Tag: hockey

NHL Best Bets: Why you should take the Kings moneyline, plus more picks for Opening Night

Trying to find some best bets for the two NHL matchups tonight? We got you covered.

The NHL season is finally starting in North America and there are two dynamic matchups that should have everyone’s attention. In case you missed it — which, understandable — the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks officially opened the NHL season with two games in Prague, Czech Republic. The Preds won both matchups, scoring a combined seven goals.

The first tilt of tonight’s evening slate is an Eastern Conference Finals rematch which features the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers. It will be a fantastic goalie duel between Andrei Vasilevskiy and Igor Shesterkin as well.

We go out west for a Pacific Division matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights. The Kings are a team full of potential while the Golden Knights have their eyes set on the Stanley Cup.

You have seen our predictions for the over/under totals for team points and now you’ll get a couple of best bets for tonight’s games. Let’s get to it.

NHL Vezina Trophy Odds: 3 Best Sleeper picks for 2022-23 (including a former Leafs goalie!?)

Looking for some NHL future bets? Here are the three best sleeper picks for the Vezina Trophy!

The NHL season is fast approaching and there are plenty of fun future bets to look at it. The BET FTW and For The Win writers shared their over/under picks for the team’s point totals so it’s now time to look at sleeper picks for the Vezina Trophy!

The goalie in hockey is the most important position for a squad. If you don’t have a good netminder, you can kiss your Stanley Cup dreams goodbye.

Andrei Vasilevskiy has been the class of the NHL for some time now and he has the second-best odds to win the Vezina Trophy. Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin is the betting favorite.

Here are the three best sleeper bets for the Vezina Trophy!

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Thatcher Demko

The Canucks netminder is one of the best up-and-coming goalies in the league. He first burst out onto the scene during the bubble playoffs when he stopped 128 of 130 shots the Vegas Golden Knight fired his way. He sported a 0.64 goals against average and a .989 save percentage which is ridiculous.

Demko’s play has been inconsistent the past couple of years and that can be attributed to the defensive play in front of him as well as injuries. He had a full offseason to rest and if his play has the Canucks in a playoff spot, he should be considered for the Vezina Trophy. Demko put up great numbers last year with a 2.72 GAA and a .915 save percentage.

Jake Oettinger

Jake Oettinger is another netminder who made himself a household name thanks to his stellar postseason performance. He had the Flames’ forwards befuddled with his play and his numbers were absurd. Oettinger sported a .956 save percentage and his GAA was 1.67. He was the sole reason the Stars almost upset Calgary in their seven-game series last year.

The Stars goalie has a new contract and is poised to carry the torch for them. Dallas has an aging core, a new coach, and young talent. Oettinger’s Vezina hopes will dependent on team success and how far he drags him. He may not win it this year but his name should be in the conversation for years to come.

Jack Campbell 

The Oilers have finally found their number-one netminder and it’s something they sorely needed. Jack Campbell couldn’t find playoff success with the Leafs but could he find it with Edmonton? Well, having Connor McDavid certainly helps his case.

Campbell was an All-Star last year but battled injuries to finish the season/playoffs. He’ll have people’s attention if he puts up great numbers, the team is rolling and he’s a big reason for their success. Campbell recorded two shutouts and put up a 2.64 GAA. Taking a shot a could be beneficial to your bank account once the season ends.

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Hockey fans cannot get enough of Ivan Ivan and his incredible name at the 2022 World Juniors

Ivan Ivan is the best name in hockey, period.

I think it’s fair to say that Ivan Ivan takes the crown for having the best hockey name of all time.

While the NHL may be in the midst of a long offseason, hockey is still happening worldwide as the 2022 World Juniors are officially underway after being postponed from last December. The under-20 hockey tournament pits the sport’s brightest young stars against one another and offers a great look at the future of the NHL.

Amid all the games, hockey fans came to notice one player that stood above the rest on the basis of name alone. Czechia’s Ivan already made a name for himself in December before the 2022 World Juniors were postponed and recently, he made his triumphant return to the stage during the tournament!

While Ivan’s middle name may not be Ivan like many hoped it’d be for the memes, hockey fans are still absolutely obsessed with Ivan and his incredible name.

Broncos players react to Avs winning Stanley Cup

We won in hockey, now let’s do it in football!

Denver Broncos players celebrated the Colorado Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup on Sunday night on Twitter.

After the Broncos’ official Twitter account tweeted out congratulations to the city’s hockey team, several Broncos players jumped in on the fun. “Turn the lights off,” The Broncos official Twitter account tweeted. “CARRY THE CUP HOME!”

On Sunday night, the Colorado Avalanche downed the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. It’s the former’s third championship in franchise history.

From newly-acquired quarterback Russell Wilson to rookie edge rusher Nik Botinno, a slew of Broncos players congratulated the Avalanche players.

Nathaniel Hackett eager to see energy and juice from Avs’ playoff games at Broncos’ games

“Bring that energy and bring that juice — that’s what we need,” Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said of the support Avs fans gave this season.

The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup on Sunday night.

Now, it’s Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett that’s eager to see the energy and juice from the city’s playoff hockey games transfer over to the city’s football games this fall.

It’s been seven seasons since the Broncos made the playoffs. But that’s expected to change this season with Russell Wilson in town. And the fact the Broncos have the seventh-best Super Bowl odds helps that exclamation. That, by the way, is despite not having a winning record since 2016 (9-7).

Hackett attended several of the Avs’ home playoff games earlier in the playoffs and he came away impressed with the atmosphere.

“To be able to bring that to the Denver Broncos and bring that energy and bring that juice — that’s what we need, what we want and what we want to be a part of because we’re the Denver Broncos,” Hackett said on June 6. “We want to bring it because what’s going on in that arena when the Avalanche play is unbelievable. I feel sorry for [opponents that] come in there.”

Broncos Country wouldn’t mind fans in attendance mimicking the Avalanche’s fanbase during home games at Empower Field at Mile High this fall. Perhaps the Broncos fans can rival the “12s” that occupy the Seattle Seahawks fanbase. Fittingly, the Wilson-led Broncos will face off against the Seahawks (and the 12s) in Week 1 this season.

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How golfers can celebrate the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup win

Celebrate the Colorado Avalanche’s 2021-2022 NHL Championship out on the golf course.

Congratulations, Colorado Avalanche fans, you did it! Now it’s time to celebrate by hitting the golf course.

In order to help Avs fans celebrate winning their first Stanley Cup in 21 years, Golfweek has put together a list of Colorado Avalanche golf gear to help you support your team.

If you’re looking for some suggestions on where to celebrate, check out Golfweek’s list of best public courses by state.

If you’re lucky enough to be an Avalanche fan who also loves the Golden State Warriors, go play the lottery immediately, but also check out our list of best Warriors golf gear.

We occasionally recommend interesting products, services, and gaming opportunities. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Golfweek operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Von Miller attended the Avs’ big win on Saturday night

Denver for Life!

Von Miller might be selling his Colorado home, but he clearly still feels a connection to the area.

Miller, who now plays for the Buffalo Bills, attended Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lighting at Ball Arena on Saturday evening. The Avs took a 2-0 lead in the series following their 7-0 blowout win over Tampa at home.

The NHL’s official Twitter page shared a photo of Miller in attendance rocking an Avs jersey.

Miller played for the Denver Broncos from 2011-2021, leading the team to victory in Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season. He is the team’s all-time leader in sacks (110.5) and he earned eight Pro Bowl nods in Denver.

The Broncos traded Miller to the Los Angeles Rams mid-season in 2021 and he went on to win a second Super Bowl in Los Angeles. The star pass rusher then signed a massive contract with the Bills as a free agent this spring.

Though he’s no longer a Bronco, Miller’s still connected to Denver sports.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
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Stanley Cup Final 2022: Cale Makar has best odds to win Conn Smythe Trophy ahead of Lightning-Avalanche

Who will win this year’s award?

What do back-to-back titles get you outside of praise, hardware and your name etched in the history books? Apparently not the backing of sportsbooks — the Tampa Bay Lightning open the 2022 Stanley Cup vs. the Colorado Avalanche as the underdogs despite their aforementioned consecutive titles.

But make no mistake about it, Colorado has earned its label as the favorite. The Avalanche secured the second-most regular-season wins (56) and have a 12-2 postseason record that includes two series sweeps.

Such success has been keyed by defenseman Cale Makar and center Nathan MacKinnon. Makar’s +180 odds at Tipico Sportsbook to win the Conn Smythe Trophy are the shortest of all players, while MacKinnon’s +210 odds rank second.

2022 Conn Smythe Odds

  • Cale Makar (+180)
  • Nathan MacKinnon (+210)
  • Andrei Vasilevskiy (+400)
  • Nikita Kucherov (+400)
  • Steven Stamkos (+1300)
  • Mikko Rantanen (+1300)
  • Gabriel Landeskog (+2000)
  • Victor Hedman (+2000)

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Behind the two Avalanche players is Tampa Bay’s goaltender and reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy, whose +400 odds are tied with teammate Nikita Kucherov for the third shortest.

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup will begin Wednesday, June 15th as the Lightning look to three-peat and the Avalanche (-155) try to secure their first title in over 20 years.

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Broncos QB Russell Wilson, coach Nathaniel Hackett attended Avs’ win last night

Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett, QB Russell Wilson and seven teammates attended the Avs’ 4-0 win over the Oilers last night.

Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett and quarterback Russell Wilson — and several of his teammates — were in attendance at Ball Arena on Thursday night to watch the Colorado Avalanche defeat the Edmonton Oilers 4-0, taking a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals of the NHL playoffs.

Hackett has jumped on the Avs’ playoff bandwagon and he’s quickly become a big fan of team.

“I am so excited for them,” Hackett said earlier this week. “I’ve been watching — the speed of them playing on the ice is unbelievable. Watching them — I’m in my office all by myself, jumping up and cheering and getting all excited. It’s fun to watch them and I’m really excited for them.”

The coach didn’t get to experience much hockey on previous NFL stops in Green Bay and Jacksonville.

“They’re so much fun to watch,” Hackett said. “I have not watched a lot of hockey. A lot of the places that I have been, we haven’t had a lot of hockey teams, but it’s amazing. Just watching the crowd, too, is incredible and all the things that I have heard is just unbelievable.”

Wilson was there as well with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, tight end Greg Dulcich, defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones and returner Montrell Washington. Broncos guard Dalton Risner was also shown on the big board and cornerback Pat Surtain as well as outside linebacker Nik Bonitto were in attendance.

Up next for the Avs are Games 3-4 on the road (Saturday and Monday), followed by Game 5 back home on Wednesday (if necessary).

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
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Organized ice hockey fighting is apparently now a thing that exists in sports

Yes, hockey fighting is a real sport now!

Have you ever wanted to see ice hockey fighting be turned into its own sport, sans the sticks and pucks? Well, folks, I have good news for you!

Ice Wars International is making that dream a reality by mixing hockey fighting with a MMA-style ruleset for our own enjoyment. Yes, this is 100 percent a real thing. No pranks or April Fools jokes here. Organized hockey fighting is now a reality.

Over the weekend, Ice Wars International kicked off its first event of four in Edmonton with “professional and semi professional fighters at the top of their game in top fighting condition” who went head-to-head in minute long, two-round bouts.

Seriously, it’s as incredible as it sounds.

Similarly to fighting in hockey games, these matches have rules, albeit a few different ones, such as no head-butting or biting, no hair-pulling or kneeing, and combatants helmets and gloves must stay on at all times. Plus, they wear MMA gloves alongside their full hockey gear!

Ice Wars International was founded by A.J. Galante, the same former teenage general manager of the Danbury Trashers who was famously featured on the Netflix documentary “Untold: Crimes and Penalties”!

What a career path, right? Hockey fighting enthusiasts, rejoice!

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