Eight weeks ago, the NHL’s free-agency period changed the complexion of many teams. While, many franchises are still in the process of building their squad, there’re others that have already filled out their roster and are ready for 2015-16. So how do the top teams stack against each other in the race for Lord Stanley’s mug?
The Chicago Blackhawks, listed at 13/2 odds by Linesmaker, currently dominate the Stanley Cup odds. Though eyebrows were raised, when they traded Saad, but the addition of Anisimov and Dano did no harm to the already strong Chicago team. As of now, the Blackhawks’ offseason slate looks incomplete.
As far as the match schedule is concerned, Chicago’s quest for another Stanley Cup will be done with a much different roster this season. Six Blackhawks players, who played in the series-clinching Game of the Stanley Cup last June, are no longer a part of the team. It is unclear if Patrick Kane and his current legal troubles will prove a distraction in Chicago’s quest to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions.
Aside from Chicago, Anaheim, with 11/1 odds, is set to lead the Pacific Division. By adding Hagelin in the team, they have achieved something that they missed last year. The only issue with Anaheim at this point of time is goaltending.
Apart from the top Stanley Cup betting favorites, the Red Wings find two solid goaltenders in Petr Mrazek and Jimmy Howard, although the question still looms for who will get the start from them. Additionally, the St. Louis Blues ride on superior goaltending. If the Blues get off to a slow start, don’t be surprised to see Ken Hitchcock peg in the last move.n put together, fans had a clue as to how well some of the top teams have prepared in the race for the NCAA Football championship.
Ohio State Buckeyes look to be in a class of their own. During the off season, fans wondered how the 2015 version of Ohio State would pan out. On Monday, fans got their answer, when Cardale Jones ended up beating J.T. Barrett for the starting QB and amassed 3 touchdowns, with 285 yards of total offense.
Moreover, receiver Braxton Miller scored 140 all-purpose yards on the reception, as well as run. On the updated NCAA Championship odds, the Buckeyes are favored at 8/5 to claim the 2015 NCAA Championship.
Other notable contenders include Alabama who accumulated a great win over Wisconsin, in a match that saw good production from QB Jake Coker and hard running from Derrick Henry. As per ESPN.com, Coker accumulated 213 yards and a touchdown on 15-of-21 passing, while Henry rushed for 147 yards and 3 TD’s. In that game, Alabama’s defense stifled the Wisconsin’s running game and held them to 40 yards & 21 carries. Additionally, a dominant Alabama defense held the Badgers to 1.9 yards carry.
There’re some letdowns left to be mended in Tide’s secondary, but even if that takes some time to get fixed, they’ll still be able to outscore any opposition.