NHL Awards odds - the Russians are coming

Sports betting odds for hockey don’t get as much fanfare as North American phenomena like football or basketball, but hockey has one prestigious quirk separating it from the rest: shiny, iconic trophies and awards. Let’s look at the nominees for the 2008-2009 NHL Awards.

NHL Awards odds: All-Russian MVP race

• WHAT: The 2008-2009 NHL Awards
  
• WHEN: June 18, 2009
  
• WHERE: Pearl Concert Theatre at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, NV
  
• KEY STAT: Defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom has won six of the last seven Norris Trophies

NHL Awards odds: HART TROPHY ODDS (Most Valuable Player)
Pavel Datsyuk + 500
Evgeni Malkin +160
Alexander Ovechkin -125

The Russian invasion has reached its pinnacle, as all three MVP nominees hail from the same homeland. The explosive Ovechkin, who again led the NHL in goal scoring, looks for his second straight Hart Trophy odds win. Evgeni Malkin took his game to a new level, leading the league in points and assists. Datsyuk is the major underdog here but merits consideration because of his unique blend of offense (fourth in NHL betting with 97 points) and defense (third in plus/minus at +34).

DON’S PICK: No one matches Ovechkin’s combination of offensive creativity, sheer determination to score and physicality. He’s the best in the business. Bet on Ovechkin to win his second straight Hart Trophy.

NHL Awards odds: CALDER TROPHY ODDS (Rookie of the Year)
Steve Mason -250
Bobby Ryan +300
Kris Versteeg +600

It’s pretty much a one-man race in this category, and that’s appropriate, as Mason was a one-man hockey betting show for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. The rookie goalie led the NHL with 10 shutouts and was the driving force behind the jackets’ first-ever playoff berth. Ryan turned heads with his highlight-reel goals and Versteeg is a solid two-way player, but they don’t hold a candle to Mason.

DON’S PICK: Steve Mason may have been the most valuable player in the league, let alone rookie. Bet on Mason.

NHL Awards odds: NORRIS TROPHY ODDS (Best Defenseman)
Zdeno Chara -125
Mike Green +700
Nicklas Lidstrom +140

These NHL lines may be the toughest to pick of all the NHL awards, as each defenseman deserves the award and has a chance to win. Green is mighty tempting at +700 after becoming the first blueliner in 15 years to top 30 goals, but his all-around game isn’t good enough. Lidstrom is a legend, with six Norris Trophy odds wins in seven years, while Chara has matured into the leader of the first-place Bruins.

DON’S PICK: The online sports book lines are correct again. It’s been a pleasure watching Chara mature as a player, and the NHL will reward his hard work at both ends of the ice. Pick Chara.

NHL Awards odds: VEZINA TROPHY ODDS (Best Goaltender)
Niklas Backstrom +300
Steve Mason +350
Tim Thomas -167

Another tight race here. Backstrom is great but awards don’t usually go to goalies from non-playoff teams, and his play really sagged after he signed that big contract extension. Mason offers good value here, but the Calder will be his big win of the night. That leaves the unorthodox, athletic Tim Thomas. The late bloomer looks like a beer league goalie but was phenomenal this season, leading NHL betting in goals-against average and save percentage.

DON’S PICK: If the award was for most valuable goaltender, Mason would win it. But the Vezina goes to the best goalie, and it was Thomas all year long. Bet on Thomas to finally get the credit he deserves.

NHL Awards odds: SELKE TROPHY ODDS (Best Defensive Forward)
Pavel Datsyuk +150
Ryan Kesler +400
Mike Richards +100

Good for the NHL for recognizing Kesler. For him, the nomination itself is a win, so this race is between Datsyuk and Richards. Datsyuk is known for his great position and ability to shadow top forwards relentlessly ,while Richards’ defensive prowess is tied to his penalty killing – he led hockey betting with seven shorthanded goals this season.

DON’S PICK: Richards is flashy and will probably win a Selke or two (maybe even the Hart Trophy betting odds) before his career is over, but Datsyuk is the standard for defensive forwards. Bet on Datsyuk to win another Selke.

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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.