NHL sport betting odds makers will want to take a good look at the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010-11 seasons as they prepare to make a return to the playoffs.
A Step Back – Last year the Columbus Blue Jackets fell to 32-35-15 on the season and finished out of the playoffs. As the entire franchise looked to be falling apart, head coach Ken Hitchcock, who directed them to their first ever post season appearance, was fired during the season. But outside of a new coach, Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson made few roster changes and feels that stability will trump an overhaul in Sports Gambling.
Bargain Value? – The Blue Jackets are picked for the bottom of the rankings by nearly all national hockey publications and expectations are low with bettors also. If Howson is right that may make the Jackets a shocking value for bargain hunting odds makers. The one well known addition to the roster was Ethan Moreau from the Edmonton Oilers. Moreau is referred to as a fierce 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. After making a name for himself with results at Manitoba in the American Hockey League, Scott Arniel arrives as head coach. Handicappers at the online sports book can anticipate a Columbus Blue Jackets squad that will come out performing harder and with more depth under Arniel, who will demand a consistent effort night in and night out.
Next to Last – Columbus finished 14th from 15 squads in the Western Conference a year ago and was 16 points out of a playoff spot. There are lots of assets that continue to be from the Columbus Blue Jackets last post season run despite the fact that the climb back to the playoffs could seem steep.
Building Blocks – Columbus’ prospects for NHL wagering results starts with goalkeeper Steve Mason, who was the 2008-09 NHL Rookie of the Year with a 2.29 goal against average and 10 shutouts with a NHL bet record of 33-20-7. A key loss a year ago was when defenseman Rostilav Klesla missed 26 matches because of injury but he is now 100 percent and ready to come back. After bolting for a Russian squad because of displeasure with Hitchcock’s defensive oriented system, really talented Nikita Filatov, who was the leading draft pick of Columbus in 2008, has returned.
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