Who will head list of 2008-09 NHL futures and props?
Posted on 6/17/2008 4:03:21 PM
By Don Melrose
It's never too early for NHL futures and props. The Stanley Cup just wrapped up, but it's already time to start planning for next season. With the NHL awards having been handed out last week, Bettor's Edge will look at some potential 2008-09 major awards candidates so you can already start thinking about your hockey picks.
Alexander Ovechkin won the Hart Trophy, given to the NHL's best player. Next year's odds will likely heavily favor the young Russian, while '07 Hart-winner Sidney Crosby will also be considered a major contender for the award. Though Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg seem like good gambles to win the hardware, both make such a significant impact on the Red Wings they essentially cancel each other out. One “underdog” name to keep in mind? Vincent Lecavalier. The Tampa Bay captain racked up 40 goals and 92 points this season and was dominant before becoming slowed by injury after the All-Star break. The Lightning have some cap space and the first overall pick in the draft; if they can make a few clever moves and get back into the postseason, Lecavalier will get much of the credit.
Marty Brodeur earned his fourth Vezina Trophy in five years as the league's top goalie, and he should be considered the favorite again in 2008. Fellow nominees Evgeni Nabokov and Henrik Lundqvist should be in the mix again, but expect a few new names to make the ballot. Some to consider are Marty Turco and Roberto Luongo. Turco followed a good regular season with a brilliant playoffs. Luongo was considered by many to be the NHL's top netminder before a “down” season in 2008. Certainly expect a bounce-back year from him. Looking for a long-shot to make your NHL futures and props picks really pay off? Go with Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury. The youngster was sensational after the All-Star break and enjoyed an impressive postseason. The former first-overall pick could be poised for a breakout campaign.
For a long time, Nik Lidstrom has taken the fun out of predicting the Norris Trophy winner—Detroit's top blue-liner has won three straight and six of the last seven, making it tough for sports bettors to clean up on an underdog. He'll clearly be the favorite in 2009, but there's a few other players worthy of gambling on. Fellow '08 candidates Zdeno Chara and Dion Phaneuf will be in the mix, but it's worth taking a flier on Brian Campbell. The nifty defenseman was having a great season in Buffalo, though it was tough to get noticed with the struggling Sabres. He really took off after being traded to San Jose, where he averaged a point a game. Playing for the Sharks, who should again contend for the Stanley Cup, will boost Campbell's profile and make him a potential Norris Trophy nominee.
BetOnline.com hasn't released its NHL futures and props yet but, when it does, be prepared. It's never too early to begin researching and can go a long way to helping you making successful hockey picks.
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 Comments@BetOnline.com.
