Power Position Betting: Hockey News

Hey, been some time since we hit the ice, so let's go for a quick skate around the league. As you may or may not remember, a little while back I, CollegeBoy, stated in this blog that the Devils were looking to be my favorite to win it all--and how did they respond? By going on a 10-1-2 streak, playing some overall great hockey. Marty Brodeur looks like he wants to become the overall shutout leader this season, and while I do not believe that they will maintain this level of play for the rest of the season, honestly, I really like what I see from this group. As long as everyone stays healthy, that is...

One just has to look at Anaheim to see what a big injury can do to a team. Giggy with it pulls a muscle, can't play, and the Ducks go 2-6-2 over the next 10 games. That in itself was a bit of a shock to me, as I thought with the overall skill this team has that if any team could pull out victories without their number one in net, it would be them...but apparently, Giguere is without doubt their MVP--I mean, just look at his numbers. 23-4, with a .217 GAA and a save % of .924, just nasty. 4 shutouts = verrah nice...and when he returns, watch out and bet accordingly.

In a follow-up to my article in the Positioning Group's monthly newsletter, the time for the Flyers to show up this season is now. So far, no good, but after a tough game coming up against Jersey, which they will probably lose, is their chance. It all depends how they play against the Devils. If they can play well, keep it close, that should be enough of a boost to get them going. Or not. Regardless, I will be watching with great interest...

Poor Philly fans, huh? The Flyers are by far, no doubt, the worst team in the league. Can't the sport gods give Philly a break? C'mon, give em a nice winning streak. Do it.

San Jose is playing some great hockey (two goalies capable of winning a big game, always key for a team to make a long run), as are the Canucks (I still have doubts about Luongo carrying them all the way though). These are both two teams that can make it to the finals, though they will not be the favorites by any means. A surprising favorite emerging in the Western Conference is the Nashville Predators who have become the overall number 1 seed and the team with the most points. Great move getting Kariya, huh? And, like the Sharks, the team has two goalies capable of winning the big game. The 4th seed last year, they were pretty much dismantled in the first round by the Sharks, but look for them to get much, much farther this year. Being the number 1 seed and having the best home record in the league = huge advantage. Also, a year of experience will only benefit a team like this, and with only 2 Americans on their roster, hey, can't get any better than that, eh?

Not that there are any overwhelmingly American-led teams in the league...

Some tough luck down in Florida. Sure they win at the collegiate level, but the Dolphins were terrible, the Marlins were eh (but young and growing again, those bas----s), and their hockey team is the only team with double-digit overtime losses, as they languish in last place of the Southeast Division.

Anybody else think Pittsburgh should be higher in the standings? Just wait though, this is a really good situation brewing here, which makes talk of a move all the more disconcerting. Here is an exciting, energetic franchise capable of some electric performances...and yeah, let's move this team out. The excitement is too much for Pittsburgh fans...right...

Lightning, playing much better lately. This is always a scary team to face, if only they had a real solid goalie in net, how scary would they become then... I kind of want them to put in Karri Ramo and see if any of the Romo power from Dallas could transfer...

That's one of the more sillier ideas I've had lately, just to let you know.

All right though. All you hockey fans, keep on watching. There are some great games going on, it's just that sometimes it's so hard to catch a game. So everybody, watch sportscenter's top plays, and the fact that you always see a hockey play on there lately goes to show you something... I'm not saying hockey is back, because it was never really here...but hockey is certainly doing something good, so here's hoping to some more great puck action.