NHL Early Season Report ~ Trend Report

NHL Early Season Report ~ Trend Report The 2009/2010 NHL season has certainly had it's surprises, maybe more than in any year I can remember the exception is the rule. If someone had told me that after 13 games the Colorado Avalanche would have a 10-1-2 record be 5 points up on the Western Conference's second place team The LA Kings (Yes Really), the year after long time, leader and Captain Joe Sakic retired and that Craig Anderson would be the front runner for both the MVP and the Vezina Trophy I would have taken that action at any odds. Plus Phoenix? is in fifth... Has any team every faced more off-season questions or team adversity, I am actually beginning to wonder if Hockey can work in Phoenix - It's like a dream for the NHL just as they become buyers, after years of being worthless the team is increasing the franchise fee with every win. Does any remember the Drama? Bettman, Basille, Moyes, Gretzxy, the City of Phoenix battled it out in court and against reason and all common sense - The Team and Fans (in Phoenix) Won.Yet here we are, just a couple weeks into the season and Vancouver, Detroit, Anaheim and St Louis are all out of the playoff picture based on their standings today (all made it last year) I would predict maybe two of these teams climb back into the playoffs and all should be factors in the race but it is starting to seem more likely than I ever thought possible that Detroit and Anaheim could be on the outside looking in. Then move to the Eastern Conference less surprises the NE will be tough Ottawa and Buffalo both seem like their back to stay but the big surprise to me is Carolina after stealing two playoff series they are 0-4-2 on the road and on a 7 game losing skid. In last seasons playoffs Eric Staal was one of the most dominate players plus this team locked Cam Ward up long term, one would think this team could have moved up... But both Carolina and Boston are as of today out of the picture.So in this Topsy-Turvy NHL climate what represents a good value team? and what should a bettor look for? After following the trends closely three things have really stood out. 1. Goaltending - This stat always stands out as a matrix to follow GA/G (Goals Allowed Game) - The Leaders in this category are all near the top of their division. With a couple exceptions we will look at later on the top 10; Buf, Phx, Col, Pit, Chi, NJD, Van, Stl, Dal, SJ2. Shots Against per Game or SA/G speaks to the work load of the goalie there is a reason only one or two goalies have one the cup with over 65 starts it's taxing on the goaltender there body and mind wear down and down comes the GA/G3. 5-5 Goals For/Against Ratio most under rated stat in any sport anywhere is your team winning in the normal game mode of 5-5? If your going to wager over a long time track this stat. -Terry Shilton