The second half of the NHL season commences and questions surround many teams. All the players know it is time to get serious and start building to the end season and either secure playoff positions or improve them to each teams liking. Hockey bettors are seeking angles of value to be placed in the right spot in order to capitalize on opportunity. Here is a look at various teams and what might happen short term, based on numerous factors.In the Western Conference, the races are much tighter, with the difference between the fifth slot and 13th just 10 points. Phoenix holds the fifth position at present. They will call upon coach Wayne Gretzky for leadership. The franchise is in financial turmoil, with team owner Jerry Moyes having his own money challenges and the team reportedly losing 30 million a year. With the Coyotes having a realistic shot at first playoffs since 2002, the distractions outside the rink could undermine was has been a surprising season.
Edmonton is next in line in the West and was 7-3 before the All-Star break and would like to continue momentum starting with four home games before packing for the road seven of the next eight. Vancouver slid terribly before the break with 2-8 money line record and coach Alain Vigneault is feeling his seat being set to simmer unless the Canucks start playing well again. Like the Oilers, the four home games have to be taken advantage of, as seven of following eight will be away.
Minnesota is currently ninth in the West and many hockey pundits like the fact they have allowed the fewest goals in the conference and manage to overlook they are tied with Los Angeles for next to last in goals scored. The Wild is only 13-12 on home ice and better take advantage of 8 of 11 in their own rink to start second half. Columbus is right with Minnesota and has played significantly better at home with 13-8 mark and opens with seven of eight in Nationwide Arena.
Dallas also is getting calls to climb back in based on history and experience. Most hockey experts can’t see goalie Marty Turco playing any worse (dismal .885 save percentage) and if he returns just too normal, let alone getting hot, the Stars could sneak in.
In the East, Pittsburgh is in 10th slot and a long way away from last spring’s Stanley Cup finals. Yes, there has been a ton of injuries the Penguins, however they have played more like they have been in denial they didn’t win the Cup last season. Whatever the reasons, WAY too much talent not to make the playoffs.
Florida starts one point behind Carolina for final position in the Eastern Conference and will play nine of 13 in south Florida and will have to do better .500 at home ice.
Buffalo has moved up with 7-3 run and is playing more team hockey. If the Sabres can keep playing with the same togetherness, they could catch Philadelphia, who starts the second half with five of six in road uniforms, though Tampa Bay, St. Louis and Atlanta are all very winnable road encounters.
Montreal might be shopping for veteran net-minder and are assigned nine of 13 games away from home to commence second half.
New Jersey was an afterthought after losing goaltender extraordinaire Martin Brodeur, somehow they managed to keep playing Devils hockey and Scott Clemmensen has been very solid between the pipes with 19-10 record. New Jersey won seven of 10 before the All-Star game to take over first place in the Atlantic and is just two points out of second place in the East behind Washington, plus rumors are circulating Brodeur could be back in five to six weeks. Watch the Devils; they could be turning up the heat.
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