blackhawks (+155)
The Sabres head to the United Center for a match-up with the red-hot Blackhawks. Chicago does not give up points at home, they are a blistering 13-2-4 at home while the Sabres have a good overall record, they are only two games over .500 on the road. Chicago goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who has allowed two goals or fewer in seven of hits last eight appearances, possesses a save percentage of .926 and is at the top of his game.
