It’s been an incredible season for the Calgary Flames so far. They have been a team which never fails to entertain and recently, they don’t just beat opponents, but dominate them. It truly is a treat to watch and it looks more and more convincing that this team belongs with some of the best in the NHL. So with their success, and for all our sports bettors out there, what are the odds that the Flames take home some hardware?
The Stanley Cup
While it’s not a part of the NHL Awards show in the offseason, it’s the most important one of them all: The Stanley Cup. It’s been a long time since the Flames were crowned league champions, but who is to say that they can’t win another have the 1989 run? BetUS has the Flames at +2000 to win the Stanley Cup. The Rangers (+1800), Wild (+1800), Bruins (+1800), Hurricanes (+1000), Knights (+900), Lightning (+700), Panthers (+750), Leafs (+900) and Avalanche (+500) all have higher odds. The Flames are currently tied for 11th in the league in points, but they are ninth in points percentage. If they go on a run, they could bring some incredible value to those who believe it is their year.
The Vezina Trophy
Jacob Markstrom has been rock solid for the Flames, and the books recognize this. Markstrom has +1200 odds of winning the Vezina trophy. He sits behind Juuse Saros (+1200), Jack Campbell (+800), Andrei Vasilevskiy (+550), and Igor Shesterkin (+160). Markstrom sits at ninth in the league for wins, fourth in goals against average, fourth in save percentage, and first in shutouts. To put things in perspective, Markstrom has 2x more shutouts (8) than the next highest goalies (Campbell and Ilya Sorokin).
The Hart Trophy
This is where things are really interesting. Connor McDavid leads all players in odds to win the Hart Trophy (+200). That is expected as he is the best player in the game. Behind McDavid are Ovechkin (+375), Draisaitl (+600), and Huberdeau (+700). However, way down the list, Johnny Gaudreau is listed at +5000 (!!!) to win the Hart. Johnny Gaudreau currently has 63 points in 47 games played. That ranks him top 5 in the league and only puts him three points behind McDavid.
The best part? Gaudreau leads the whole league in even strength points at 52, and is starting to separate himself from the pack. Gaudreau also leads the league in plus-minus. There might be some incredible value in this betting move. Don’t be surprised to see Gaudreau contend for this award if he continues his phenomenal play. He is already starting to get some attention now.
The Jack Adams Award
The one award that isn’t given to a player, this trophy belongs to the best coach in the NHL. Currently, Mike Sullivan leads the pack at +750 to win the trophy. For the Flames, Darryl Sutter was at +1100 earlier in the season, but has now gone up to +900. He currently sits at the fourth highest odds to win the award. With the way the Flames have been playing, Darryl Sutter should be a lock to win the award.
Other awards you may not be able to bet on, but should keep an eye on
Let’s start off with the Selke Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the forward that “demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game.” Simply put, it is usually awarded to the league’s best two-way forward. Despite starting in the offensive zone only 53% of the time, Lindholm has managed to still put up amazing offensive results. He is third on the team in points (46), third on the team in goals (21), all while playing on the team’s top power play and penalty kill unit. He truly does it all for the Flames.
The William M. Jennings Trophy is awarded to the goalie(s) for the team that allows the fewest number of goals. To qualify, a goalie has to play at least 25 games in the season. The Flames tandem are on track to contend for this award. They are tied with the Carolina Hurricanes for fewest goals allowed at 112 with both teams having played 47 games each. Jacob Markstrom is a lock for contention, but if Daniel Vladar wants to share the award with him, he’ll have to play more games.
The Lady Byng Trophy is awarded “to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.” This award is usually assessed by which player has the lowest penalty minutes along with the “high standard of playing ability”. Johnny Gaudreau, who won this award in 2017, has only logged 10 penalty minutes while recording 63 points this season. Another player who looks to content is Alex Ovechkin, who has recorded 31 goals and 62 points while only being in the penalty box for six minutes.
The Flames may make some noise
It’s not every year (or any year) where the Flames are in the conversation for so many awards. It’s incredible to see and really is a testament to how amazing they have played so far this season. If the Flames continue to look as unstoppable as they have this year, they could make you, and many others a lot of money.
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