NHL betting - Blackhawks vs Leafs odds
Posted on 11/21/2008 1:55:22 PM
By Don Melrose
Blackhawks vs Leafs odds: Toronto hosts Original Six match-up
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Hawks to be well-rested on the road
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Grabovski a bright spot for struggling Leafs
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Lots of young talent on display
NHL betting fans have been filling the ballot boxes with votes for their favorite players as the All-Star Game rapidly approaches. However, Saturday night is looming as well, and that means it’s time for sportsbook customers to fill their pockets with winnings from hockey betting. One of the biggest surprises this season has been the performance of the Chicago Blackhawks—everyone’s favorite preseason underdog play on NHL betting lines.
The season looked to be in turmoil for the Hawks when they fired head coach Denis Savard four games into the season, calling into question the ethics of the organization. However, his replacement Joel Quenneville has vaulted the club to fifth place in the Western Conference.
Chicago has defied NHL odds in its first two games of a Western road trip by defeating Phoenix and Dallas. The Blackhawks will now rest for a night before taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs in an Original Six match-up at the Air Canada Center; they’ll be favored in Blackhawks vs Leafs betting.
Hawks right winger Kris Versteeg may be on his way to capturing the team’s second consecutive Calder Trophy, following in teammate Patrick Kane’s footsteps. Versteeg, Kane and veteran Patrick Sharp have combined for 61 points already on the year, more than any four Maple Leafs players combined.
But Versteeg hasn’t been the only pleasant surprise for Chicago; goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who was waived earlier in the season, has emerged as the NHL’s hottest backstop with two victories, including a 2.40 GAA and a .931 save percentage in his last two outings. Judging by his performance, the “Bulin Wall” might be one of the surprise NHL picks for the All-Star Game in January. He’ll definitely help swing the Blackhawks vs Leafs line in Chicago’s favor.
For the Maple Leafs, things haven’t exactly fallen into place—but that was to be expected. New head coach Ron Wilson has managed to keep Toronto’s record respectable in a very tough Northeast Division. Rookie Mikhail Grabovski leads the team with nine goals and seems to be Versteeg’s main competition, along with the Kings’ Drew Doughty, for Rookie of the Year honors.
NHL betting lines will surely favor the Blackhawks in this one, however the Leafs will get their share of chances. One thing that is consistent with every team Wilson has coached is they shoot often and maintain pressure on their opponent in the offensive zone.
Thus far, it is the young Leafs’ defensive abilities that have failed them—which is a dangerous game to play against one of the league’s most prolific offenses.
As Wendel Clark’s jersey is raised to the rafters during the Blackhawks vs Leafs betting match-up, fans worldwide will have their eyes on this game. Bettors shouldn’t be disappointed, as this tilt promises plenty of scoring and, of course, that Original Six flavor.
Normally, it would be wise to bet against a team embarking on a lengthy road trip, however the Hawks have posted tough victories in their first two games away from home this week and have had a day off in between both.
DON’S PICK: Meanwhile, the Leafs are coming off two straight losses, and will return home where they lost to Chicago this time last year. Stick with the hot hand—when making your Blackhawks vs Leafs pick, bet on the Chicago Blackhawks.
For more NHL betting and Blackhawks vs Leafs odds, visit the Betting Edge daily.
Who
better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian?
Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey,
making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email
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