As they prepare to make a return to the playoffs, NHL sport betting odds makers will want to take a long look at the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010-11 seasons.
A Step Back – A year ago the Blue Jackets fell to 32-35-15 on the season and finished out of the playoffs. As the whole franchise appeared to be imploding, head coach Ken Hitchcock, who headed them to their first ever post season appearance, was let go during the season. But other than a new coach, Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson made few lineup changes and thinks that stability will trump an overhaul in Sports Gambling.
Bargain Value? – The Blue Jackets are picked for the bottom of the standings by almost all national hockey publications and expectations are low with bettors also. If Howson is right that can make the Jackets a shocking value for bargain hunting odds makers. The one well known addition to the lineup was Ethan Moreau from the Edmonton Oilers. Moreau is referred to as a ferocious competitor that will bring much needed fire and desire to the dressing room.
New Approach From New Staff – This isn’t going to be the same Columbus squad to make a NHL bet with in 2010-11. Scott Arniel arrives as head coach after making a name for himself with success at Manitoba in the American Hockey League. Handicappers at the online sports book can anticipate a Blue Jackets squad that will come out performing harder and with more power under Arniel, who will demand a steady effort night in and night out.
Next to Last – Columbus finished 14th out of 15 teams in the Western Conference last year and was 16 points out of a playoff spot. There are plenty of assets that stay from the Blue Jackets last post season run although the climb back to the playoffs might seem high.
Building Blocks – Columbus’ prospects for NHL betting success starts with goalie Steve Mason, who was the 2008-09 NHL Rookie of the Year with a 2.29 goal against average and ten shutouts with a NHL bet record of 33-20-7. Defenseman Rostilav Klesla missed 26 games as a result of injury in a important loss to the squad last year, but he’s now 100 percent and ready to come back. After bolting for a Russian squad as a result of displeasure with Hitchcock’s defensive oriented system, highly skilled Nikita Filatov, who was the leading draft pick of Columbus in 2008, has returned.
The Bet Royal website features online casino games, table tournaments, slots, and poker for exciting online gambling and wagering. The site also includes a full sportsbook for live odds, results, and betting for almost any event.
http://www.betroyal.com/