NHL Hockey Betting - Nashville Predators

NHL Betting 2007-08 – Nashville Predators
Manager: Barry Trotz
Arena: Gaylord Entertainment Center
Last Season: 51-23-8, 105 pts (2nd Central, 4th Western Conference)
2008 Prediction: 9th Western Conference

Preseason Odds to win Stanley Cup: +800

The Predators sold the farm to get playoff powerhouse, Peter Forsberg, who flamed out in the playoffs and proved that his best playing days are well behind him. In the summer, they almost sold the team to the Hamilton, Ontario market. Then they lost their captain, Paul Kariya to free-agency. They lost their future (draft picks) in acquiring Peter Forsberg, their present (Kariya) in free-agency and almost lost their fans when they tried to move the team.

The team will turn to the unproven second year player, Alexander Radulov to replace the offensive punch they have lost. The Preds have lost a tremendous amount of identity to free-agency and have no choice but to go back in to a rebuilding phase. Martin Erat poses some hope for this team, but the rest of the team lacks any offensive depth.

The defense in Nashville has always been solid. The line is anchored by Dan Hamhuis, Marek Zidlicky, Shea Weber and Ryan Sutur and each has done well bolstering the blue-line and managing the point. However, their jobs become unenviable in the Fall because of the Preds have no offense to speak of.

Chris Mason has been given the gauntlet, and Tomas Vokoun has been given the boot. Certainly the change in net was largely due to economics. As good as Mason is, he is a top-15 goaltender at best and will have his hands full as teams pepper him all night long and his offense fails to get on the scoreboard.

What was once a playoff team has fallen off the wagon hard. They will be hard pressed to break in to the top-8 in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. If anything, they have opened up a hole in those that were foolish enough to make a long-term investment with them. They’ve also opened up a hole for a new team to rise in to the tight Western Conference picture.

BetUS is your NHL betting home. With preseason futures to hockey odds, lines and wagering on every game, we're with you from the opening puck drop 'til the horn sounds on the Stanley Cup finals. For articles, picks and information, head to the BetUS Locker Room. Join BetUS today to bet on hockey and receive a $50 free play, a Miss BetUS calendar/Swimsuit DVD and the best sports betting action online. BetUS - We've got your game.

Official Website: www.nashvillepredators.com