NHL Rule Changes 2010

August 31st, 2010 by Rob | No Comments | Filed in NHL News

As we head into the 2010/2011 season, the NHL is gearing up by testing out some new rule changes which they hope will add some excitement to the on-ice action for the league’s millions of fans. Offensive players are the ones who are like the benefit most from these new changes, as more goals, more action and more on-ice freedom are on the agenda for these potential changes which were tested out during the NHL’s research and development camp at the Maple Leafs’ practice facility in Toronto by 33 of the NHL’s top rated stars who are eligible for the 2011 draft.

Changes to the blue line, face-offs and a fascinating new take on overtime play were tried out at the camp, some to more success than others, and are certain to offer NHL fans some intriguing points for discussion before the season begins. While most of these changes are not yet decided, the NHL has already made one official rule change for the upcoming season.

One rule that we know is going to be implemented is a rule concerning tie-breaks in the standings. Points gained from shootouts will be excluded from the overall end of season tally in the event of two or more teams finishing on equal points. This rule might seem like a slight alteration, but it could potentially change the mindset of coaches when overtime begins. Knowing that shootout points aren’t as influential as they once were, will NHL coaches still try to play defensively to drag the game out? Last season, 184 games were decided by shootout, so this change in the way shootout points are tallied will certainly impact the end of season standings.

Since shootouts were introduced back in 2005, teams have decided to play more defensively, using checking players more during overtime to stifle the opposition. This new rule should nullify those plays and create far more exciting overtime action. Another overtime innovation tested during the research and development camp was attempted with teams playing 3 minutes of 4 on 4, followed by 3 minutes of 3 on 3 and curiously, following that with 3 minutes of 2 on 2. While 3 on 3 would offer a dynamic twist to the way overtime is played and likely lead to an outright overtime winner in a large percentage of games, having a 2 on 2 overtime match-up in professional hockey is not a favourite idea of hockey purists and the idea has been widely panned by critics.

Another idea that was tested at the camp was widening the blue lines to three feet, to allow more room in the offensive zone for the more agile, exciting players to thrive. This same concept is also behind the idea to shorten the depth of the net by four inches to increase the area between the net and the boards. Both of these ideas seems to have some merit and would likely ensure that a large percentage of the game is played closer to the goal, leading to more scoring opportunities.

Safety was also on the agenda at the research and development camp, as the NHL introduced a hybrid ‘no touch’ icing rule, which is intended to prevent two players crashing into the boards in an attempt to reach the puck. A linesman would be charged with calling the play once the first man reaches the face-off dot and deciding if the defending player would get to the puck first. If the defender is closest to the puck, icing would be called, whereas if the attacker was in control of the play, the game would continue. This rule seems to be popular amongst hockey fans despite its potential for limiting those bone crunching big hits against the boards. Big hits will still occur elsewhere on the ice, and the hybrid icing rule could speed up play tremendously.

Some of the more radical changes will likely never take the ice but innovation is certainly helping to improve hockey’s allure to a global audience and that’s who these changes are directed towards. While hockey purists might bemoan changes to the way the game is played, any attempts to improve the on-ice action for both the players and the supporters has to be applauded. These research camps and the discussions they have ignited across the hockey world, act as an intriguing preamble for the season to come for fans, players and commentators alike.

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Toronto Maples Leafs Stanley Cup Odds – 2010/2011 Longshots

August 29th, 2010 by Matt | No Comments | Filed in NHL Betting

The last time the Toronto Maple Leafs were in the Stanley cup playoffs was pre-lockout in the 2003-2004 hockey season.  Since then the Leafs missed the playoffs for a miserable five consecutive years.  However, ever since the regime under Brian Burke there has been significant overhaul to the team’s roster and dramatic changes have occurred since the Dion Phaneuf and Jean-Sebastian Giguiere acquisition last February. Although it can be argued the Leafs can and should contend to make this year’s playoffs, there is slim to no chance for them to be considered Stanley cup favourites.

With yesterday’s acquisition of Clarke MacArthurs to a one year contract worth 1.1 million the Leafs salary cap hit currently sits at 58.7 million dollars leaving them with roughly 2 million dollars in cap space for the 2011 campaign. Examining the Leafs roster in greater detail it would appear on opening night their roster would include, 2 goaltenders, 9 defensemen and 12 forwards for a grand total of 23 players with the big club.  With promising forward prospects such as Kadri, Mueller, Hanson and D’Amigo not included in the 23 man roster in grows the speculation that Burke and management will need to shorten their list of defensemen.

With the trade speculation quieting down regarding Kaberle, the thoughts have to be focusing on what to do with Jeff Finger and his 3.5 million dollar salary. It would be great (but almost impossible) if the Leafs could trade him away for anything even if it was to a division rival. The most likely case for Finger seems to be he will be placed on waivers and sent down to the Marlies.  Finger will not be the happiest camper about this but at least he will then be in the Marlies line up every night, still able to live in Toronto and not have to re-locate his family. Lashoff can also start the season down in the AHL and receive big time minutes there while also keeping the Leafs defensemen on their toes.  Expect for opening night the Leafs defence to be: Kaberle, Phaneuf, Komisarek, Beauchemin, Schenn and Gunnarsson with Lebda being the healthy scratch.  With the crazy depth at defence their will be great inner competition for NHL spots which could lead this year’s Leafs defence core to be one of the strongest in the league.

With Finger being sent down, this will also help create great competition for a rookie to make the opening day roster up front. Early odds would give this opportunity to Kadri who is a highly skilled centre man who played most of his junior career with the London Knights. It is highly known that the centre ice position is the leafs greatest weakness and Kadri should be able to improve this problem. Whether or not he can be a first or second line centre already is the million dollar question asked around Leaf nation.  For opening night as of right now you can expect to see a roster looking as follows:

Versteeg        Bozak            Kessel
MacAarthur        Kadri            Kulemin
Caputi            Grabovski        Armstrong
Brown            Mitchell        Orr          (spare Sjostrom)

This is a respectable forward crop that has some young talent but will be hard pressed to fill the net on a consistent base this year.  If the Leafs could somehow swing one more deal to find a true number one centre that would be the ideal scenario. By getting a true number one centre it would relieve pressure on Kadri, and give Kessel a true playmaker to relieve the pressure on himself too.  The Leafs should consider parting with Kaberlee, Grabovski and even Bozak if needed. Although Bozak is a young and promising player he could be deemed expendable if the Leafs could have an all-star calibre centre men and Kadri for years to come.  If the Leafs are unable to lock down a number one centre it will make the task of making the playoffs that much tougher and by no means a guarantee.

Overall though the Eastern conference has arguably four “guarantee” playoff teams being:  Washington, Pittsburgh, Boston and Philadelphia.  The Devils should make the playoffs but they are no guarantee with a new head coach in place and the major roster changes that may still need to take place there if Kovalchuck finally signs. Tampa Bay and Buffalo are two teams the Leafs will need to win the season series against and those two teams are favourites of most to make the playoffs for obvious reasons. Therefore breaking this down there are: 4 guarantees, 3 good odd teams to make the playoffs and the Leafs would fall right behind in the eight spot. The scary thing though is this does not take into consideration Carolina who was one of the hottest teams post Olympics last year, or the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators who will all be determined to make the playoffs this year as well.

In summary the Leafs will make the playoffs for sure if:

a.)They acquire a first line centre ( even at the expense of Kaberle or Bozak)
b.)They win the season series against teams such as the Lightning, Devils and Sabres
c.)Teams such as Carolina, Ottawa and Montreal don’t play above their heads
d.)The defence core has healthy competition
e.)Young forward prospers compete for open roster spots
f.)Finger gets sent down to open up needed cap space

Toronto Maple Leaf Odds for 2010 – 2011

Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Odds = +6000
Toronto Maple Leafs Eastern Conference Champ Odds =+2500

You can bet on it at Sportsbook.com where you will get $250 Free… Click here to learn more

Full 2010 – 2011 Stanley Cup Odds

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NHL Free Agents Still Available

August 20th, 2010 by Matt | No Comments | Filed in NHL News

Even with the free agent season being over a month and a half old there are still some talented hockey players on the open market that have not found homes yet. Due to these individuals still being there are teams that still could potentially improve their overall team roster before the season gets under way. Through analyzing the players still available and teams that are on the border line to either make a serious run for the cup or simply make the playoffs it has to be argued that a signing or two of the remaining UFA’s could be the answer for some GMS.

Most hockey fans know by now the availability and summer of news regarding Ilya Kovalchuck and the New Jersey Devils. Although it is still speculated that he will re-sign in New Jersey, there are still the rumours of the LA Kings re-entering the sweepstakes, as well as the New York Islanders and the KHL making pitches for Kovalchuck before the season gets under way. Moving past Kovalchuck, teams could still improve their team rosters with players such as Paul Kariya, Jose Theodore, Willie Mitchell, Kim Johnson, and Slava Kozlov. Other than Kovalchuck, these other players all can be had my teams at a reasonable cost. As of August 20, 2010 Kariya is still rumoured to be re-joining his best friend Teemu Selanne in Anaheim while Willie Mitchell has confirmed he has had “positive discussions” with the Washington Capitals.

Most would not argue against if it was not for the salary cap these once elite players would all have found NHL clubs for the upcoming season. However, there are teams that right now are over the salary cap maximum, and many others very close to the salary cap which limits their flexibility once the season starts. If the season was to get underway tomorrow there would currently be four teams over the cap being Boston, Calgary, Chicago and Vancouver. The league average for salary cap availability right now is slightly over eight million.

If one decides to further analyze this, then there are some definite teams that could potentially climb up the ladder and either contend for the cup or at least make the playoffs with a signing of a Willie Mitchell, Paul Kariya or Slava Kozlov. Teams such as the Colorado Avalanche who still have about 25 million in cap space remaining could improve quickly and improve their odds of making the playoffs. Other teams who are predicted to make playoffs that have significant cap space include the St. Louis Blues (19 million), Nashville Predators (15 million), Tampa Bay Lightning (14 million), and the Phoenix Coyotes (15 million).

Of these teams with large cap space only one is an Eastern conference team. With the new ownership and GM Steve Yzerman in place this is a team that would be a great sleeper pick for bet makers to bet they make playoffs or potentially make a threat for the Stanley cup. They have ownership willing to pay the price now, but at the same time a very intelligent GM that has been around a winning organization for years and years. If Yzerman is not signing one of the remaining larger name FA’s, then perhaps he will be able to pull off another trade similar to the Simon Gagne trade to help cap tight teams relieve some salary.

Either way the Lightning are a team that cannot be taken lightly this year and have great opportunities to improve and improve quickly.  The Tampa Bay Lightning 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Odds are listed at +3000 as of August 21st, which in my opinion is some pretty good value.  For every $10 bet on the Lightning to win the Cup you would win $300!  You can bet on the NHL at Sportsbook.com and get $250 Free!!

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NHL 2011 Review – PS3 Xbox360 NHL 2011 Game

August 19th, 2010 by Kevin | No Comments | Filed in Video Games

EA Sports has yet again marked the beginning of a revolution in video gaming with a sports game that sets the bar for competitors to attempt to follow. Using a revolutionary real-time physics engine the team at EA has transformed their NHL offering from its 2010 predecessor, adding new levels of realism that not only enhance the look of the game, but allow the user complete control of all the on-ice action.

Thanks to the new real-time physics of the in-game play, you’ll feel closer to the ice than ever before. Each slap of the puck, each teeth-loosening hit will be brought to the screen in a captivating display of immersive action. The new graphics engine designed for the game ensures that the play never gets repetitive. Whereas in NHL 2010, a well-timed hit would result in a player falling to the ice instantly, without any other discernable reaction, this new version of the game takes momentum, speed and angles into consideration, so each hit will provoke a unique reaction from the opposing player, whether it’s flying into the boards or stumbling for a few seconds before finding their feet.

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EA have also made great strides in the area of in-game control, a part of the game which after NHL 2010, many though couldn’t be improved upon. The new real-time environment ensures that players have the ultimate control over in-game player movement. From going to the bench to replace broken sticks during game play to leaping over prone skaters in the middle of a skate towards goal, the constant and realistic on-ice action intends to serves to put every team action that takes place, no matter how small the detail in the hands of the game player.

These improvements would be enough to make an outstanding sports title and comfortably out-sell their competitor’s efforts for another year. But hardcore hockey fans will also be delighted to know that EA Sports have included all 60 CHL teams for their 2011 edition. This addition means that the realism of the on- ice action will be matched off the ice too, as fans will be able to play with their favourite OHL, WHL and the QMHL teams in the NHL 11 custom modes such as Be a Pro, Be a GM, Tournament Mode, Season Mode, and Playoff Mode.

Set for release in Canada on September 7th, this latest addition to the prize-winning EA NHL franchise is likely to impress even the most hardened of game critics and will put a marker down for all future sports games to try and emulate.

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Time for Lord Stanley To Come Back North of Border – Canucks Cup Odds

August 17th, 2010 by Matt | No Comments | Filed in Opinion

As the season fast approaches more and more of the hockey experts of beginning to weigh in or their thoughts regarding the favourities to win the next Stanley Cup. Although it is still quite early it is also a great time for those sport betters to submit their pick for the 2010-2011 Stanley Cup winners as odds are still very reasonable!

What makes this season even more exciting is the strong possibility of a Canadian team winning the Stanley cup. There are very high expectations  being placed on the Vancouver Canucks. Many experts across North American including the Hockey News have them predicted to at least make the Stanley cup finals.   Other consensus picks to be contenting for the Stanley cup include the regulars such as; the Penguins, Washington, San Jose, Detroit and Chicago. Some teams of interest this year include the LA Kings, Tampa Bay and St. Louis who have young talent many believe are ready to take it to the next level!

One of the main reasons many including myself believe now is the time for the Canucks is through the importance they have placed on solidifying their defence through the acquisitions of both Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard. With arguably one of the best three goalies in the league and now a deeply improved defence it will make this team very hard to beat simply because of their back end. With one more year of experience for their star players Henrick and Daniel Sedin as well as potential 2011 all-star Alex Burrows they will have one of the most dominant first lines in hockey on offense as well. If Cody Hodgson can make the team and return to his form from the 2008-2009 campaign he could even be in consideration for rookie of the year honours.

The West will once again be very tough to get through and into the Stanley cup finals however, this may be the easiest year for the Canucks to do it with the Blackhawks and Sharks both losing valuable pieces to their team and the Kings being potentially still a year or two away from greatness. Detroit has made some improvement however not to the magnitude of the Canucks in most expert’s opinions.

Questions will still arise with the Canucks however such as is their coaching, and Luongo’s inconsistency. Cory Schneider who could be a starting goalie in the NHL someday soon will put some competitive pressure on Luongo this year which will keep him on his toes.

Although it is early the early consensus is for the Capitals to play the Canucks in the cup finals which would be a very enjoyable and entertaining series! There are some potential dark horses but these two teams have lots of fire power making them strong contenders and a good risk to take as the next Stanley cup winner.

Sportsbook.com has the Canucks at +1500 odds on winning the Stanley Cup this year – learn more about Hockey Betting!

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Kaberle Remains A Leaf For Now

August 16th, 2010 by Jordan | No Comments | Filed in NHL News

Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle will stay put in Toronto, at least for now.

The clause in Kaberle’s contract allowed Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke to deal Kaberle up until August 15th at midnight, but if he was not traded by midnight then the no-trade clause would kick in again.

Brian Burke was a busy man leading up to the August 15th Tomas Kaberle deadline, as he talked to many teams around the NHL who were interested in receiving the services of Kaberle.  Burke announced on Monday that Kaberle would remain a Toronto Maple Leaf, stating that many teams made offers to trade for Tomas, but non of them reflected the talent level of Kaberle.

Kaberle has been in Toronto his whole NHL career as he was an eighth round pick for the Leafs in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.  In his 820 games played he has scored 80 goals and chipped in with 402 assists for a total of 482 points.  Kaberle had a bit of an “off” season offensively last year as he only netted 7 goals and 49 points in his 82 games played.  Tomas remained healthy all season playing in all 82 games for his sixth time in his 11 NHL seasons.

The Leafs want to compete for a playoff spot this year, and if Kaberle remains a Leaf for the duration of the season it will definitely help them rather than hurt the team.  Kaberle will most likely see powerplay time beside Dion Phaneuf who was acquired by the Leafs near the deadline last season.  The Leafs are listed at +6000 or 60/1 longshots for winning the Stanley Cup this year, but are definitely going to be in the hunt for a playoff spot with Brian Burke doing a solid job in the early years of this Maple Leaf rebuild.  You can bet on the Maple Leafs to win the Stanley Cup or make wagers on NHL games online at Sportsbook.com!

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Teemu Selanne Signs With Ducks – Anaheim Stanley Cup Odds

August 11th, 2010 by Rob | No Comments | Filed in NHL News

The man nicknamed the Finnish Flash, Teemu Selanne, has re-joined the Anaheim Ducks on a one-year contract worth a reported $3.25million. The 40-year-old forward’s scoring exploits have made him one of the most feared players in the game and despite his advanced age and recent niggling injuries, his creativity and speed of thought on the ice helped him to 27 goals and 48 points in 54 games last season.

Thanks to his success last season, the Finland native became the 3rd European born player in NHL history to score 600 career goals and overtook hall-of-famer and five-time NHL champion Jan Kurri for most career goals by a Finish national in the NHL.  Ducks fans will be delighted that their team have re-signed the superstar who helped them to their first ever Stanley Cup in 2007.

With the Ducks managing to tie down Selanne for what could be one final season, there is speculation that Selanne’s friend and former Ducks teammate Paul Kariya could be making a return to the team he left in controversial circumstances back in the 2003. Fans are still angry with Kariya for leaving the team for Colorado in 2003, and have cheered him loudly each time he’s returned to the Honda Stadium. Most Ducks supporters though will be delighted by the potential of a rekindling of the fiery partnership between Kariya and Selanne for the 2010/2011.

From 1996 to 2000, Kariya and Selanne formed one of the best offensive partnerships in NHL history and the chance to play alongside his good friend could be too good an opportunity for Kariya to pass up, despite his complicated relationship with the Ducks fans. Fans may have to forgive Kariya and rethink back to that period in the late 90’s when Kariya’s speed, stick-handling ability and shooting accuracy made him one of the deadliest weapons on the ice. His speed may have long gone, but his ability with the puck could make the difference in tight games next season, especially with the Finnish Flash by his side. With Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf acting as the first line, the Ducks’ offensive group looks well stocked for the new season.

While their offensive line is looking great, the Ducks’ defensive group is short on proven ability. With Scott Niedermayer retiring, the 2007 NHL championship-winning defensive line-up has now completely disappeared and there are few signs that their younger prospects have the talent to become the next Chris Pronger or Francios Beauchemin.

One pre-season acquisition who could make an impact though is Andy Sutton. The former Ottawa Senators defensemen led the league in blocked shots last year and will surely be needed to continue that form in 2010/2011 as he tries to help his younger team-mates around the blue line to ensure that goaltender Jonas Hiller gets maximum protection.

With the foundation of the team in place and the possibility of a few more acquisitions to come, their season will depend on Head Coach Randy Carlyle’s ability to blend youth with experience as their new-look line-up attempts to get the Ducks soaring back to their 2007 best after three flightless years in the NHL wilderness.

Sportsbooks have the Anaheim Ducks listed at +3000 odds to win the Stanley Cup in the 2010/2011 NHL season, which puts them about middle of the pack.  For every $10 bet on the Ducks to win the Stanley Cup you would win $300 – not a bad bet considering the talent the Ducks have up front.  Bet it now at Sportsbook.com if you’re interested!

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NHL Goalie Situation – Where Will They End Up?

August 9th, 2010 by Matt | No Comments | Filed in Goaltending Analysis

With free agency now being just over a month into it and the regular season starting in about two months from today it is very interesting how many goalies are still unsigned and in trade rumours and how many teams do not seem to have their goaltending situation resolved. Teams such as the Oilers, Flyers, Blackhawks, and Bruins all are presumed interested in making goaltending moves still.

In Edmonton, it has been an interesting last month with their goaltending situation. Goaltending which has been an ongoing issue for the club since the spectacular performance Dwayne Roloson put on in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.  With Khabibulin under contract still, while also Deslauriers and Dubynk it was a bit of a shock when the Oilers announced they have signed UFA Martin Gerber to a two way contract. This signing has led to speculation that Gerber was signed as insurance in case Khabibulin ends up in jail in Arizona for his DUI charge?

Other reports are suggesting the Oilers are desperately trying to get out of the rest of Khabibulins contract and are looking for loop holes or potential trade partners. Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini is denying all reports and is stating the signing of Gerber gives the team flexibility and options as well as a solid goaltender for their American Hockey League team.  With three 1 way contacts signed plus the veteran Gerber signed there will have to be some type of transaction before the regular season gets underway.

In Philadelphia the goaltending continues to be the number one concern and water cooler topic for this organization. With Niemmi being a UFA now with the Blackhawks not accepting his arbitration case there has been rumours the Flyers will make a pitch for him. This is quite hard to believe considering the Flyers are stating they are content in net with Boucher and Leighton and additionally have limited cap space.

The Blackhawks were last week made the bold decision to go with veteran Marty Turco instead of Niemmi are still not giving up hope that they can get rid of Huet and his contract before the season begins. Latest rumours have Huet going over to Europe and trying to rejuvenate his career over there for a year and get back to his form when he was a Montreal Canadien. Although this is a possibility it will be quite difficult as it is quite similar to the Nylander case in Washington.  Another option would be seeing Huet down in the AHL where it is also presumed Wade Redden will seem himself this year in New York.

Boston would love to see Tim Thomas contract come off their books but at this point there seems to be too many obstacles for this to be achieved. Thomas has a no movement clause and has publicly stated his desire is to remain a Bruin. Thomas’s age, and contract amount also make his trade stock very low.

There still is time before training camp and the regular season but it can be argued that around ten teams still have some sort of goaltending dilemma to sort out.  Furthermore, some once #1 goalies such as Theodore, Legace, and Toskala are still looking for NHL contracts.  What makes these decisions even more difficult is teams have won the Stanley cup the last few years with a true number one goalie such as Fleury in Pittsburgh, but other teams have won with an unproven goalie such as Niemmi in Chicago.

Regardless there are some key decisions to be made and many GMS who will be placing their focus on their goaltending now before the season gets underway!

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Outdoor NHL Game Set For Calgary in 2011

August 4th, 2010 by Jordan | No Comments | Filed in NHL News

Earlier today the NHL announced that the “Heritage Classic” outdoor regular season NHL game will return to Canada in the 2010/2011 NHL season.  The Calgary Flames will play host to the Montreal Canadiens on February 20th, with the game being played at McMahon Stadium (home to the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders).

This Heritage Classic game will mark the 7th outdoor NHL regular season game, as the Penguins will also host the Washington Capitals in the winter classic game on New Year’s Day earlier in the season.  This year will be the first time there will be two outdoor games in the same season, and it looks like the outdoor game is becoming a staple in the NHL.

Since the 2003 Heritage Classic, which was hosted in Edmonton, there have been four outdoor games all played in the US.   Buffalo hosted Pittsburgh in 2008, the Blackhawks hosted the Red Wings in 2009 at Wrigley Field, and last year we saw the Flyers in Boston for their game at Fenway Park.

McMahon Stadium, which is located on the campus of the University of Calgary, has a capacity listed at just over 35,000, but Flames President Ken King announced that there will be additional seating available and the attendance is expected to be roughly 40,000 for the February 20th game.

Tickets for the game are not yet available, and no date has yet to be released when tickets will go on sale.  If you are in the area make sure you keep an eye out for the ticket date, as the tickets will be sure to go very quickly!

Sportsbooks have the Calgary Flames listed at +3300 odds to win the Stanley Cup this year, and the Montreal Canadiens are listed at very slightly better odds at +3000.  Place your preseason bets on the Stanley Cup at Sportsbook.com!

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Blackhawks Sign Turco – Stanley Cup Odds Remain The Same

August 2nd, 2010 by Kevin | No Comments | Filed in NHL News

The Chicago Blackhawks will have a new starting goalie for the 2010-2011 season as they look to defend their Stanley Cup.  Earlier today (Monday, August 2nd) the Blackhawks announced the signing of long time Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco.  The deal is a one year deal that is reported to be somewhere between $1 and $1.5 Million, which is a nice signing if Turco can play to his ability in the upcoming NHL season.

Antti Niemi, who won the Cup with the Blackhawks less than two months ago, will now be looking for a new team to play for.  Niemi had a great season going 26-7-4 with a 2.25 goals against average and a .912 save percentage in his 39 regular season starts.  Leading Chicago to their first Stanley Cup in 49 years, Antti Niemi was 16-6 with a 2.63 GAA and .912 save percentage.  Chicago and Niemi couldn’t agree on a deal to keep the unrestricted free agent, and after Antti Niemi won his arbitration the Blackhawks decided to walk away from their number one goaltender.

Marty Turco, who spent the last nine NHL season in Dallas, was told that after trading for Kari Lehtonen in February, he would no longer be in the Dallas Stars future plans.  This past season Turco was so-so with his 22-20-11 record, 2.73 goals against average and .913 save percentage.  It is rumored that Turco had been shutting down contract offers from other teams in hopes of landing a spot with the Blackhawks.

The Chicago Blackhawks next move is to figure out what to do with back up goaltender Cristobal Huet, who has a cap hit of $5.625 million on the Hawks if they can’t get rid of him.  The team is looking to make 25 year old Corey Crawford the back up for Turco for the upcoming season, which means Huet will most likely be assigned to the American Hockey League or elsewhere.

The signing of Marty Turco didn’t do anything to the Blackhawks 2010-2011 NHL Stanley Cup Betting Odds at most sportsbooks, as the Blackhawks are still listed at +600 and the favorites for the upcoming NHL season.

A $100 bet on the Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup this season would payout $600 in profits – you can bet it at Sportsbook.com, which is North America’s most popular sports betting site!

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