NHL Betting – MVP futures odds/predictions
If NHL odds for regular season games are too tough to predict so far, why not try your hand at Hart Trophy (League MVP) futures betting? Here are the top names to consider this season.
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TIER ONE: THE BIG THREE
Alexander Ovechkin
Sportsbook odds: +200
Clearly the man to beat after winning the award the last two years, Ovechkin is the best all-around player on the planet. He can score from anywhere with his laser of a shot, but he still takes smart shots; he can stickhandle through an entire team; he can devastate defensemen with his heavy forecheck. Best of all, he plays the game with an infectious joy. He’s a rock-solid MVP pick.
Evgeni Malkin
Sportsbook odds: +400
Malkin has the skill to match Ovechkin, possessing great size, goal-scoring ability and offensive instincts. Playing alongside Sidney Crosby (at least on the power play), he’s a good bet to win the scoring title this season. However, the MVP is about the player most valuable to his team, and Crosby and Malkin diminish each other’s individual value, however unfair that is.
Sidney Crosby
Sportsbook odds: +500
With his speed, athleticism and unparalleled vision, Crosby may still have the biggest career upside of any player in the game today. It’s crazy to remember he’s still only 22 years old, several years away from his prime. The sky’s the limit for him, but he’s less likely to win the MVP sharing the spotlight with Malkin in Pittsburgh.
TIER TWO: MAJOR CONTENDERS
Pavel Datsyuk
Sportsbook odds: +2000
Datsyuk has one key advantage over the over MVP candidates – bigtime defensive prowess to accompany his offensive gifts. He’s a true shutdown center, using his speed and positioning to stymie opponents’ top forwards. He’s a lock to at least warrant MVP consideration late in the year.
Ryan Getzlaf
Sportsbook odds: +2500
He may be the Western Conference’s premiere power forward. He’s a giant but freakishly agile for his size, he’s a leader and he uses his big frame to protect the puck well. Don’t be surprised if he hits the 100-point mark this season.
Jarome Iginla
Sportsbook nhl odds: +1200
He’s a natural goal scorer and a model teammate, the kind of leader every player follows into battle. He doesn’t have the offensive talent around him that the other guys do, so he’ll score a bit less, but his extreme likeability and knack for inspiring teammates makes him one of the league’s most valuable players every season.
TIER THREE – SLEEPERS
Ilya Kovalchuk
Sportsbook odds: +3000
Kovalchuk is a risky pick, as guys who play on weak teams almost never get MVP votes. However, there’s an outside chance that the Thrashers could surprise in the standings this year on the strength of improved offensive depth. If they do, Kovalchuk’s perceived value will climb. In a contract year and with possibly his best supporting cast to date, he could post career-best numbers across the board in 2009-10.
Mike Richards
Sportsbook odds: +1500
The Phillies are destined to contend for a Cup and Mike Richards is not only their leader, but regarded by many as the best emerging leader in hockey. He can score, get his nose dirty, set up teammates, kill penalties…you’ll be hard pressed to find a more versatile player than Richards.
Other names to consider
Jonathan Toews (+1500) and Patrick Kane (+2500) should take their games to the next level this season but, like Crosby and Malkin, could steal MVP votes from each other. Roberto Luongo (+2000) has the rare type of game-stealing ability that could make him just the third goalie to win the MVP. Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley (both +1000)’s hockey odds of winning hardware go up with them playing together in San Jose.
Betting services recommend: Ovechkin. The guy already scored six points in two games to win First Star of the Week. He’s the best in the world and he isn’t going anywhere. If you want a higher-risk, higher-reward pick, consider Getzlaf, Richards or Toews.
