Hart Trophy futures – Ovechkin the NHL pick
Posted on 9/30/2008 10:31:40 AM
By Don Melrose
Hart Trophy futures: a handful of names dominate NHL MVP odds
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Crosby and Malkin hurt each other’s chances
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Ovechkin looking to repeat
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Nabokov a nice underdog pick
History seems to repeat itself and the NHL is no exception. From the late 1980s through the 1990s, Hart Trophy betting was essentially limited to four players: Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr and Dominik Hasek.
Those four monopolized NHL MVP betting for the better part of two decades, establishing a level of dominance that was thought to be nearly impossible to replicate. However, another decade later, we have two superstars who made immediate impacts upon entering the league—Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin—just like Lemieux and Gretzky.
We also have the tremendous sidekick whom some argue is better than his partner in Crosby’s Penguins teammate, Evgeni Malkin. Then there’s the workhorse goaltender that puts up brilliant numbers year after year—Evgeni Nabokov.
With the four main contenders established, let’s evaluate whose Hart Trophy odds are most favor you the most, and who you should add to your NHL futures picks.
SIDNEY CROSBY, PENGUINS (+350 Hart trophy futures odds) - “Sid the Kid” is undoubtedly the best playmaker in the league and he’ll be the sole reason Miroslav Satan tallies 60 points—which itself deserves an award. However, Crosby is probably a wiser bet for Art Ross Trophy futures, simply because of the help he’ll have on the power-play (including Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Gonchar and Petr Sykora).
However, the presence of those players—specifically Malkin—makes it tougher for sportswriters to justify selecting Crosby as the most valuable to his team. The emergence of Malkin has certainly hindered both players’ chances in NHL MVP odds…at least until one leaves via free agency.
EVGENI NABOKOV, SHARKS (+2000 Hart trophy futures odds) - Nabokov was robbed of the Vezina last year and should receive MVP votes this season simply as an apology. The Sharks’ new No. 1 defenseman Dan Boyle is a slight downgrade from Brian Campbell, so Nabokov will be busier—and more valuable to San Jose than usual.
The Russian backstop’s numbers will benefit from playing in a very tight-checking Pacific Division, making him a nice underdog Hart Trophy betting pick.
EVGENI MALKIN, PENGUINS (+1200 Hart trophy futures odds) -“Gino” didn’t buckle under the pressure of Crosby being on the shelf for half the season in 2007-08—he thrived under it. Malkin was given all the offensive responsibility for the Penguins last season and ran with it, finishing second in the MVP race.
While it might be NHL MVP betting sharps’ first inclination to assume a second-place finish means getting over the home this time around, Malkin’s numbers will likely decline. As mentioned before, Crosby and Malkin hurt one another’s Hart Trophy futures chances tremendously. Considering what the NHL MVP futures will be, Malkin isn’t a good value pick.
ALEXANDER OVECHKIN, CAPITALS (+350 Hart trophy futures odds) - There’s plenty of hype surrounding the Washington Capitals this season, but let’s face it: They’re not very good without Alexander Ovechkin, who won the Hart Trophy a season ago.
Ovie might be the most complete player in the NHL. His ability to play in all situations, combined with his astronomical offensive numbers—not to mention the lack of talent otherwise on the Caps—makes an MVP recipe.
DON’S PICK: Hart Trophy betting odds have Ovechkin in a tie with Crosby to win the Hart, but it’s tough to go against “Alexander the Great” in a repeat performance. Bet on Alexander Ovechkin to win the hardware.
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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.
