The Pacific Division was the only division to produce five teams that won at least half their games last season but that didn't translate to the betting windows where only Anaheim was a solid play against the spread, something NHL betting advocates will be monitoring this year. Teams are listed in predicted order of finish with 2010/11 regular season straight up (SU), against the spread (ATS) and over/under (O/U) results in parentheses:
SAN JOSE SHARKS (48-25-9 SU, 48-34 ATS, 42-37-3 O/U)
Future Book Odds Profile: Stanley Cup 12/1, Western Conference Championship 6/1, Pacific Division 3/2.
By the Numbers/NHL Rank (2010/11 Regular Season)
Goal Per Game: 2.96/6
Goals Against Per Game: 2.54/10
Total Points: 669/5
Power Play Chances: 289/17t
Power Play Goals: 68/3
Power Play Percentage: 23.5/2
Penalty Kill Percentage: 79.56/24
Saves: 2161/23
Save Percentage: .912/14t
Faceoff Percentage: .537/2
NHL Betting Tip: The Sharks were a highly profitable 8-1 as underdogs last season, reason enough to bet San Jose whenever you see a plus sign.
LOS ANGELES KINGS (46-30-6 SU, 47-35 ATS, 29-49-4 O/U)
Coach: Terry Murray,126-94-26 (4th year), 486-371-37 (overall)
Future Book Odds Profile: Stanley Cup 16/1, Western Conference Championship 7/1, Pacific Division 3/2.
By the Numbers/NHL Rank (2010/11 Regular Season)
Goal Per Game: 2.55/25
Goals Against Per Game: 2.39/6t
Total Points: 579/22
Power Play Chances: 292/13t
Power Play Goals: 47/21
Power Play Percentage: 16.1/21
Penalty Kill Percentage: 85.5/4
Saves: 2092/28
Save Percentage: .914/10t
Faceoff Percentage: .511/10
NHL Betting Tip: The "under" was a very worth-pursuing 13-26-3 in Kings home games last season.
ANAHEIM DUCKS (47-30-5 SU, 47-35 ATS, 39-41-2 O/U)
Coach: Randy Carlyle,266-169-57 (7th year), 266-169-57 (overall)
Future Book Odds Profile: Stanley Cup 25/1, Western Conference Championship 12/1, Pacific Division 9/2.
By the Numbers/NHL Rank (2010/11 Regular Season)
Goal Per Game: 2.87/11
Goals Against Per Game: 2.84/20
Total Points: 652/10
Power Play Chances: 285/20
Power Play Goals: 67/4t
Power Play Percentage: 23.5/3
Penalty Kill Percentage: 81.3/19
Saves: 2415/4
Save Percentage: .912/14t
Faceoff Percentage: .477/25t
NHL Betting Tip: The Ducks were solid in all wagering situations and finished a League best +13.5 betting units for the year. For perspective, no other team was up double digits.
PHOENIX COYOTES (43-26-13 SU, 43-39 ATS, 42-36-4 O/U)
Coach: Dave Tippett,91-51-20 (3rd year), 364-207-57 (overall)
Future Book Odds Profile: Stanley Cup 33/1, Western Conference Championship 16/1, Pacific Division 8/1.
By the Numbers/NHL Rank (2010/11 Regular Season)
Goal Per Game: 2.76/14
Goals Against Per Game: 2.68/12t
Total Points: 609/14
Power Play Chances: 289/17t
Power Play Goals: 46/22t
Power Play Percentage: 15.2/23
Penalty Kill Percentage: 78.3/26
Saves: 2453/3
Save Percentage: .918/7
Faceoff Percentage: .515/7
NHL Betting Tip: The Coyotes were a paltry 2-4 as favorites of -175 or more last season.
DALLAS STARS (42-29-11 SU, 42-40 ATS, 38-42-2 O/U)
Future Book Odds Profile: Stanley Cup 50/1, Western Conference Championship 25/1, Pacific Division 8/1.
By the Numbers/NHL Rank (2010/11 Regular Season)
Goal Per Game: 2.71/17
Goals Against Per Game: 2.76/15
Total Points: 597/17t
Power Play Chances: 306/6
Power Play Goals: 55/9t
Power Play Percentage: 17.97/14
Penalty Kill Percentage: 80.1/23
Saves: 2278/17
Save Percentage: .910/16
Faceoff Percentage: .500/20
NHL Betting Tip: The Stars shined as underdogs last season, posting a bankroll padding 17-16 record in those games.
This is the last of a six-part NHL 2011/12 preview series.
This article was written by Luken Karel for http://www.thegreek.com. The Greek Sportsbook & Casino is host to one of the top online sportsbooks offering college football betting and sports betting on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and all other major sports. The Greek is a must have sports betting and entertainment portal with one of the largest wagering menus available online. Article reproductions must include a link pointing to http://www.thegreek.com
