NHL Gambling - Notable injuries for hockey bettors

Online sports wagering and NHL betting enthusiasts should be keeping a keen eye on the injury report during the offseason. From a sports betting perspective, injuries can make a big difference in a game, however often times the sportsbook's lines do not reflect the change.

We've had more than our fair share of notable injuries already over the offseason, so let's run the key ones down and how they'll affect you—the bettor.

Sergei Gonchar, Pittsburgh

There's no injury more significant in the NHL right now than that to Sergei Gonchar’s shoulder. The Russian blueliner is quite possibly the premiere offensive defenseman in the league, and without him, the Penguins look significantly less imposing. This means that either sophomore Kris Letang or Brooks Orpik will have to step up and play additional minutes. Either way, with Letang or Orpik, the Pens would be sacrificing defensive or offensive acumen for the majority of the game. Suddenly, the Penguins are a risky bet to come out of the East.

Ryan Whitney, Pittsburgh

Did I mention that Pittsburgh is a risky bet? You’ll notice that Ryan Whitney was not mentioned as one of Gonchar’s possible replacements as the No. 1 defenseman in Pittsburgh, because he too is hurt.

Antero Niittymaki, Philadelphia

The Flyers began last season with a two-headed monster in net, as question marks surrounded Martin Biron. While Biron’s playoff performance last spring was enough to convince some, most aren’t sold on him being a bona-fide starting goaltender. Niittymaki will likely not be ready for the start of the season, so if Marty stumbles out of the gate, there won’t be anyone to fall back on for the Baby Faced Bullies.

Sergei Zubov, Stars

Dallas might have been able to put up a fight in last year’s playoffs against the Red Wings if not for a nagging injury to Zubov. While he was in the lineup, he was surely not 100%, which put a whack of pressure on youngsters Matt Niskanen and Trevor Daley. With Zubov hurt again, can these two shoulder the load and carry the Stars to a division title? More importantly though, is this the end of the road for the future Hall of Famer? Be wary of taking the Stars in the Pacific Division.

Erik Johnson, Blues

The Blues have enough trouble as it is, but losing their No. 1 defenseman and rising star pretty much seals their fate as the last place team in the Central Division. If you were brave enough to bet them in the beginning, reconsider.