This week on Frozen Assets I will be looking at some of the early surprises in the NHL season: Boston and Buffalo in the East, and Chicago, Minnesota and Vancouver in the West.
Boston Bruins: Record: 12-3-4, 28 pts, 1st in NE, 2nd in East
June 30: +3500
July 28: +4000
October 30: +4900
November 20: +2700 (Unibet)
The Bruins have been one of the league’s best surprises. They are working hard, scoring goals, and getting excellent goaltending from Tim Thomas. They have lost once in regulation in their last 10 games and have scored the most and allowed the least goals in the Conference. Grab the Bruins at +2700 because if they play like this for another 10 games they will have odds close to Conference favorites Pittsburgh and Montreal.
Buffalo Sabres: Record: 9-6-3, 21 pts, 3rd in NE, 7th in East
June 30: +2500
July 28: +5000
October 30: +3900
November 20: +2800 (Bet365)
The Sabres started off the season as one of the hottest teams in the league, racing out to a 6-0-1 start. I recommended them at +3900 at Unibet. Since then Buffalo has gone 3-6-2, and with Montreal playing well and Boston emerging as a legitimate contender, the Sabres find themselves the third best team in the division. Now is not the time to bet on Buffalo at +2800.
Chicago Blackhawks: Record: 8-4-5, 21 pts, 2nd in Central, 6th in West
June 30: +6000
July 28: +3300
October 30: +3300
November 20: +3300 (Centrebet)
The Hawks have turned their game around since Denis Savard was fired. They have 2 decent goaltenders and a ton of young talent. They are one game through a six-game road trip. If they can win a few on the road I would advise putting money on them at +3300 if those odds are still available.
Minnesota Wild: Record: 11-4-1, 23 pts, 2nd in NW, 4th in West
June 30: +1800
July 28: +3300
October 30: +2700
November 20: +3300 (Betfair)
The Wild have both scored and allowed the least amount of goals in the Western Conference. They, like the Sabres, started the season hot, going 5-0-1. They have continued to play well, staying true to their defensive roots. Take them at +3300 at betfair.
Vancouver Canucks: Record: 11-6-2, 24 pts, 1st in NW, 3rd in West
June 30: +2600
July 28: +3500
October 30: +4000
November 20: +3300 (Centrebet)
The Canucks have been a pleasant surprise this season. Roberto Luongo has 5 shutouts already, but the biggest surprise has been the Canucks offense. They have already scored 60 goals. Pavol Demitra has energized the team since his return, the Sedins have played well and the Canucks are finally getting secondary scoring. Take them at +3300 at Centrebet.
