Slap shots in the dark: Top 5 NHL longshots
By ARI BAUM-COHEN
Futures are a great way for the causal sports bettor to potentially win a lot of money without risking their entire bankroll. In the NHL, anything can happen in the playoffs, so why not plunk down $20 on one of these teams and hope for the best.
Florida Panthers
Then
On November 22, the Florida Panthers were 7-11-1 and had the least amount of points in the NHL. The Panthers lacked a premier scorer up front and No. 1 goaltender Tomas Vokoun was in danger of losing his job.
Now
Florida has gone 18-8-7, including a 9-3-3 record since January 3. The Panthers have 58 points and sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Under rookie head coach Pete DeBoer, Florida has developed an identity as a hardworking balanced team. Vokoun has reclaimed his status as the top goaltender and backup Craig Anderson has proven to be a reliable option.
Florida is available at odds as high as +3000 to win the East.
Carolina Hurricanes
Then
On January 17, the Canes lost their fifth game in a row and dropped to 21-20-5. They had already endured a coaching change and an injury to Cam Ward. Team captain Rod Brind’Amour was an astounding minus 29 and Eric Staal had 34 points in 46 games.
Now
Back-to-back road wins over San Jose and Phoenix raised Carolina’s record to 27-22-5, good for 59 points and eighth place in the East. Though Brind’Amour is injured and Staal has been a disappointment, the Hurricanes are getting enough production from the rest of their top six forwards and solid goaltending from Cam Ward to compete for one of the East’s final playoff spots.
Carolina is available at odds as high as +3300 to win the East.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Then
The Jackets were already in trouble in early November. Pascal Leclaire, the main reason Columbus was able to rise to mediocrity last year, was out with injury and backup Fredrik Norrena was struggling. At 4-6-2, it looked like Columbus Blue Jackets fans were in for a long season.
Now
Enter Steve Mason. The Jackets’ rookie leads the NHL in GAA and shutouts and the Jackets are a respectable 21-17-3 since Mason’s first game on November 5. Columbus sits one point from the final playoff spot. It's a hardworking team with excellent goaltending, a premier scorer, solid defense and excellent coaching. The Jackets resemble another surprise team - the 2003-2004 Calgary Flames.
The Jackets are available at odds as high as +12500 to win the Stanley Cup.
Buffalo Sabres
Then
Buffalo started off the season unbeaten in eight games, but followed up its 6-0-2 start with a 3-8-1 stretch culminating in home loss to the Islanders November 22.
Now
The Sabres have picked up their play, posting a respectable 19-12-3 record since that time. It's good for a 28-20-6 record and seventh in the East. Buffalo has depth at forward (especially if Tim Connolly stays healthy) and solid goaltending. Though the Sabres will be without leading scorer Thomas Vanek for about four weeks, they should maintain their playoff position.
The Sabres are available at odds as high as +2500 to win the Eastern Conference.
Dallas Stars
Then
The Stars were 7-11-4 November 29 and last in the Western Conference. Their team leader Brenden Morrow was out with a torn ACL, Marty Turco was struggling and Sean Avery was discussing his ex-girlfriends with the media.
Now
The Stars have gone 19-8-3 over the last 30 games and sit fifth in the Western Conference. Other than suspending Sean Avery and remembering how to play defense, not much has changed for the Stars. If they can make it to the postseason, Brenden they will likely be aided by the return of Brenden Morrow.
The Stars are available at odds as high as +2700 to win the Western Conference.