As they prepare to make a return to the playoffs, NHL sport betting oddsmakers will want to take a good look at the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010-11 seasons.

A Step Back – Last year the Blue Jackets fell to 32-35-15 on the season and finished out of the playoffs. Head coach Ken Hitchcock, who led them to their 1st ever post season appearance, was fired during the season as the whole franchise seemed to be collapsing. But other than a new coach, Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson made few roster changes and feels that consistency will trump an overhaul in Sports Gambling.

Bargain Value? – The Blue Jackets are picked for the bottom of the standings by nearly all national hockey publications and expectations are low with bettors also. If Howson is right that might make the Jackets a surprise value for bargain hunting oddsmakers. Ethan Moreau from the Edmonton Oilers was the one noteworthy addition to the roster. Moreau is referred to as a ferocious competitor that will bring the necessary fire and desire to the dressing room.

New Approach From New Staff – This won’t be the same Columbus squad to make a NHL wager with in 2010-11. Scott Arniel arrives as head coach after making a name for himself with success at Manitoba in the American Hockey League. Handicappers at the online sports book can expect a Blue Jackets squad that will come out playing harder and with more intensity under Arniel, who will demand a consistent effort day in and day out.

Next to Last – Columbus finished 14th from 15 teams in the Western Conference a year ago and was 16 points out of a playoff spot. There are lots of assets that remain from the Blue Jackets last post season run although the climb back to the playoffs might seem sharp.

Building Blocks – Columbus’ probabilities for NHL wagering success starts with goaltender Steve Mason, who was the 2008-09 NHL Rookie of the Year with a 2.29 goal against average and ten shutouts with a NHL wager record of 33-20-7. Defenseman Rostilav Klesla missed 26 matches due to injury in a key loss to the squad a year ago, but he is now 100 percent and ready to come back. After bolting for a Russian squad due to displeasure with Hitchcock’s defensive oriented system, highly competent Nikita Filatov, who was the top draft pick of Columbus in 2008, has returned.


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