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.
