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With the Stanley Cup Playoffs down to eight teams remaining, it’s time to start looking toward the odds for players to win the Conn Smythe trophy.

Below are the top ten players with the best odds to win the Conn Smythe on the FanDuel Sportsbook.

1. Connor McDavid +600

The biggest superstar in the NHL has led his team to the second round of the playoffs and has put up big numbers in doing so. Connor McDavid tallied ten points over six games against the Los Angeles Kings and is the odds-on favorite to win the Conn Smythe at +600.

2. Leon Draisaitl +1000

Not too far behind McDavid is his dominant teammate, Leon Draisaitl. The German forward has actually outscored McDavid, recording eleven points in their opening-round win. Still, Draisaitl is quite a bit off the pace, where he’s listed at +1000 to win the trophy.

3. (Tie) Mitch Marner +1100

After advancing past the Tampa Bay Lightning, Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs are the odds-on favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Toronto’s star winger compiled eleven points over six games against the Lightning, leading to him sitting in a tie for the third-shortest odds at +1100.

3. (Tie) Auston Matthews +1100

Marner and his teammate Auston Matthews go hand-in-hand as a star duo. The superstar forward emerged in Round 1 as a serious weapon, and his odds to win the Conn Smythe reflect that at +1100.

Get our series picks for Panthers-Leafs

5. Jack Hughes +1500

The New Jersey Devils came back from down 2-0 and won four of the next five games over the New York Rangers. Devils forward Jack Hughes played a significant role, even if he only registered five points over seven games. Still, Hughes is listed with the fifth-shortest odds at +1500.

6. (Tie) Roope Hintz +1700

If you’re looking for a forward that broke out in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, look no further than Roope Hintz of the Dallas Stars. The Finnish forward leads the postseason with twelve points and boasts strong odds of winning the Conn Smythe at +1700.

Can the Stars conquer the Kraken?

6. (Tie) Akira Schmid +1700

After switching to Akira Schmid in Game 3 against the New York Rangers, the series shifted. The Devils’ netminder was sensational in five games, registering an absurd .951 save percentage, leading to him being in the running for the Conn Smythe at +1700.

8. (Tie) Jack Eichel +1900

It took a long time, but Jack Eichel finally made his postseason debut. The Vegas Golden Knights star center had a promising opening round of the playoffs, tallying five points over five games. Eichel boasts +1900 odds of winning the Conn Smythe trophy.

8. (Tie) Mark Stone +1900

After returning from injury for Game 1 of the postseason, Mark Stone was dominant against the Winnipeg Jets on both ends of the ice, compiling eight points over five games. The Selke-caliber winger is listed at +1900 to win the Conn Smythe.

8. (Tie) Jake Oettinger +1900

He might not get the credit he deserves as one of the NHL’s top goaltenders, but Jake Oettinger has been nothing but stellar for Dallas in goal once again in the postseason. Oettinger is listed at +1900 to win the Conn Smythe, and there’s definite value in that current price point.

Top Ten Players with the best odds on the FanDuel Sportsbook

The New Jersey Devils made a big splash ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline, acquiring star forward Timo Meier from the San Jose Sharks. After a surprise run in the regular season, the Devils’ front office rewarded their players by making a blockbuster deal. The Devils have young talent and the right mix of veterans, so adding a 26-year-old star forward to the fold made sense.

With their new addition, let’s dive into the Devils’ Stanley Cup odds and discuss if there’s value in their price on the FanDuel Sportsbook.

After sitting inside the top ten odds to win the Stanley Cup, the Devils saw a significant shift after their transaction with the Sharks. The Devils were at +1500 to win the Stanley Cup over the last week but have seen that bet down to +1200 after acquiring Meier. The +1200 odds have them tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the sixth-shortest odds to win Lord Stanley.

There are questions about whether the Devils can rise to the occasion when the goals dry up in the playoffs, and the games get more physical. New Jersey has a skill-filled roster, and the acquisition of Meier could pay dividends for a team that was missing a highly skilled big-body. Adding Meier to a forward group that includes Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt could push the Devils even higher, while they already sit in the top five in goals scored and allowed per game.

The NHL’s Eastern Conference is a crap shoot at the moment. The Conference is stacked, with the six best records in the NHL all coming out of the East. Still, there’s no reason to believe the Devils shouldn’t be considered a serious threat to hoist Lord Stanley. New Jersey could even add more players ahead of the trade deadline, with one of the NHL’s best prospect pools working in their favor.

With multiple teams having close odds in the East and the Colorado Avalanche out West, it’s hard to make a definitive statement about the Devils’ price. However, the talent on this team is good enough for a sprinkle on the Devils to win the Stanley Cup, even if there’s uncertainty in the Conference.

The New York Rangers have been active ahead of the March 3 NHL trade deadline, but is there reason to back their current Stanley Cup odds?

After appearing in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, the Rangers appear poised to make a similar run this season.

You can make a case that this team is better than last year’s, so we should explore what they bring to the table in the futures department.

Let’s look at the Rangers’ current Stanley Cup odds on the FanDuel Sportsbook and discuss whether they have value.

With under two weeks to go before the NHL’s trade deadline, the Rangers have added Vladimir Tarasenko and Tyler Motte. Both players have the potential to impact the team in different ways, with Tarasenko expected to add scoring and Motte poised to bolster the team’s bottom-six forward group. General manager Chris Drury got ahead of the league by making moves early, which has the potential to pay dividends for the club. This roster is built to win now, with a solid core that makes the team an appetizing target for Stanley Cup odds.

Even with the additions, the Rangers will only go as far as goalie Igor Shesterkin will take them. Last season, we saw the impact he could have on a playoff series, which should give bettors confidence in the team’s prospects this spring. The Rangers have several star players, led by center Mika Zibanejad, defenseman Adam Fox, and Shesterkin. The team’s youth movement showed up in last year’s playoffs and could provide a similar impact again.

The Rangers boast the sixth-shortest Stanley Cup odds at +1400. However, the Eastern Conference is a war zone, with six or seven teams that could play for the Stanley Cup. That makes things challenging for the Rangers, but they’ve proven they can rise to the occasion in big games. As long as the Rangers have Shesterkin and a team that can play playoff hockey, there will always be value in backing their Stanley Cup odds.

While the Boston Bruins enter their 2023-24 centennial season with the eighth-shortest odds to win the Stanley Cup, the betting public is not confident the stars that don the Black and Gold will claim any hardware.

Linus Ullmark, David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy figure to be in the running for awards at season’s end. After all, Ullmark is coming off of a season when he won the Vezina Trophy after he received 22 of 30 first-place votes; Pastrnak finished second for the Hart Trophy behind Connor McDavid; and McAvoy has finished top five in Norris Memorial Trophy voting two of the last three campaigns.

In all three cases, however, their respective successes have not elicited many bets entering the season. It’s likely that is because many outsiders believe the Bruins will take a step back without Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

Ullmark, who is 18-1 to win the Vezina at BetMGM, is responsible for 1.9% of tickets and 1.1% of the handle at the sportsbook. Eleven goaltenders are responsible for more bets while 12 are responsible for more of the money.

In regards to Pastrnak, who is 12-1 to win the award equivalent to NHL MVP, the Bruins winger represents 0.6% of the tickets and 0.2% of the money. While it should not be a shock to see the favorite, McDavid, command the most handle (60.2%) and tickets (22.3%), the betting public’s lack of confidence in Pastrnak is a bit surprising.

The veteran winger is a little more popular to win the Rocket Richard Award, given to the player who scores the most goals. Pastrnak, who currently is 10-1 to win the award, is responsible for 2.6% of tickets and 1.5% of the handle. However, eight players represent more tickets and 10 are responsible for more money.

McAvoy is 14-1 to win the Norris Trophy, which is given to the league’s top defensive player. The veteran blueliner is responsible for merely 0.5% of the tickets and 0.0% of the handle. Much like the conversation regarding the Hart Trophy, it is not surprising to see Cale Makar represent the vast majority of money (43.0%) and bets (28.9%), but the overlooking of McAvoy is notable.

Bruins bench boss Jim Montgomery can sympathize with his stars. Montgomery, who won the Jack Adams Award during his first year in Boston, represents 0.0% of the bets and money to win it again. To be far, it’s probably not a bad idea to fade Montgomery in that market. No coach has won the Jack Adams Award in consecutive seasons since former Detroit Red Wings coach Jacques Demers did so in 1987 and 1988.

The Bruins drop the puck on their centennial season as they welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to TD Garden on Wednesday.

Since the start of Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers now find themselves as the new favorites to win the prized trophy.

Below are the top remaining teams’ odds from the FanDuel Sportsbook to capture the NHL’s grandest prize.

1. Edmonton Oilers +330 (Last Week: +400)

The Edmonton Oilers led off their series against the Vegas Golden Knights with a loss but followed that up with a convincing 5-1 win. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl firing on all cylinders and the Oilers continuing to boast a lethal powerplay, this could be the year Canada’s Stanley Cup drought finally ends. The Oilers own the shortest odds of winning the Cup, moving from +400 to 330 as the favorite over the last week.

2. (Tie) Florida Panthers +350 (Last week: +1000)

Going into the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the lowest point total of qualifying teams and facing off against the dominant Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins. It’s normal to think that would have been a mountain too big to climb for the Florida Panthers, yet they now remain just one win away from playing in the Eastern Conference Final. With the Panthers being the closest team to advancing to the next round, their chances skyrocket from +1000 to +350, where they boast the second-shortest odds to win the Stanley Cup.

2. (Tie) Carolina Hurricanes +350 (Last Week: +700)

The Carolina Hurricanes have jumped to a 2-1 series lead over the New Jersey Devils. Carolina is the top remaining seed in the Eastern Conference and continues to play like that, even with some critical injuries up front. This is an entirely team-oriented group, and the players have bought into this brand of hockey. With the Hurricanes two wins away from the ECF, they’ve seen their Stanley Cup odds cut in half from +700 to +350.

4. Vegas Golden Knights +750 (Last Week: +600)

Even though the Vegas Golden Knights are all square with the Edmonton Oilers through two games, they’ve seen their odds drop since last week. The Golden Knights have fallen from +600 to +750, occupying the fourth-shortest odds to win Lord Stanley. Vegas is undoubtedly in their series with the Oilers, meaning this could be a sneaky price to buy and capitalize on if they can create a split on the road in Games 3 and 4.

5. New Jersey Devils +800 (Last Week: +1200)

After looking lifeless for the first two games against the Carolina Hurricanes, the New Jersey Devils got on the board at home in Game 3, where they had an offensive outburst and won 8-4. New Jersey has been a very Jekyll and Hyde team in the playoffs, so the way this series started shouldn’t be a surprise after what we saw against the New York Rangers in Round 1. The Devils got back into their series and have seen their Stanley Cup odds jump from +1200 to +800.

6. Seattle Kraken +850 (Last week: +1500)

The Seattle Kraken continue to surprise people in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This team has been relentless and has the scoring depth to move toward winning a championship. They’ve stuck to their game plan, which has helped lead them to a 2-1 series over Dallas, including a 7-2 thumping in Game 3. With Seattle having a series lead over the Stars, they’ve seen their odds of winning the Stanley Cup nearly cut in half, rising from +1500 to +850.

7. Dallas Stars +900 (Last Week: +550)

It’s not the end of the world for the Dallas Stars, but they still trail the Seattle Kraken 2-1. Dallas was a sizable favorite in this series, to begin with. Still, the Kraken have proven to be once again a difficult out, much like they were in Round 1 against the Colorado Avalanche. In saying that, Dallas has another gear they can get to, and they’ll need the best from goaltender Jake Oettinger in Game 4. With the Stars trailing, they’ve seen their Stanley Cup odds drop from +550 to +900.

8. Toronto Maple Leafs +2500 (Last Week: +370)

After being the favorite one week ago to hoist the Stanley Cup, boy, have things changed. The Toronto Maple Leafs now boast the longest odds of the remaining eight teams after falling behind 3-0 in their best-of-seven series with the Florida Panthers. Toronto was the better team in the first two games of the series, but the Panthers took it to them in Game 3 and won in overtime, leading to the Maple Leafs sitting on the brink of elimination with longshot odds at +2500.

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It’s officially the NHL All-Star Weekend. Games will take place on Saturday, with the Central opening up against the Pacific.

All Odds Courtesy of the FanDuel Sportsbook.

You will not find more talent than in the Pacific and Central Divisions. The format features a 20-minute 3-on-3 tournament, with time and space for the world’s best players to create a drama-filled Saturday afternoon. The Pacific Division has won three of the last six All-Star Games under this format, yet they’re interestingly priced as the underdogs at +102. That might not be surprising, considering they’ll be up against a Central Division loaded with talent. Still, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will undoubtedly have something to say about that.

The Central Division roster might be deeper, but it’s hard to argue that the Pacific doesn’t have more high-end talent, which can sway how bettors view this game. The Central has a clear edge in goal, with Connor Helleybuyck or Juuse Saros. That correlates with why the oddsmakers have the Central as a slight favorite, but in reality, the goalies typically won’t stand on their heads in games like these.

McDavid and Draisaitl taking over this game is a scary premise, but the Central has the better goalie duo and should be able to outlast the Pacific.

Best Bet: Central moneyline (-124)

During the three games at last year’s All-Star Game, none saw more than 13 goals scored. The total between the Central and Pacific is set at 13.5, with the over priced at -106, while the under sits at -116. Despite all the talent, we’ll side with history and expect the number to fall under the total. It might seem like a safe play, but that’s a lot of combined goals for such a short period, even with the best players in the world.

Best Bet: Under 13.5 (-116)

Player Props

Connor McDavid First Goal Scorer (+1000)

The Oilers’ superstar is tied for the shortest odds to open the scoring at +1000. McDavid’s ability, combined with the open ice, is enough to love backing this number as a value play.

Jason Robertson to score, Central to Win (+136)

Jason Robertson has established himself as one of the best goal-scorers in the NHL. He’s already tallied 33 goals in 51 games, and his game-breaking talent should be front and center in this matchup. Since we like the Central Division to come out on top, parlaying that with Robertson to score adds value and makes for a good lean at +136.

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be all in this season after acquiring forward Ryan O’Reilly from the St. Louis Blues.

Significant trades have started happening ahead of the NHL’s March 3 trade deadline. With several teams up against the salary cap, teams were expected to wait closer to the deadline to make trades to save money, but that hasn’t been the case.

The Leafs’ acquisition of O’Reilly is interesting considering what they gave up, especially after general manager Kyle Dubas said he wouldn’t trade his first-round pick for a rental, which is what he did. There’s a chance O’Reilly will re-sign with the club, but that is unknown.

Let’s dive into the Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup odds on the FanDuel Sportsbook and discuss if there’s value in backing their current price.

A few things stand out with the Leafs’ acquisition of O’Reilly and Noel Acciari. The Maple Leafs are now tougher to play against, and they added scoring depth. Through the team’s numerous first-round eliminations, scoring depth has been an issue as goals dry up in the playoffs. There’s less time and space in the playoffs for the Leafs’ star players to do what they’re accustomed to, which is why these additions have the potential to pay dividends in April and May.

With the Blues, O’Reilly captured a Stanley Cup and won the Conn Smythe in 2019, so he knows what it takes to win big games. Even if the Leafs find themselves eliminated in the first round, there shouldn’t be much pushback with a move like this. It’s now up to the players to reward management for giving them what they’ve been asking for.

The Maple Leafs are currently priced with the fourth-shortest odds to win the Stanley Cup at +900. By all accounts, the Maple Leafs will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in Round 1 of the playoffs, which is no easy task. Still, there’s reason to be bullish about the Leafs, whose fate could come down to goaltending. Despite a lack of playoff success, this is a solid price for the Leafs’ Stanley Cup odds.

The New York Islanders have locked up one of their top young players by signing Mathew Barzal to an eight-year contract extension. The 25-year-old will reportedly get an average of $9.15 million per year on the deal. Barzal’s current contract had just the upcoming season left with a cap hit of $7 million. The agreement makes Barzal the highest-paid player on the team.

The 2015 first-round pick is coming off a down year on the Isle. Barzal scored a career-low 15 goals while adding 44 assists for 59 points in 73 games. The talented forward was also a -15 on a team that missed the playoffs in 2021-22.

Barzal’s best season came in 2017-18, when he put up a career-best 85 points in 82 games with personal bests in goals (22) and assists (63). In 362 NHL games, Barzal has logged 311 points for New York while registering 38 points in 49 playoff games.

Over at FanDuel Sportsbook, the Islanders have the eighth shortest odds to win the Eastern Conference at +1600. They are in the middle of the pack on the Stanley Cup odds board, sitting at +3300.

The Vegas Golden Knights are back in the playoff hunt after missing out last season, with potential value in their future prices.

This team has had a lot of injuries, and we’re starting to see that again with the recent news surrounding Mark Stone.

Still, this hockey team has a lot of depth, and there’s reason to be bullish about what they have to offer in different areas on the ice.

Let’s look into the Vegas Golden Knight’s odds to win the Western Conference on the FanDuel Sportsbook and if there’s value for them to make another run to the Stanley Cup Finals.

After a down season derailed by injuries, the Golden Knights have retooled and warrant a look into their future odds of winning the Western Conference. Considering the other contending teams in the West, it will be a challenge, but there are some excellent pieces on the Golden Knights team. Defense and goaltending have led the way for Vegas, and even though they’re slumping heading into the All-Star break, this is an excellent time for them to get back on track in the second half.

With the injury to Stone and him potentially missing the rest of the regular season, the Golden Knights will probably put him on LTIR, providing financial leeway ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline. The Golden Knights have never been shy about pulling the trigger on a big trade, and with some notable names on the trade market, this management group could swing for the fences. They need reinforcements, especially with Stone out long term.

Vegas has 62 points over a 51-game sample size, including a dismal 2-6-2 stretch over their last ten games. There’s been a slight dip in their odds of winning the Western Conference, but they still have the second-shortest odds at +450. There’s a lot of unpredictability surrounding the Golden Knights, but they have the right mix of players to continue finding success in the playoffs.

The Golden Knights’ current price might be higher than you’d expect at +450, but with their recent slide, there could be value in waiting this out a little longer before buying in. Still, their current price is acceptable, and although it’s not super appealing, there’s merit in backing it.

Buy or Sell: Buy the Golden Knights to win the West at +450

The Seattle Kraken have been a great story in 2022-23, continuing to surprise people with its results.

After finishing near the bottom of the league in their inaugural season, the Kraken have flipped the switch in Year 2, doing an excellent job of putting themselves on the map.

There’s a lot to like about the direction this team is headed in, and the West appears to be more open for the taking than we’ve seen in previous seasons.

Let’s dive into the Seattle Kraken’s odds of winning the Western Conference on the FanDuel Sportsbook and if there’s value in their current price.

When you finish near the basem*nt, it’s sometimes hard to fathom that a team could become a contender the following year, but that’s what the Kraken have done. With a good mix of youth and some wise spending in free agency, the Kraken have one of the NHL’s highest-scoring offenses and have done a great job of scoring by committee. There isn’t a lot of star power on this roster, but that hasn’t deterred them from picking up victories. Matty Beniers is in the running for the Calder Trophy and is likely the closest player this team has to a star. This team is deep up front and can add ahead of the trade deadline. We’ll see if they’re more comfortable continuing to develop their core instead of throwing futures away when they’re still a young team.

Despite heading into the All-Star break sitting atop the Pacific Division with 63 points, oddsmakers aren’t giving the Kraken much respect. The second-year franchise is sitting with the seventh-shortest odds to win the Western Conference at +1100, and it’s easy to make a case that those odds should be higher. We’re now at the point where it should be reasonably clear that what this Kraken team is doing is sustainable and that they aren’t just going through a hot stretch. They boast a +26 goal differential, which is the best in the division, yet they aren’t getting the same respect as some of their other Western Conference foes. This is reminiscent of what the Vegas Golden Knights did early in their existence.

It’s hard to put big-money bets on a relatively unproven Kraken team in the postseason, but they have some players that have postseason experience. With their odds at +1100, the Kraken are being undervalued in the futures market to win the Western Conference. As a result, there’s value in backing the Kraken and their odds of winning the West.

Buy or Sell: Buy the Kraken to win the West at +1100

Charlie McAvoy may miss the start of the 2022-23 season, but he still has the talent to impress.

The Boston Bruins announced on June 3 the 24-year-old defenseman underwent a left shoulder arthroscopic stabilization procedure — his expected recovery time was approximately six months. McAvoy is one of many players who are expected to miss the start of the season, including Brad Marchand, who underwent hip surgery.

However, this didn’t stop sportsbooks from projecting McAvoy to collect silverware for the season. DraftKings Sportsbook has odds out for the James Norris Trophy — the award given to the best defensive player of the season.

Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar is the favorite to win the award in back-to-back seasons at +200 odds. 2019-20 Norris winner Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators is a runner-up favorite at a slightly longer +600, followed by 2017-18 Norris winner Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning at +700 odds.

McAvoy comes in with the fourth-shortest odds to win the Norris Trophy at +800. This means a $100 bet on the Bruins defenseman would pay out $900. In the 2021-22 season, McAvoy finished fourth in Norris Trophy voting, though McAvoy admitted he cared more about team accomplishments than his own individual accolades.

McAvoy was named to the NHL’s Second All-Star Team after finishing the season in a career-high 78 games, scoring 10 goals and amassing 46 assists — also career highs.

Once McAvoy returns to Boston at full strength, fans can hope the defenseman can surpass his fourth-place billing and come closer to winning the Norris Trophy.

Multiple Bruins are in line to win hardware after a historic season, and that might also include some postseason honors.

Boston’s path to win its seventh Stanley Cup in franchise history kicked off Monday with a Game 1 win over the Florida Panthers. The victory came despite the team going into the game with a “little nerves” and without Patrice Bergeron.

The Bruins captain likely will win his sixth Selke Trophy, and Jim Montgomery and Linus Ullmark are the frontrunners to win the Jack Adams Award and Vezina Trophy, respectively. David Pastrnak is expected to finish second in Hart Trophy voting to Connor McDavid, but the winger might edge out the Edmonton Oilers star for the Conn Smythe Trophy, according to oddsmakers.

DraftKings Sportsbook and Caesars Sportsbooks have Pastrnak as the favorite at 6-1 and 7-1 to win the Conn Smythe, respectively. Teammate Ullmark is behind him at 8-1.

McDavid opened with the second-shortest odds across major sportsbooks prior to the Stanley Cup playoffs, according to Covers. But the Oilers lost Game 1 to the Los Angeles Kings in overtime Monday.

Boston has been the favorite to win the Stanley Cup for most of the 2022-23 NHL season, so it makes sense why two Bruins players are at the top of the board for the Conn Smythe, awarded to the MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

It’s also why Brad Marchand and Bergeron have gained steam. Marchand is 20-1 at DraftKings and Caesars to win the Conn Smythe, and if he continues to score goals like he did in Game 1, he might give Patstrnak and Ullmark, who also had strong playoff performances, some competition.

Bergeron is slightly behind at 25-1 on DraftKings and 26-1 on Caesars. This is more of a long shot since Bergeron’s impact on the Bruins doesn’t always translate to the stat sheet.

There hasn’t been a ton of major movement after the opening games of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but the best time to bet on the Conn Smythe is during the first round before odds start shifting prior to the conference semifinals.

The Minnesota Wild are the hottest team in the Western Conference, but can they be classified as legitimate contenders to win the West?

There are a lot of solid pieces on the Wild, and reason to be bullish about them, especially when you consider how wide open the West appears to be.

The defending Stanley Cup champions won’t be an easy out while teams have continued to remain jumbled, and no one has done a good enough job separating from the pack.

With that, let’s break down the Minnesota Wild’s current odds to win the West Conference on the FanDuel Sportsbook and whether there’s value in that number.

The Minnesota Wild have posted an 8-1-1 record over their past ten games and have won four in a row. They’ve gone through hot and cold stretches throughout this season but sit comfortably in the second spot in the Central division. There are definitely questions about if this team can score enough to win when the games get tighter.

The Wild occupy the 26th-best scoring offense in the NHL, which won’t cut it in the playoffs. In saying that, they’re also an elite defensive team and in goal, where they sit third in the NHL in goals allowed per game. Knowing that, as a bettor, it will likely come down to how much you value defense vs. goal scoring in the postseason.

Despite having a veteran future Hall of Famer in Marc-Andre Fleury as an option in goal, Filip Gustavsson has emerged as a surprise threat in net for Minnesota. Heading into the season, Gustavsson was expected to back up Fleury, but he’s performed way above expectations and has compiled a stunning .933 save percentage. If the playoffs started today, it would be hard to tell Gustavsson he wasn’t the guy, even with Fleury’s pedigree. Regardless of who tends the goal for Minnesota, they should feel confident in either starter to give them an edge heading into a playoff series.

Despite not having a lot of primary goal scorers on their roster, the Wild still have a superstar talent up front in Kirill Kaprizov. The crafty Russian forward has tallied 73 points in 63 games and has already proven to be a playoff performer with 11 points in 13 games. If he can continue to make the players around him better, the Wild have to be looked at as a legitimate team in the conference.

If the Wild are considered a real threat in the West, we’ll likely need to see more from some of their youngsters, such as Matt Boldy. If some of their younger talent can elevate their games to a different level, the Wild might have the type of offense they need to find success in the playoffs.

Minnesota currently boasts +850 odds to win the West, which has them with the fifth-shortest odds. You can make a real case for seven or eight teams to win the conference, but there’s some nice value present here with the Wild’s current odds that warrant backing.

The New Jersey Devils put together a stellar first half of the season, but is there value in their current Stanley Cup price?

It hasn’t been a great run for New Jersey over the last half-decade, which has seen them miss the playoffs each year since 2018. That appears to be changing in 2022-23, and there’s merit in looking toward some of their future odds.

Let’s dive into the Devils’ Stanley Cup odds on the FanDuel Sportsbook and discuss whether or not there’s value in their price.

All signs point to the Devils heading back to the postseason, which has them sitting second in the Metropolitan Division at the All-Star break with 68 points. New Jersey is comfortably in a playoff spot, which isn’t something many would have projected entering the season. This team has done a solid job of beefing up their backend and continuing to add skill up front. The development of their young talent has played a prominent role in their overall success and is a significant reason they’ve been able to make the leap to a top team in the Eastern Conference.

One player who has made the leap to superstardom is Jack Hughes. The uber-talented center leads the team with 64 points in 49 games in just his fourth season in the league. Hughes had his coming out party last season when he tallied 56 points over 49 games, but he’s found a different gear, helping lead New Jersey back to relevance.

The key pieces you need to win in the modern NHL are all evident on this Devils’ roster. Whether it’s a goalie who keeps you in games like Vitek Vanecek or a top puck-moving defenseman like Dougie Hamilton, the Devils have no shortage of game-changers.

There were question marks about whether Devils head coach Lindy Ruff would be on a short leash after some early season struggles, but he got past those and eventually helped lead the team to a 13-game win streak. Ruff has done a fine job managing this Devils squad, who have solid underlying numbers and sit inside the top seven in goals scored and allowed per game.

The Devils sit with the seventh-shortest Stanley Cup odds at +1200. What’s interesting about their current price is that they sit with the fourth-highest point total in the league, so they’re likely being slightly undervalued by oddsmakers. With a lack of postseason experience, it’s hard to put a ton of stock behind the Devils, but they’re for real in a deep Eastern Conference. There’s no reason to believe there will be a falloff for New Jersey in the standings after the All-Star break, so there’s merit in backing the Devils at their current number.

Buy or Sell: Buy the Devils Stanley Cup odds of +1200

The Toronto Maple Leafs are putting together another tremendous regular season, but do they have what it takes to conquer their playoff demons?

It’s no secret that the narrative surrounding the Maple Leafs is that they’re a team that can find success in the regular season but can’t rise to the occasion in the postseason.There’s an element of “I’ll believe it when I see it” with Toronto in the playoffs, but they have put together some trends that should make you bullish.

Below, we’re going to look into the Maple Leafs’ current odds to win the Eastern Conference on the FanDuel Sportsbook and decide if there’s any value in what their odds are offering.

The answer to that question won’t be known until the Maple Leafs take the ice in the Stanley Cup Playoffs opening round. There’s reason to believe they’ve made strides toward conquering their playoff issues, but the core has remained relatively unchanged. That might make bettors pause when considering the Maple Leafs in the futures market, but if you look close enough, it’s evident their star players have had a different mindset and approach to games heading into the All-Star break.

When referencing their mindset, we’re talking about their willingness to play a more defensive structure, which has been evident as they sit sixth in goals allowed per game. Head coach Sheldon Keefe has emphasized a defensive focus, preparing the team for a seven-game grind, which could pay off in April and May.

What’s interesting about Toronto is that they’re essentially locked into their first-round playoff matchup. With the Boston Bruins comfortably atop the Atlantic Division, the Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning are more than likely to meet in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Lightning advanced to their third straight Stanley Cup Finals last season after trumping the Maple Leafs in Game 7, but this could be the year where things change. The Lightning don’t have the cap space or assets to make any sizable moves ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline, while the Maple Leafs could potentially make a move. Adding a scoring winger should be a priority for Toronto, knowing their offense has dried up in big games during the playoffs.

The Maple Leafs are priced at +550 to win the Eastern Conference, which are the third-shortest odds behind the Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes. There’s too much talent on this roster for them not to get over the hump. They’ll be doubted until they finally win their first playoff series with this core, and this feels like the appropriate season where they can take advantage of a Lightning squad that may run out of gas. As a result, we like the value that the Maple Leafs present to win the Eastern Conference. It starts with one playoff-round win, and the Leafs are well-positioned to get it this season.

Buy or Sell: Buy the Maple Leafs’ odds to win the East at +550

Matthew Tkachuk has made a statement in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and is currently the odds-on favorite to win the Conn Smythe.

Below are the top ten players with the best odds to win the Conn Smythe on the FanDuel Sportsbook.

1. Matthew Tkachuk +550 (Last week: +700)

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk has become a threat in the postseason. He was listed as the odds-on favorite last week too, but scoring the winner in the fourth overtime of Game 1 in the East Final doesn’t hurt. Tkachuk’s odds increased from +700 to +550.

2. Sergei Bobrovsky +700 (Last week: +1400)

Sergei Bobrovsky has performed above expectations for the Panthers. He’s posted an 8-2 record in the postseason with a spectacular .927 save percentage. With his Game 1 victory over Carolina, Bobrovsky saw his odds cut in half from +1400 to +700.

3. Jack Eichel +750 (Last week: +1200)

Jack Eichel is thriving for the Vegas Golden Knights after recording 14 points over the first 11 playoff games. Eichel is demonstrating why he’s a star in the NHL on the game’s biggest stage, seeing his Conn Smythe odds rise substantially from +1200 to +750.

4. Mark Stone +850 (Last week: +1500)

Returning from injury for the postseason, Mark Stone has done an excellent job of improving his teammates around him. He has 12 points in 11 playoff games, and his odds of winning the Conn Smythe almost cut in half from +1500 to +850.

5. (Tie) Sebastian Aho +900 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

Despite their offensive injuries, there’s much to like about the Carolina Hurricanes. Sebastian Aho has stood out and picked up his teammates. Still, after they dropped Game 1 against Florida, his odds fell from +900 to +1000.

5. (Tie) Roope Hintz +1000 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

Roope Hintz has had a coming-out party in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Dallas Stars. Hintz leads the Stars with a whopping 19 points in 13 playoff games, sitting him in a tie with the fifth-shortest odds at +1000.

7. Jake Oettinger +1200 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

It’s been an up-and-down run throughout the postseason for Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger. However, we know what he’s capable of when he’s on his game, and he’s climbed into the top ten odds to win the Conn Smythe at +1200.

8. (Tie) Joe Pavelski +1300 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

Joe Pavelski is proving that age is just a number and has been dynamite for the Stars in their postseason run. The veteran winger has recorded eight goals in eight playoffs and is in the top ten at +1300.

8. (Tie) Frederik Andersen +1300 (Last week: +2500)

Frederik Andersen has emerged as the starting goalie for the Hurricanes in the postseason and has continued to perform admirably. He’s given Carolina precisely what they needed in the net, jumping his odds from +2500 to +1300.

10. Brent Burns +2500 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns still has it at age 38. He’s playing a massive role for the team on the backend, scoring nine points in 12 games. Burns is a long shot at +2500 to win the award, but he’s still in the conversation.

Top Ten Players with the best odds on the FanDuel Sportsbook

The Edmonton Oilers have two of the best players in the NHL and should still be considered a threat to win the Western Conference.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are superstar talents that have played a large part in carrying the Oilers to their current standing. The Oilers appeared in the Western Finals last season but were swept by the eventual Stanley Cup winners, the Colorado Avalanche.

Let’s dive into the Edmonton Oilers’ odds of winning the Western Conference on the FanDuel Sportsbook and if there’s value in them making their first Stanley Cup appearance in the McDavid era.

As long as the Edmonton Oilers have a roster built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, it won’t be easy to discount them when looking toward teams to win the West. These are game-changing talents that no team in the league can match up with, and they’ve already demonstrated they have what it takes to find success in the playoffs. The questions for the Oilers have always been surrounding the supporting cast, those doubts are still there, but that doesn’t mean Edmonton can’t be considered a team with value.

Goaltending has been a significant issue for the Oilers. The team signed goaltender Jack Campbell to a long-term contract in the offseason, which hasn’t worked out. Stuart Skinner has taken over the bulk of the starts, while Campbell has lacked consistency. Skinner has performed admirably for a goalie thrown into a challenging position, but he doesn’t have playoff experience and cannot be considered a sure thing in April and May. That doesn’t mean he won’t find success in those games, but when you look at some of the more proven commodities in the West, it makes it difficult to be comfortable with the Oilers’ goalie situation.

It’s no secret that the Oilers are looking to add to the backend, attempting to mitigate some of the high-danger chances they’ve allowed. It’s unknown who some of those potential targets may be, but there’s little doubt that the Oilers’ brass is looking to upgrade the team.

The Oilers are priced at +750 to win the Western Conference, which has them in a tie for the fifth-shortest odds with the Minnesota Wild. If they can upgrade their defense and get more consistency in goal, there could be some value in the Oilers making another deep playoff run. If you want to bet on star power to win out, the Oilers are the team to back.

Buy or Sell: Don’t go crazy, but sprinkle some money on the Oilers to win the West at +750

Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights has put the NHL on notice, becoming the odds-on favorite to win the 2023 Conn Smythe trophy.

Get the last Stanley Cup Series Odds and Analysis

1. Jonathan Marchessault -105 (Before Game 1: +650)

If you’re looking for an offensively gifted winger, look no further than Jonathan Marchessault of the Golden Knights. Marchessault has seen a significant rise in the ranks after two games in the Stanley Cup Final, which has seen him record four points, including a dominant Game 2 performance with two goals and one assist. As a result, the former Panther is now the odds-on favorite to win the Conn Smythe and has seen his odds rise from +650 to -105.

2. Adin Hill +430 (Before Game 1: +1000)

Adin Hill might have entered the year as a third-string goalie, but he’s performed above and beyond that when called upon for Vegas, especially in the playoffs. The Golden Knights netminder has compiled a 9-3 record, paired with a .937 save percentage, leading to him being well within the conversation and with the second-shortest odds. Hill has been bet down from +1000 to +430 heading into Game 3.

3. Jack Eichel +600 (Before Game 1: +400)

Jack Eichel is having a playoff coming-out party in 2023, which continued throughout the first two games in the Stanley Cup Final. Eichel took a scary hit in Game 2 that looked like it could make him miss some time, but he returned later in the game and has registered four assists throughout the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. Still, the former Sabre has seen his odds of winning the Conn Smythe take a slight hit, dropping from +400 to +600.

4. William Karlsson +1200 (Before Game 1: +700)

William Karlsson has been a significant contributor for the Golden Knights, but that hasn’t been as evident over the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. Karlsson has tallied just one assist throughout the first two games, and he’ll now be in tough to find a path to win the Conn Smythe. The Golden Knights forward has seen his odds plummet from +700 to +1200.

5. (Tie) Sergei Bobrovsky +1300 (Before Game 1: +200)

Sergei Bobrovsky was lights out before the Stanley Cup Final in the playoffs, but now he’s just getting lit up. Bobrovsky has allowed eight goals over two starts for the Panthers, and even though Florida wouldn’t be here without him, he’s still seen his odds drastically drop off, going from +200 to +1300.

5. (Tie) Matthew Tkachuk +1300 (Before Game 1: +360)

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk has significantly impacted the playoffs, but he just hasn’t been as impactful in the Stanley Cup Final. There have been some costly giveaways from Panthers forwards, and Tkachuk has been involved in some of those. With Florida down 2-0, the former Flame has seen his odds drop from +360 to +1300.

7. Mark Stone +1400 (Before Game 1: +2000)

Returning from injury for the postseason, Mark Stone has been impactful for the Vegas Golden Knights and played a big role in them being just two wins away from winning it all. Stone has tallied two points over two games in the Stanley Cup Final, ultimately resulting in his odds getting bet down from +2000 to +1400.

Top Players with the best odds on the FanDuel Sportsbook

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Sergei Bobrovsky has made a statement in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and is currently the odds-on favorite to win the Conn Smythe.

All odds courtesy of the FanDuel Sportsbook.

1. Sergei Bobrovsky +200 (Last week: +220)

Sergei Bobrovsky has been lights out for the Florida Panthers in goal. The highly-paid netminder has posted an 11-2 record in the postseason, paired with a sparkling .935 save percentage. Bobrovsky has seen his odds of winning the Conn Smythe rise slightly from +220 to +200.

2. Matthew Tkachuk +360 (Last week: +550)

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk has been a major spark plug in leading them to the Stanley Cup Final. He’s tallied 21 points in 16 playoff games, including multiple overtime winners. Tkachuk has seen his odds bet down from +550 to +360.

3. Jack Eichel +400 (Last week: +380)

Jack Eichel is having a playoff coming-out party in 2023, the first time he’s participated in the postseason. The talented center has registered 18 points in 17 games, boasting the third-shortest odds at +400.

4. Jonathan Marchessault +650 (Last week: +1800)

If you’re looking for an offensively gifted winger, look no further than Jonathan Marchessault of the Golden Knights. Marchessault has tallied 17 points over 17 playoff games, seeing his odds to win the Conn Smythe bet down from +1800 to +650.

5. William Karlsson +700 (Last week: +3000)

William Karlsson has been a significant contributor at 5-on-5 for the Golden Knights, where he’s registered eight goals in their playoff run. With his key contributions, Karlsson has skyrocketed from +3000 to +700.

6. Adin Hill +1000 (Last week: +1900)

The second goaltender on this list is Adin Hill of the Golden Knights. Goaltenders are typically in the conversation for the Conn Smythe, and Hill is no different. He’s posted a .937 save percentage in nine postseason starts this year, leading to his odds getting bet down from +1900 to +1000.

7. Mark Stone +2000 (Last week: +550)

Returning from injury for the postseason, Mark Stone has been a very effective two-way threat for the Golden Knights. The former Ottawa Senator has manufactured 15 points in 17 playoff games and has notoriously been a big game player. In saying that, Stone’s odds of winning the Conn Smythe have fallen from +550 to +2000.

8. Chandler Stephenson +7500 (Last week: +2100)

One of the Golden Knights secret two-way threats has been Chandler Stephenson. He’s been putting up some big point totals for Vegas, recording 14 in 17 playoff games. Still, higher-end players are on the board, leading to Stephenson dropping from +2100 to +7500.

9. (Tie) Aleksander Barkov +12000 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

Panthers center Aleksander Barkov has been impactful for the Eastern Conference champs at both ends of the ice. Barkov is tasked with shutting down the opposing top players but has also tallied 14 points in 16 playoff games, leading to him making an appearance on this odds list at +12000.

9. (Tie) Alex Pietrangelo +12000 (Last week: +2900)

The first defenseman on the Conn Smythe trophy list is Alex Pietrangelo of the Vegas Golden Knights. He’s seen his odds drop considerably from +2900 to +12000, but Pietrangelo still plays an integral role for the Golden Knights.

Top Ten Players with the best odds on the FanDuel Sportsbook

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With the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers leading their series, Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel have seen their Conn Smythe odds rising.

Below are the top ten players with the best odds to win the Conn Smythe on the FanDuel Sportsbook.

1. Matthew Tkachuk +700 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

With the Florida Panthers jumping out to a 3-0 lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 2, winger Matthew Tkachuk has jumped to the top of the odds list to win the Conn Smythe trophy at +700. His impact can’t be understated and he’s tallied 15 points over ten playoff games.

2. Sebastian Aho +900 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

There’s a lot to like about the Carolina Hurricanes, even with some injuries on offense. Sebastian Aho has taken the lead on both sides of the puck for the club, leading the way with ten points. Aho now boasts the second-shortest odds to win the Conn Smythe at +900.

3. (Tie) Connor McDavid +950 (Last week: +600)

Connor McDavid sits in a tie with the second-most points in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 15. He has the potential to take over a hockey game and series alone, meaning it’s interesting to note that his odds have dropped from +600 to +950 after falling behind 2-1 to Vegas. This is a number bettors should gravitate toward and is unlikely to last, especially if he puts on a clinic in Game 4 to even up the series.

3. (Tie) Leon Draisaitl +950 (Last week: +1000)

Leon Draisaitl is leading the postseason in scoring with 17 points. He’s continued to take his game to another level in the playoffs and leads by example when things have gotten tough for the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl has seen his odds bet down over the last week from +1000 to +950 to win the Conn Smythe.

5. Jack Eichel +1200 (Last week: +1900)

Jack Eichel is thriving in his first taste of playoff hockey. The Vegas Golden Knights star forward has put together ten points over eight games, while leading the team to a 2-1 series edge over Edmonton. Eichel has seen his odds sky rocket from +1900 to +1200.

6. (Tie) Jack Hughes +1400 (Last week: +1500)

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes helped get the team on the board in their second round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Game 4 will be a make-or-break contest for Hughes, who saw his odds to win the Conn Smythe rise from +1500 to +1400 over the last week.

6. (Tie) Sergei Bobrovsky +1400 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

The first goaltender on this list is Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers, and for good reason. Bobrovsky is an integral reason why the Panthers are still alive, leading to his +1400 odds to win the Conn Smythe trophy.

8. Mark Stone +1500 (Last week: +1900)

After returning from injury for Game 1 of the postseason, Mark Stone has been a key cog for the Vegas Golden Knights as a two-way threat. The talented winger leads the club with eleven points in eight games, leading to his Conn Smythe odds getting bet down from +1900 to +1500.

9. Philipp Grubauer +2000 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

The Seattle Kraken spoiled the Colorado Avalanche’s chances at a repeat, with their former goaltender Philipp Grubauer being a big reason why. Grubauer has tallied an impressive .918 save percentage over ten starts in the postseason this year, leading to his odds rising into the top ten at +2000.

10. Frederik Andersen +2500 (Last week: Unranked in Top Ten)

Rounding out the top ten odds for the Conn Smythe trophy is Carolina Hurricanes starting goalie, Frederik Andersen. Since taking the reigns for the club later in the first round, he’s posted a 3-0 record, along with a .925 save percentage. Andersen now holds +2500 odds to win the coveted award.

Top Ten Players with the best odds on the FanDuel Sportsbook

Each day during the sports pause stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, NESN.com will publish a diary full of random thoughts, opinions, takeaways, and other cool tidbits we’ve stumbled across in the absence of actual games. Because why not? We’re all in this together.

What a time to be alive.

2020 has been a year for the history books, to say the least. It’s been an eventful six months, from the tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant to the sudden COVID-19 outbreak to the recent protests over racial injustice. And, unless you’ve lived under a rock, professional sports have been at the forefront of many of these headlines.

As we’ve noted in previous diaries, sports have and continue to play a pivotal role during trying times like these. For some, sports have been a voice for the voiceless seeking change in their respective communities. For others, sports are a way to soothe one’s psyche, especially during turbulent times like these. Most other fans land somewhere in between.

No matter where you might fall on the sports fan spectrum, the impact sports have had on this year’s news cycle has been astronomical — and for good reason, too. Athletes have become increasingly comfortable with using their platform to promote both health and safety and positive change, but it hasn’t come without criticism.

Some fans believe it’s not athletes’ place or job to comment on issues outside the realm of sports, while others simply believe they aren’t intelligent enough to do so. Either way, fans continue to adopt this mentality even as players on both sides of the political spectrum use their platform to speak out on some of the major issues plaguing the country.

Personally, the whole “shut up and dribble” mentality is one I’ve never understood. Sure, plenty of people look at sports as a way to escape from the outside world. But that doesn’t mean athletes competing in these sports should ignore major issues, especially when they can impact their personal lives.

And while that kind of toxic mentality slowly is fading away, there still are plenty of people out there that believe athletes should stick to their craft. But here’s the real question: will this kind of mentality ever go away?

The answer, obviously, is no. But there’s something some fans need to understand, and I want to put it as kindly as possible.

There are going to be players you admire that likely hold different beliefs, whether they’re political or otherwise, than you. And that’s OK. And while it’s also OK to disagree with their stance, it’s not OK to demand their silence because you disagree with their stance — or even their decision to speak up. These athletes have a unique platform to help drive positive change, and shaming them for it never is the answer to the problem at hand.

Do I think some athletes are using their voice for the great good? Yes. Do I think some athletes have a tendency to spew nonsense? Of course I do. But do I think athletes I disagree with should remain silent? Absolutely not. Silence never is the answer, no matter who is speaking or what they’re saying. And that goes for athletes, too.

It’s time for change in this country. And part of it starts with acknowledging athletes are more than a source of entertainment. They are human beings, too, with feelings and personal lives and all that jazz, and deserve the same respect any normal human being does.

After all, athletes don’t deserve special treatment, right?

Anyway, here are a few fun tidbits from Monday’s news:

— The coronavirus is rearing its ugly head at professional sports as leagues attempt to execute their respective return-to-play plans.

Several NFL and Major League Baseball players and coaches have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last few days. Players on the Dallas Cowboys (including running back Ezekiel Elliott) and Houston Texans are among those that have contracted the virus, though its unclear which MLB clubs have been impacted.

While each league claims to have new health and safety protocols in place, this certainly raises the question of whether leagues and teams alike are prepared to cope with a sudden influx of positive coronavirus cases. Doctors have expressed confidence in their respective leagues’ ability to handle a potential flare-up in COVID-19 cases, but will that actually be the case?

I, for one, am curious to see how leagues will handle an outbreak once one inevitably occurs. After all, actions speak louder than words, right?

— Roger Goodell is doing a complete 180 regarding his stance on Colin Kaepernick.

The NFL commissioner condemned the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s decision to kneel during the nation anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality during the 20216 season. But now, it appears Goodell has had a change of heart.

Though he’s already admitted he was wrong for not listening to Kaepernick back then, Goodell took things one step further during a recent conversation with ESPN’s Mike Greenberg.

“Well, listen, if he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it’s gonna take a team to make that decision,” Goodell said. “But I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that.

“If his efforts are not on the field but continuing to work in this space, we welcome him to that table and to help us, guide us, help us make better decisions about the kinds of things that need to be done in the communities. We have invited him in before, and we want to make sure that everybody’s welcome at that table, and trying to help us deal with some very complex, difficult issues, that have been around for a long time.”

Well, isn’t that big of him? Too bad it’s *checks notes* nearly four years overdue.

— The NHL is getting ready to resume its 2019-20 season, though it’ll be skipping the rest of the regular season.

Instead, 24 teams will compete in an extended playoff format that will allow teams that were on the playoff bubble prior to the league’s hiatus to complete for the Stanley Cup. And while some weren’t pleased with the proposal, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman believes this is a pretty fair situation for all teams involved.

“We had 189 regular-season games left as of March 12 when we took the break,” Bettman told Greenberg on ESPN’s “The Return of Sports” on Monday. “So while the regular season was largely completed, we had a number of teams that were on the bubble. And you know we have extraordinary competitive balance (in the NHL) and any of those teams that were on the bubble outside of the top 16 in each conference had a legitimate chance of making the playoffs, some more than others. And we decided we needed a play-in round to give those teams a chance to ultimately make the playoffs, and that’s going to be a best-of-five series.

“… And I think everybody can feel good based on the combination of the play-in round and the way we’re going to run the playoffs that this will be a full competition, which will bring out the best in our teams and our players, and the Stanley Cup champion will be deserving of that crown and the most storied trophy in all of sports.”

Some fans might not agree with his logic, but Bettman certainly makes a fair point.

— Speaking of the NHL, the league still has some pretty big awards to hand out this season.

One of the most coveted awards each year is the Hart Memorial Trophy, which goes to the league’s most valuable player. David Pastrnak happens to be in the running for this year’s award, but the Boston Bruins star thinks someone else is more deserving: Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl.

“For me, it’s absolutely no question,” Pastrnak said Monday. “For me, what Leon Draisaitl was showing up the whole season. A lot of people say, ‘Oh he’s playing with Connor’ and stuff. Connor was hurt for a month or two and he brought it up even another level up. For me it’s absolutely no question it’s going to be and it should be Leon Draisaitl because the way he played this year there is absolutely no question for me.”

While we’d love to see Pastrnak take home the hardware, it’s hard to disagree with his logic. Draisaitl racked up a whopping 110 points (43 goals, 57 assists) with roughly a dozen games left in the Oilers’ regular-season schedule.

But hey, Pastrnak’s league-leading 48 goals and 47 assists still are pretty impressive.

— Basketball is back. (Well, almost.)

The WNBA on Monday announced its plan to kick off the regular season in July, though an official start date has not been set. The league’s 2020 schedule originally was slated to begin May 15, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

All 12 teams will travel down to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. at the beginning of July, where players will participate in team training camps ahead of the regular season. Players will be paid in full, according to WNBAcommissioner Cathy Engelbert.

“We are finalizing a season start plan to build on the tremendous momentum generated in the league during the offseason and have used the guiding principles of health and safety of players and essential staff to establish necessary and extensive protocols,” Engelbert said Monday in a press release from the league. “We will continue to consult with medical experts and public health officials as well as players, team owners and other stakeholders as we move forward with our execution plan.”

So. Damn. Close.

Stat of the Day
The WNBA’s 22-game season will be the shortest in league history.

The WNBA's 22-game regular season will be the shortest in league history. Prior to this upcoming season, the fewest number of games played per team was 28 in 1997, which was the WNBA's inaugural season. https://t.co/CHmXw5ELQZ

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 15, 2020

Tweet of the Day
Yeah, Nuff said.

HIPAA ??

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) June 15, 2020

Video of the Day
Danny Ainge coming in clutch with some quality content for your Monday.

Tacko working on his social distancing? pic.twitter.com/CM3cxRDf4f

— Danny Ainge (@danielrainge) June 15, 2020

More COVID-19: NFL To Test Players At Least Three Times Per Week, May Use Saliva Test

Patrice Bergeron has never won the Hart Trophy, but it’s hard to findmanyNHL playersmore valuable to their team than the Boston Bruins center.

Bergeron literally does it all for the B’s. He creates offense, shuts down the opponent’s top line and excels on special teams.

In Saturday night’s 7-1 blowout win over the Carolina Hurricanes at TD Garden, Bergeron’s scoring prowessmade the difference for Boston.

The veteran forward scored a career-high four goals, while also adding an assist for a five-point night. He won 13 of his 17 faceoffs, too.

Bergeron is in themidst of an impressive offensive stretch over the last few weeks. He’s scored 11 goals with two assists on 51 shots over the last 11 games.

Bergeron now has 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) in 34 games this season, which ties him with linemates David Pastrnak and BradMarchand for the team-lead in goals scored.

Her are some other notes from Bruins-Hurricanes.

— Bergeron, Pastrnak and Marchand all have 16 goals this season.Pastrnak and Marchand lead the team with 38 points. Here’s how they fared Saturday:

Marchand: four assists, two shots
Bergeron: four goals, one assist, seven shots
Pastrnak: one goal, two assists, two shots

This line also has allowed just one even-strength goal on the season. It’s without question the best all-around line in hockey.

— Bruins are 7-0-2 in their last nine games, and have scored 39 goals during that span, including five games with five-plus goals scored.

— Boston’s point streak has been extended to 10 games (8-0-2). It’s the club’s longest point streak since it went 15-0-1 during the 2013-14 season.

— The Bruins haven’t trailed in their last nine games.

— New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks was in attendance and wearing Bergeron’s jersey at Saturday’s game.

— Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward was 8-0-2 in his last 10 games entering Saturday, but he played just 5:43 and gave up goals on both shots he faced in his shortest start of the season.

Professional athletes rarely fraternize with the enemy while they’re in season. Once the season ends, though, most rivalries are put aside.

Believe or not, many athletes train with players from other teams during the offseason, as everyone has the same goal of improving their conditioning and skill. Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel is no different: In the past, the former Boston University star had trained with players like Keith Yandle, Jimmy and Kevin Hayes and Noah Hanifin — who played at BU’s rival, Boston College — at a facility in Foxboro, Mass.

But this year, Eichel switched things up, working out just down the road from where he played college puck and training with two of the Bruins’ best players: Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron.

“I got to skate with Marchandand Bergeronat the Warrior Practice Facility, where the Bruins practice,” Eichel told ESPN.com’s Emily Kaplan in a recent interview. “(After) having to chase Marchand every day, hopefully I’ll do better in the D-zone and do better on that plus-minus.”

The 20-year-old had a solid 2016-17 campaign, posting 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 61 games despite missing time due to injury. But two years removed from being the secondoverall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, Eichel still is seeking his breakout season. That’s why the North Chelmsford, Mass., native changed up his routine this offseason, hiring a one-on-one trainer while shortening his commute from his offseason residence in Boston.

“Just wanted something new,” Eichel said of his new summer plan. “I thought it would be a little less stressful. I live in the city, so to drive to Foxboro every day, it’s not the shortest drive. There’s a lot of traffic, it’s a bit of haul. You spend time in the car, you spend time in traffic. It definitely takes a toll on you mentally.”

Eichel has scored six points in seven career games against Boston, so Bruins fans probably are hoping he doesn’t get too comfortable around these parts.

Thumbnail photo viaTimothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports Images

BOSTON — Despite being the shortest playeron the ice Friday afternoon, Brad Marchand was impossible to miss.

The 5-foot-9 winger was the clear tone-setter onDay 2 of Bruins training camp, flyingaround the TD Garden rinkas the B’s laced up their skates for their first official on-ice practice of the new season.

Marchand’s intensity did not go unnoticed by head coach Claude Julien, who noted thatthe 27-year-old is making an effort to improve his off-ice leadership, as well.

“I think he wants to really be a good example this year,” Julien said. “He’s come in with a real good attitude, thinking it’s time for him to step up and take an even bigger role than before. He’s always been a pretty good guy in the dressing room as far as the things that have to be done in order to win, whether it’s trying to rally the guys or that kind of stuff. But he’s taken that next step, again. And again, leading by example is always a great way to do it.

“He’s come in in unbelievable shape, probably his best shape ever. And that’s not to say he wasn’t in good shape before, but he’s in even better shape now. He’s doing the things and showing the things that indicate that he wants to be a real good leader and wants to lead by example.”

The prospect of leadership still is somewhat strangefor Marchand, who’s been known around the league as a master agitator for much of his six-year NHL career. He’s one of the longest-tenured players on the Bruins roster, however, and he realizes the responsibility that comes with that kind of seniority.

“I think it’s just kind of where I’m at now,” said Marchand, who participated in the last of Friday’s three practice sessions. “I’m one of the older guys if you look around the room. It’s a bit of a weird position to be in, but I am looking at taking more of a leader role. It’s something that I’m going to have to force a little bit, but we’ve got a lot of great guys that kind of take over when the time’s right with Bergy (Patrice Bergeron), Kells (Chris Kelly) and Z (Zdeno Chara), and I can kind of sit back at the right time. But great guys to learn from, and I’m just looking forward to start the year.”

As for the intensity Marchandbrings to practice, hisrationale behind that is simple: He’s seen it work before.

“It’s something that, the year we won (the Stanley Cup in 2011), I think everyone knows that in practice, we were extremely competitive,” Marchand explained. “We knew it was nothing personal — we were just trying to push each other to get better. As long as you go out there and you know that that’s what you’re going to get, then you can do the same thing. At the end of the drill, you give (each other) a tap, and you move on.

“Sometimes you don’t like it at the time, but it’s only pushing us to be a better team and a better group, and that’s what we need. We want to start right now and make sure we carry that through training camp and into the season.”

Thumbnail photo viaBob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images

BOSTON — Providence toppled Boston University in a thrilling national championship game Saturday night, scoring the final two goals to seal a 4-3, come-from-behind victory at TD Garden.

The tight nature of the contest was reflected in the All-Tournament team, which was evenly splitbetween PC and BU.

Goalie Jon Gillies (the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player), forwardMark Jankowski and defenseman Anthony Florentino were selected from the victorious Friars, withforwardsJack Eichel and Ahti Oksanen and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk representing the Terriers.

A few additional notes from Saturday’s final:

— Eichel almost certainly will be a college one-and-done, leaving BU to become one of the top two picks in the 2015 NHL draft. BU coach David Quinn wouldn’t confirm that his star center is leaving, though.

“I honestly haven’t thought about that,” Quinn said after the game. “As I said earlier throughout the season we had one small conversation regarding that in December. We’re talking about a lot of things, and there’s going to be a lot of factors that go into that decision. And I don’t think a decision will be made anytime soon.”

— Several NCAA tournament records fell Saturday night.

The four secondsseparatingthe Terriers’ first and second goals was the shortest period ever between consecutive goals, breaking the previous mark of five seconds set by Michigan way back in 1948. It also was the fourth-shortest periodbetween goalsin any NCAA game, tournament or otherwise.

Additionally, the 40 shots BU put on net through the first two periods set an NCAA tournament record, as did the 37 saves Gillies made over that span.

— There was some controversy among media members and folks on Twitter about whether BU’s first goal should have counted.

One angle of Oksanen’s shot appeared to show the puck going straight through the side netting of the goal, not between the post and Gillies.

[tweet https://twitter.com/ConnorMellas/status/587044570371883008 align=’center’]

Closer examination revealed, however, that the puck did in fact find its way through the minuscule gap between post and goalie.

[tweet https://twitter.com/erikmal/status/587064781254725632 align=’center’]

The zebras got it right.

— In the opposite of getting it right, this guyran into a bit of trouble when it came time to announcePC as the new national champs.

— At the postgame news conference,a reporter asked Gillies, Ross Mauermann and Brandon Tanev if they had spoken at all with the members of the 1985 Friars squad.

“I can’t say I’ve spoken to any of them after the game,” said Tanev, who scored the game-winning goal in the third period, “but I guess we can both call ourselves national champions, and we can share that amazing bond that they had in ’85 and that we have after today’s win.”

The only problem was, the ’85 team didn’t actually win the title. Itlost in the national championship game.

Gillies and Mauermann immediatelycaught their teammate’s slip-up, resulting in this comical exchange (begins at 35:00):

— With the Boston Bruins failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs on Saturday, the next hockey game at TD Garden will not be played until fall.

Hockey season in New England, friends, is officially over.

Thumbnail photo viaWinslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara is a very large man. At 6-foot-9,the B’s captain dwarfs nearly everyone in a league that is full of other very large men.

And if the tallest player in NHL history looks huge standing next to, say, 6-foot-4 Milan Lucic, he looks positively gargantuan standing next to one of Sochi’s shortest Olympians.

That would be 4-foot-10 Canadian figure skater Kirsten Moore-Towers, who snapped this excellent photo when she crossed paths with Chara, Slovakia’s hockey captain and flag bearer, at the Olympic complex.

Check it out below.

[tweet https://twitter.com/Kirsten_MT/status/431759714255663104 align=’center’]

Click here to see Chara’s modified Sochi sleeping arrangements >>

There is debate as to who is the shortest player in the NHL.

Because Nathan Gerbe isn't considered a full-time NHL player, his 5-foot-5 frame isn't the consensus for smallest in the league. Brian Gionta is a full-time NHL roster member and stands in at 5-foot-7. According to hfboards.com, Gionta is the smallest player in the league.

Rocco Grimaldi, selected by the Florida Panthers with the third pick in the second round of the 2011 NHL draft, stands at 5-foot-6 — roughly the size of Zdeno Chara's leg. In a rebuilding franchise, Grimaldi could be making a big difference on the ice sooner rather than later and earn the title of shortest player in the league.

"It’s kind of annoying after a while, but it’s also kind of exciting to sit there not knowing what’s going to happen next," Grimaldi told Yahoo. "I still have to go out and prove people wrong, which I’ve done my whole life and I’m going to continue to do."

Grimaldi scored 34 goals in 50 games last season with the U.S. National Development team. He has committed to the University of North Dakota next year.

Nathan Gerbe is listed as 5-foot-5 on the Buffalo Sabres roster, which makes him one of the shortest — if not the shortest — player in the NHL.

At 6-foot-9, Bruins captain Zdeno Chara is the tallest NHL player of all time. Put him on skates, and the B’s defender stands 7-feet tall.

Why Gerbe decided to start a shoving match with Chara in the middle of their Thursday night matchup, we may never know — but it made for a funny highlight. Their sparring match was broken up fairly quickly, but the vast height difference between the two players is nonetheless entertaining.

Check it out along with all the Bruins Big Hits in the video above.