NFL
betting circles have plenty of MVP discussion going on; that’s
understandable considering that the season is half over. A month into the NHL
season, however, it’s probably time for our first MVP chatter. Here’s a look at
the top five candidates so far.
5. Craig
Anderson, goaltender, Colorado Avalanche
It’s been a bizarre, improbable sportsbook run
for the Avs so far this season and unheralded netminder Craig Anderson is the
driving force behind that run. When we stop and realize that he’s just 28 – not
ancient for a goalie – and has a .914 career save percentage, maybe he’s not
flash in the pan after all. How long before Tim Thomas starts sweating about
his Team USA roster spot?
4. Marian
Gaborik, winger, New York Rangers
Online betting fans shouldn’t be too shocked to see
Marian Gaborik light up the scoreboard. He tends to do that whenever he plays –
which is rarely. The oft-injured sniper is loving life in the Big Apple so far,
tied for second in the league with 11 goals in 14 games. But how long before
his next serious injury?
3. Ryan
Miller, goaltender, Buffalo Sabres
As great as Anderson looks so far, he may not have
the inside track to start for Team USA, as Ryan Miller has been absolutely
sensational for Buffalo. Why can the Sabres rank 21st in goals
scored yet still have a 9-2-1 record? Because Miller has a Hasek-esque .941
save percentage and two shutouts already.
2.
Alexander Ovechkin, winger, Washington Capitals
He’s sure to hang near the top of this list at any
point in any season for next decade or two. Crazily enough, Ovie’s production
is still improving. He’s currently on pace for 82 goals and 135 points. He’s
also only 24, meaning he’s still a few years away from his prime. Simply
amazing.
1. Anze
Kopitar, center, Los Angeles Kings
Congrats to savvy hockey bettors who realized the
Kings’ hockey odds
were set to improve the same way Chicago’s did last season. After all, you can
only stockpile high draft picks and talented players for so long before your
team can do nothing but improve. But who saw the Slovenian wonder Kopitar’s
explosion coming? He’s emerged as a leader – both in the NHL scoring race and
for his own team – and has meshed extremely well for Ryan Smyth. Don’t be
surprised if the youngster comes back to Earth but all signs point to a career
year for him no matter what.