NHL News and 2014 Stanley Cup Odds

NHL News and Predictions

Now that the Chicago Blackhawks have had their victory parade and hoisted the Stanley Cup, it’s time to turn our attention back to the rest of the league to both see what’s going and look to next year. In case if you missed them, here are the latest odds for the 2014 Stanley Cup winners, courtesy of Bovada.lv:

Odds to win the 2014 Stanley Cup          

Pittsburgh Penguins: 13/2

Chicago Blackhawks: 15/2

Boston Bruins: 9/1

St. Louis Blues: 12/1

Los Angeles Kings: 14/1

Vancouver Canucks: 14/1

Detroit Red Wings: 16/1

New York Rangers: 16/1

San Jose Sharks: 16/1

Anaheim Ducks: 20/1

Toronto Maple Leafs: 25/1

Washington Capitals: 25/1

Montreal Canadiens: 28/1

Carolina Hurricanes: 33/1

Edmonton Oilers: 33/1

Minnesota Wild: 33/1

New York Islanders: 33/1

Ottawa Senators: 33/1

Philadelphia Flyers: 33/1

Colorado Avalanche: 40/1

Columbus Blue Jackets: 40/1

Nashville Predators: 40/1

New Jersey Devils: 40/1

Tampa Bay Lightning: 40/1

Winnipeg Jets: 40/1

Buffalo Sabres: 50/1

Calgary Flames: 50/1

Dallas Stars: 50/1

Phoenix Coyotes: 50/1

Florida Panthers: 100/1

Now here’s some headline news from around the league that could impact next season’s gambling action.

Mark Messier Departs New York Rangers

Mark Messier, legendary former Rangers center, has left the organization he spent most of his professional career in. He was passed over for the head coaching position with the team, and many speculate that’s the reason he’s leaving. Messier had been a special assistant to team president and general manager Glen Sather.

“I am resigning my position with the team to pursue an opportunity to expand the game of hockey in the New York area by developing the Kingsbridge National Ice Center,” Messier said. “Although some will perceive this as a reaction to the coaching decision, nothing could be further from the truth. I completely respect the decision that was made and for all the reasons it was made. I harbor no hard feelings toward Glen [Sather] or the Rangers. This is a personal choice I am making to create a program in the New York area that will give our children more choices and opportunities in the future. I wish the Rangers nothing but the best in the future.”

Blackhawks Forward Marian Hossa May Require Back Surgery

Marian Hossa was a big part of the Chicago Blackhawks run to the Stanley Cup this season. However, he may have to miss some time because of an injury he sustained in the Stanley Cup Finals that may require back surgery.

“I just talked to [head athletic trainer] Mike Gapski, and he kind of pointed out that there are two options that I may need the surgery and I may need another shot,” Hossa said. “After this, I’m going to talk to Dr. [Michael] Terry and try to make the best decision that we can. So one of those two options.”

Hossa says he doesn’t know how badly he’s hurt, but that he noticed a steep drop off in his play after the injury occurred.

“I don’t know if I was too effective how I was playing,” Hossa said. “I was limping on the ice. To tell you the truth, I didn’t have much confidence because everybody was much faster. As soon you get a puck, I wasn’t too confident to do things I’m usually able to do. It kind of frustrated me in those games, but the coaches told me just to play your game defensively and that’s going to help us. I just try to stick with it.”