2012 NHL Season Preview and Matchups

February, 2012 - The 2011-12 NHL season is in full force and fans are excited many things from their favorite franchises. However, there is a lot of competition among the franchises themselves. Here, we are going to look at some of the franchises who are on the rise as well as view those who are on the decline. Below you will also find the daily hockey games and their vegas betting odds and spreads.

Daily NHL Hockey Betting Spreads and Lines

Latest NHL teams on the rise

Columbus Blue Jackets
This team is looking to register their first postseason victory after entering the playoffs once in their 10 seasons. All eyes are set on Rick Nash, who is the team’s all time superstar. The superstar will get some help from the Flyer, Jeff Carter who has been magnificent in the past four seasons.

Toronto Maple Leafs
With the inclusion of the longtime Sabres star, Tim Connolly, the Leafs have become a lot more confident and have achieved the might of gaining a playoff spot. They were better than expected in the last season but finished eight points away from a playoff spot.

Latest NHL teams on the decline

Tampa Bay Lightning
It must be too much to ask from the team, which outperformed everybody’s expectations last season. The Lightning are missing some of their players such as Sean Bergenheim and Simon Gagne, they are counting heavily on their goalie, Dwayne Roloson for a full bailout this entire season.

Pittsburg Penguins
The success of the Penguins depends heavily on the fitness of their ace player, Sidney Crosby who has been out of action since 10 months. The other star of the team, Evgeni Malkin, is also trying his best to return from a serious knee injury.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division:
This division could be best either in middle of the pack or in hockey. The defending champions, Flyers have made a host of changes but the inclusion of the Ilya Bryzgalov is seen to be one of the biggest changes. The Rangers can drive in front of the former Lightning center, Brad Richards and if things go right for the Penguins, then they are surely going to challenge again whereas the fate of the Devils’ depends a lot on their 39-year-old goalie, Martin Brodeur.

Northeast Division:
The defending champions, Bruin remain the favorites of the division mainly because of their team returns last season. However, the Sabres also have a good chance in the division. The fate of the Canadeins, depends on the goalie Carey Price whereas the Maple Leafs and the Senators make up the rear followed by Toronto, which looks in a much better position than Ottawa do.

WESTERN COFERENCE

Central Division:
Following their 2010-Cup playoff exit, the Blackhawks suffered from a familiar Stanley Cup hangover. The Red Wings also seem to keep plugging despite the retirement of some of their players such as Chris Osgood, Brian Rafalski and Kris Draper. The Blackhawks seem solid with some great additions such as Daniel Carcillo and Andrew Brunette whereas the Predators are trying to enhance their performance.

Northwest Division:
The Canucks continue to dominate as the division’s best team even in the absence of their star player, Ryan Kesler. The rest of the four teams are in the rebuilding phases. These teams include the Calgary, Minnesota, Edmonton, and Colorado.

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