Ice hockey, in all its thrill and dynamism, holds a unique position in the Canadian ethos. It is not just a sport, but a platform of excitement, camaraderie, and fervour that captures the heart of every enthusiast. Building on this passionate engagement, an exciting element of the game emerges: betting. Wagering on one’s favourite team brings not just a potential financial reward but a sense of participation in the game’s outcome. For many, placing a wager on a game of ice hockey adds an extra layer of thrill to the spectacle, making it even more enjoyable. Having this in mind, let us examine which Canadian ice hockey teams are among the most supported and followed ones by sports enthusiasts and bettors in Canada.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs

Topping the list is the Toronto Maple Leafs, the most popular Canadian NHL team in 2023 according to most trusted sources. The team’s influence stretches far and wide, primarily due to its long history and iconic status in the league. As the most searched team in Canada, the Leafs’ popularity extends beyond their home province of Ontario, reaching into Newfoundland/Labrador, Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick.

2. Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers take the second spot on the list of most popular Canadian NHL teams, its popularity driven in large part by the sterling performance of Connor McDavid, one of the game’s greatest players. The Oilers are the top-searched western-based Canadian NHL franchise in provinces such as the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and even in Eastern Ontario.

3. Montreal Canadiens (Habs)

The Montreal Canadiens, or the Habs as they’re fondly known, occupy the third position. This storied franchise, with its rich history and fierce fanbase, dominates in Quebec and has a considerable following in Nunavut. The Canadiens are the last Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup, a feat they accomplished in 1993, and their fans have remained passionate and committed, contributing to their sustained popularity.

4. Winnipeg Jets

Based on search activity data, the Winnipeg Jets are the most popular team in Manitoba and Nunavut. The Jets, having a solid fanbase, have managed to etch their popularity firmly in the central and northern regions of the country.

5. Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames, another Western Conference team, have also found a place on this list. Their search popularity surged during their 2022 playoff matchup with the Oilers, illustrating the Flames’ resilient and growing fanbase.

6. Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks were the most searched western-based Canadian NHL team in British Columbia. As the only NHL team in the province, the Canucks enjoy a devoted following that contributes to their consistent popularity.

7. Ottawa Senators

Finally, the Ottawa Senators, despite being the least searched Canadian team, still hold a dedicated group of supporters. With consistent performances and an increasing fanbase, the Senators may soon climb higher on this list.

Hockey, both as a sport and a cultural phenomenon, continues to captivate Canadians. The passion of the fans, exemplified in their unwavering support and involvement through activities like betting, fuels the popularity of these teams. As we look forward to more exciting and riveting seasons, the love for these Canadian NHL teams is sure to endure and grow!

It is not uncommon for professional hockey teams to reinvent themselves on occasion and this is just as true when discussing the Montreal Canadiens. While this club boasts plenty of veterans, it has also focused on recruiting younger players. Similar to the strategies embraced by developers of online casino games, variety is the spice of life.  It is worth noting that the Break Away Deluxe game is becoming very popular among those who love both hockey and casino games.

The only potential here is that youth and experience do not always enjoy a hand-in-hand relationship. This is why many analysts feel that General Manager Kent Hughes could very well be eyeing a number of veteran free agents in order to provide the Canadiens with a more stable team core. What names could soon be donning the Montreal jersey once again? Let’s take a look at a handful of interesting prospects.

Alex Belzile

Forward Alex Belzile is no stranger to Montreal hockey. This 31-year-old forward has already made a strong impression and some feel that his mentoring skills will be vital for the younger generation. One of his main strengths involves the fact that he is interested in much more than playing the game. Belzile is also keen on team development and presenting himself as a role model. These very same traits would undoubtedly benefit the Canadiens and help to provide a sense of cohesion that might otherwise be lacking.

Paul Byron

This seasoned Montreal player retired in 2023 (to be made official after July1st) and considering that he is 34 years old, no one can blame him. However, just because he is no longer on the ice does not suggest that his career is over. Some have speculated that he may soon take on a more developmental role with the team. After all, he has plenty to teach the younger generation and many players already respect his passion for the sport. It will be interesting to see what influence he could have upon the Canadiens in the near future.

Jonathan Drouin

The verdict is still out on Jonathan Drouin. Some fans feel that his performance was lackluster in recent times. However, it should also be pointed out that he improved as the 2022 season progressed. Might GM Kent Hughes choose to include Drouin on the roster once again? Many online articles have already questioned such and whether or not it would benefit the team as a whole. Either way, there is little doubt that Drouin would be interested in a potential return to Montreal.

Sean Monahan

This final free agent is likewise up for grabs. Although his 2022 season was plagued with (somewhat avoidable) injuries, it seems that he has learned much from past mistakes. This NHL centreman already influenced fellow teammates including Kirby Dach and Nick Suzuki. So, it is not unreasonable to assume that he represents an interesting prospect to consider.

While the Montreal Canadiens are indeed a young team, there is still plenty of room to include veterans within the upcoming roster. The names mentioned above boast a significant amount of experience and there is little doubt that they will be able to positively contribute to the team as a whole.

The Montreal Canadiens, commonly known as the Habs, are one of the most iconic franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL). With a storied history dating back to 1909, the team has won numerous championships and has a loyal fan base both in Canada and abroad. As with any professional sports team, sponsorships play a crucial role in generating revenue and funding the team’s operations. In this article, we will explore some potential areas where the Habs could look for sponsorships in the future.

Gambling Partner

One gambling company that the Habs might consider for a sponsorship deal is the Stars Group. The Stars Group is a Toronto-based company that operates several online gambling sites, including PokerStars and BetStars. The company has a strong presence in the country with some of the best casino bonus and has sponsored several major sporting events, including the World Cup of Hockey and the European Poker Tour.

The Habs could potentially partner with the Stars Group to offer fans exclusive betting opportunities or to promote the company’s services to a broad audience. However, we should note that gambling companies are often subject to strict regulations, and any sponsorship deal would need to comply with applicable laws and guidelines.

Sports Apparel

One potential avenue for the Habs to explore is sports apparel companies. These companies are often eager to sponsor successful sports franchises and can offer a range of benefits, including marketing opportunities and the potential for revenue-sharing. Popular sports apparel companies such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour have established themselves as major players in the industry and would likely be interested in partnering with the Habs.

One potential benefit of partnering with a sports apparel company is the ability to offer fans official team gear. This not only provides an additional revenue stream for the team but also serves as a form of marketing for the team itself. For example, fans wearing official team jerseys or hats are essentially walking advertisements for the Habs, and this can help to generate buzz and interest in the team.

Technology Companies

Another area where the Habs could look for sponsorships is the technology industry. Technology companies, such as software firms or hardware manufacturers, often have large marketing budgets and are keen to promote their products. By partnering with the Habs, these companies can gain access to the team’s loyal fan base and potentially reach new customers.

In addition to traditional marketing opportunities, technology companies could also offer the Habs access to cutting-edge tools and equipment. For example, a company that produces high-performance sports equipment could offer the Habs access to the latest skates, sticks, or helmets. This could give the team a competitive advantage on the ice, and the equipment could be branded with the sponsor’s logo, providing additional exposure. However, it’s worth first solving the lineup issues the Habs have. For larger promotional items or sports equipment, using a Large Item Courier service like Shiply can ensure safe and timely delivery, even for the Canadiens’ extensive logistics needs.

Airline Company

An airline company in Canada that the Habs might consider for a sponsorship deal is Air Canada. As the country’s largest airline, Air Canada has a significant presence in the Canadian market and operates flights to destinations across North America and around the world.

The company has a strong brand reputation and has previously sponsored several sports teams and events, including the Toronto Raptors and the Vancouver Canucks. The Habs could potentially partner with Air Canada to offer fans travel packages or to promote the airline’s services to a broad audience. However, any sponsorship deal would need to align with the Habs’ values and goals and comply with applicable regulations and guidelines.

Food and Beverage Companies

Finally, food and beverage companies are another potential area where the Habs could look for sponsorships. Many NHL teams have partnerships with fast food chains, soft drink companies, or breweries, and the Habs could explore similar opportunities.

Partnering with a food or beverage company could provide a range of benefits for the Habs.

For example, the sponsor could offer discounts on food and drink at games, or the team could potentially host events or promotions in partnership with the sponsor. Additionally, food and beverage companies often have large marketing budgets, and partnering with the Habs could give them access to a broad audience and expand the Hockey Canada community.

In Summary

There are many potential areas where the Habs could look for sponsorships in the future. From sports apparel and technology companies to the automotive industry and food and beverage companies, there are numerous opportunities for the team to generate revenue and partner with brands that align with their values and goals. As the team continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see which sponsors they choose to partner with and how these partnerships will help to shape the team’s future.

Die-hard fans of the Montreal Canadiens know that their record 23 Stanley titles is a total that any other NHL franchise would be hard pressed to break. It can help give supporters solace during the tough times, which by any measure, the 2022-2023 would certainly qualify as. As other teams march on throughout the postseason, the Canadiens found themselves last in the Atlantic Division, and only finishing with more points than one team in the Eastern Conference.

Playoff enthusiasts will focus on NHL odds like +1.5 for the New Jersey Devils or -1.5 for the Edmonton Oilers, but Montreal can use this valuable time to get their house in order for next season. Management can take an honest look at what went wrong and make assessments about how they will need to improve their team before the puck drops on the next regular season.

We’ll take a look at three metrics that will need to improve in order for the Canadiens to rise up the standings next year.

Penalty Minutes Per Game

There’s certainly something to be said for playing a physical brand of hockey, as opponents can sometimes be psyched out by a matchup before they ever reach the ice. It’s a sensible strategy if a team can pull it off, but it has to be done effectively and strategically. When it doesn’t work, and there isn’t a lot of discipline amongst the players on the ice, it can serve as a significant impediment towards winning hockey games.

The Canadiens finished in the top five(or bottom five, depending on how you look at it) of the league in average penalty minutes per game. As mentioned above, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing if a team is roping players on other teams into doing things that take them out of their game, and get their side penalized as well. However, this approach was met with limited success, as Montreal opponents only averaged 9.3 penalty minutes per game, as compared to the Canadiens’ 11.6.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this gets addressed heading into next season. The coaching staff may decide to take a more tactful approach when it comes to playing aggressively, or the front office might double down and supplement their roster with free agent players better suited to execute that style. Either way, the team will not be able to continue to shoot themselves in the skate.

Power Play Goals Against

This section goes hand in hand with the one above, but there are some other takeaways from diving into these metrics more deeply. It stands to reason that the Canadiens would be involved in more power play disadvantages considering how their penalty metrics are slanted. However, Montreal objectively didn’t do a great job thwarting their opponents’ attack in these situations.

The Canadiens gave up 75 power play goals, which was the third most in the NHL this season. That number is made to look worse considering the fact that Montreal only had the seventh most power play opportunities against them. In other words, teams really took advantage of Montreal finding the back of the net when they had their chance on the power play.

The Canadiens will have to take a long, hard look at whether Jake Allen or Sam Montembeault is their answer in net. It’s also fair to say that they didn’t have that much help throughout the season, as the Canadiens were constantly put in positions to retreat. The team will have to look at how they can sure this area up before next season.

Scoring Chances Against

As true hockey fans know, not all scoring chances are created equal. There are prayers of a shot that are fired in from a great distance away, with a plethora of bodies in between the puck and the net. There are other attempts that are a lot more nerve-wracking, where an opposing player has a head of steam as he releases a shot towards the crease.

Unfortunately for Canadiens fans, the latter was a common occurrence throughout the season, and is another reason why it was a challenge to accurately gauge the play of their two goalies in 2022-2023. Montreal dealt with 718 “high-danger” scoring chances last season, which was only fewer than the total the Anaheim Ducks had to put up with. Teams that have advanced deep into the NHL postseason gave up close to 200 fewer high-danger scoring chances over the course of the season.

Due to the nature of the sport, cleaning up their penalty act will help Montreal improve in this category, as it’s hard for any team to win games while they’re constantly under siege. They may also need to make better decisions throughout the course of the game from a possession perspective, so as not to give their opponents momentum heading the opposite way.

Ice hockey is an exciting game and is popular among folks worldwide. However, the game is very demanding. It requires brain and brawn to be an effective player. The Montreal Canadiens have had a shaky season so far. They currently sit 8th  in the Atlantic division with only 66 points. 

The recent off-season overhaul has given the Canadiens several options to choose from in the goaltending position. So will Samuel Montembeault take on the role of the starting goaltender from the veteran Jake Allen, or will the newly signed Jakub Dobes emerge as the future star of the team? Let’s take a closer look and find out.

Samuel Montembeault 

Samuel Montembeault has emerged as a great prospect for the team in the goaltending position. His recent performances have seen him rank 12th in goals saved in the NHL league. He is a clutch goaltender who has carried the game for the Canadiens multiple times and is probably responsible for them not having fewer points in the NHL standings.

Montembeault has been given more opportunities this season with more game time. He hasn’t disappointed and has shown the management that he can take on more significant roles moving forward. His impressive stats in recent games has made him the favorite goaltender to wager for on several sports betting in Canada sites. Most of these betting platforms also have several types of bets with varying degrees of payout that are popular among Canadians. Some of these include parlay, in-play, point spread, and the famous straight bets. Additionally, they have several bonuses and promotions, such as free and risk-free bets that can give you an edge when wagering for the Canadiens and all your favorite teams.

Jakub Dobes

Jakub Dobes is a young prospect that everyone is looking forward to seeing develop into a world-class goaltender. At the age of 21, it is speculated that he will be in the starting lineup next season. He has been a standout player for Ohio State Buckeyes in the last two years in the NCAA Division I, where he won multiple awards, including All-Big Ten Freshman Team and Big Ten Goaltender of the Year. 

 

Given his impressive performance, Dobes is highly regarded as the future of the Montreal Canadiens. He was signed from the NCAA with two years of eligibility remaining. There is a strong desire to groom him into an exceptional goaltender. It is possible that management will call him up and pair him with a more experienced goaltender to see how he performs in the next season.

Jake Allen 

If the management decides to proceed with Montembeault and Dobes, that leaves Allen hanging. However, the veteran goaltender is still in great form and could provide an excellent option for any NHL club that is in need of a skilled goaltender. His contract still runs for the next two seasons, though. Despite this, cashing out on him early would be the right move for management to prevent losing him for a lower price later on.

Moving Allen will give the Montreal Canadiens a chance to focus on molding their team for the next generation of players. The 2023 – 2024 season will have them testing out the possible duo of Montembeault and Dobes. This strategic move could be crucial in determining how the Canadiens perform in the next season.

In Summation

Kent Hughes has quite a dilemma restructuring the goaltending position. All weight is on his shoulder to come up with a solution that will provide the best results for the team. He has both youth and experience in his midst. What will he go for? Time will tell as the season progresses.

The regular season is slowly ending, and National Hockey League fans are still on the edges of their seats. The main reason is that the postseason will officially commence a few days from now, on April 17, 2023, leaving them no time to rest, which still keeps their heart pumping for more.

The good news is that even with less than a month left, many things have already occurred. Meanwhile, the bad news is that all the updates aren’t the cherry on top, which means unfortunate news and surprises have also taken place so far. However, to motivate you further to the NHL’s Stanley Cup, here are a few essential updates you need to know.

NHL Updates

News and updates are more crucial as the season is nearing the Stanley Cups. For the most recent news and updates, here are two headlines you should be aware of:

Pittsburgh Penguins Regain WildCard Chance in East

As of writing this article, there are only a few more days until the 2022-2023 NHL regular season, but there’s still a possibility that an amazing plot twist will occur for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins could regain an appearance in the 2023 Playoffs if they could defeat the Philadelphia Flyers on April 2, 2023. Fortunately, they did, and they completed it successfully. The Penguins won over the Flyers 4-2 last Sunday, which earns them the Eastern Conference’s second wildcard spot.

Vancouver Canucks to Miss Playoffs Three Years Straight

After the devastating loss against the Los Angeles Kings with 4-1, the Vancouver Canucks Will miss another playoff. Although many have already foreseen this far, it’s still unfortunate news for the team, especially since they’re only 14 points behind the Winnipeg Jets for the last spot in the Western Conference for the Playoffs.

This is also the seventh time in eight years that NHL fans will not see Vancouver play in the Playoffs. Aside from that, it’s also the team’s third year in a row not to make it to the postseason.

NHL Standing

On the other hand, with still a few days left, many things can still happen, and the standings can still significantly change. Nonetheless, knowing the status of your favorite team will give you an idea of how far they could possibly go to the Stanley Cups Playoffs. In the meantime, here are the standings of the top teams from each conference.

Eastern Conference (win-loss, points)

• Atlantic Division

1. Boston Bruins. 60-12, 125 points
2. Toronto Maple Leafs. 45-21, 100 points
3. Tampa Bay Lightning. 45-26, 96 points

• Metropolitan Division

1. Carolina Hurricanes. 49-18, 107 points
2. New Jersey Devils. 48-21, 104 points
3. New York Rangers. 45-21, 101 points

Western Conference (win-loss, points)

• Central Division

1. Minnesota Wild. 44-23, 97 points
2. Colorado Avalanche. 45-24, 96 points
3. Dallas Stars. 41-21, 96 points

• Pacific Division

1. Vegas Golden Knights. 47-22, 101 points
2. Los Angeles Kings. 45-22, 100 points
3. Edmonton Oilers. 45-23, 99 points

Stanley Cup Favorites

As mentioned, various elements can still affect the current standings, affecting their odds of winning the Stanley Cups. Still, bettors and experts have expressed their picks while also considering the events unfolding throughout the season. To give you an idea of what’s going on in the market, here are the NHL odds of the current favorites to win the Stanley Cup.

• Boston Bruins (+380). The Bruins quickly become the favorite to win the 2023 Stanley Cup, especially since they have the ever-talented core Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pasttrnak, and their outstanding goalie, Linus Ullmark. Aside from that, thanks to the team’s consistently outstanding performance, they’re currently highly favored to win this year’s Cup.

• Colorado Avalanche (+700). Although they’re currently sitting in second place in the Central Division of the Western Conference, they still have a relatively pretty record comparable to their last season’s. However, the apparent injury increase made fans anxious about the team’s future games. As long as the other members remain unfazed, the Avs still have a pretty good chance.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge

Various experts have published their bracket predictions concerning the current standings, while other fans also give their shot at the bracket challenge to make things more fun for them. The bracket challenge is the NHL’s official game for fans and bettors alike to participate in correctly predicting the outcome of the actual Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket. However, the 2023 bracket challenge was closed last April 3, 2023.

However, don’t fret! You can still partake in the Playoffs and the Stanley Cup as a fan or bettor in several ways. You can sign up for sportsbooks online and enjoy their various betting lines.

Final Thoughts

Regardless if you’re here to watch for the Stanley Cup Playoffs or wagering to win, the NHL hockey games are undeniably one of the most enjoyable sports. So, it’s easy to get lost in the events and down yourself with the news and updates. Take your time catching up with what’s new and what’s up as you prepare for this year’s postseason.

 If you’re up to earning money on the sideline, then today is the best day to sign up on sportsbooks online to bet on the winning favorites.

It’s three long decades since fans of the Montreal Canadiens celebrated their beloved team getting their hands on the Stanley Cup. The 1993 victory over the Los Angeles Kings is such a distant memory, those bright-eyed youthful Habs fans won’t even remember it! No team has come close to repeating the 20th-century success exhibited by the Canadiens, but fans would surely swap some of that for a taste of victory sooner rather than later.

Montreal Canadiens: Key Players

Going into this season , optimistic fans among the bunch believed a shot at this year’s Stanley Cup was still on the cards.  If you’re someone that enjoys betting on ice hockey, it might be worth checking out where you can find the best online casino bonus in 2023. These bonuses are a great way of getting the most out of your betting experience as you can often earn a free bet, which can be used on the upcoming Canadiens games.

But heading into this season, most Habs fans tempered their expectations when it comes to the playoffs. They didn’t qualify for the 2021-22 season and had coach Dominique Ducharme fired in the meantime. Under Martin St. Louis’ wing, they haven’t fared much better. At the bottom of the Atlantic Division with 66 points, the Canadiens aren’t reaching the playoffs this year.

The Habs’ dashed playoffs hopes come off the back of injuries, losing key players for the rest of the season. The biggest blow to the Habs was losing Cole Caufield to his January 12th shoulder dislocation. Since arriving in the 2019 draft, the young right wing had gone from strength to strength. The 22-year-old was one of the team’s smaller players but had set the league alight. Unfortunately, the flame that burned twice as bright lasted half as long, and he isn’t finishing this season.

His 26 goals in 46 games had ranked him as the Canadiens’ top scorer and also mean he had surpassed last season’s total goals in around 20 fewer games. That’s a talent that the Habs couldn’t access for the rest of the season.

Center Nick Suzuki was also on track to have his best campaign in Montreal, and his goals were crucial in Caufield’s absence. The youngest-ever Canadiens captain has over 40 goal involvements in 56 games and stands alongside Kirby Dach as one of the team’s most creative assets. The pair have notched up 48 assists between them already this season.

There is enough young talent in this Canadiens team to make a competitive squad in future seasons. If Caufield improves and Suzuki ups his game to become the latest in a long line of great Habs captains, they could top the Atlantic Division and take a playoff spot in later seasons.

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Betting Odds for the Stanley Cup

It’s obvious by now that the Canadiens aren’t lifting the Cup this season. Just prior to being mathematically eliminated, most major sportsbook price their chances at +50000. That’s roughly a 0.5% likelihood.

Habs fans can take some small comfort from knowing there are plenty below them in the betting tables. The Arizona Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and Colombus Blue Jackets are all bigger outside bets.

The last two years have been rough for the most decorated team in ice hockey, at least when it comes to playoffs and Cup bids. However, even when the odds have been stacked against them, the Habs have put together some impressive performances in 2023 that shows the team still has some fight in them.

The 3-2 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the 4-3 overtime win against the New York Islanders are season highlights that show the Canadiens are more than capable of hanging with those ranked above them on their day.

If their key players can keep fit and guide them toward a few consecutive wins, the Habs can build enough momentum to give them a chance at reaching future playoffs. This year, they aren’t going to make it. Let’s call it a training season.

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Watching your favorite sport in person is an entirely different experience than watching it on TV. There’s something special and splendid about being at the game, surrounded by thousands of other passionate fans who are all there to support their team. It’s an adrenaline rush that can’t be replicated in any other way. 
Being at a live sporting event gives you the chance to feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself, and it also provides a great opportunity to bond with friends and family over a shared interest or passion. Also, watching sports in person allows you to get up close and personal with some of the world’s greatest athletes, giving you an unforgettable experience that will last for years to come. All these things combined make attending a live sporting event one of the most enjoyable experiences.

If you love hockey, here is why you need to watch it in person.

You Can Be A Part Of A Community

Watching hockey in person can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as it allows you to become a part of the community. This is especially true for countries where hockey is the national sport, like Canada, for example. You get to witness the energy and excitement of the crowd, which is something that cannot be replicated when watching from home. Being surrounded by passionate fans cheering for their team can make you feel part of something bigger than yourself. Additionally, attending a live game gives you access to exclusive experiences such as pre-game events or post-game meet and greets with players. This is a great way to connect with other fans and build relationships with people who share your passion for hockey. You can also discuss sports bets with other hockey lovers in Canada. On World Sports Network (WSN.com) you can see where online sports betting is legal in Canada, and use this information to see whether or not the part of Canada you live in allows you to legally gamble. If you are interested in the current NHL standings, we regularly update the tables within all divisions.  

Witness The Wonders Of The Game

Hockey is a physical game that needs to be witnessed in person because of the speed and intensity of the action. The players move quickly, often at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, and constantly make split-second decisions. Watching hockey live gives you an appreciation for how fast the game moves and how much skill it takes to make plays happen. Additionally, watching hockey live allows you to experience the physicality of the sport firsthand. You can feel the impact of body checks as players battle for position in front of the net or along the boards. You can also appreciate how hard it is for goalies to stop shots from close range when they have only fractions of a second to react. Finally, watching hockey live allows you to experience all the excitement of being part of a crowd cheering on your favorite team.

Hockey Is A Strategic Sport

Hockey is a strategic sport because it requires players to think ahead and anticipate their opponent’s moves. The game is fast-paced and requires quick decision-making, as well as an understanding of the rules and strategies. Players must be able to read the play, recognize patterns, and make split-second decisions to succeed. In addition, hockey is a team sport requiring players to work together to succeed. Each player must understand their role on the team and how they can contribute to its overall success. This means that each player must be aware of their teammates’ positions on the ice at all times to effectively move around one another without getting in each other’s way or creating dangerous situations. As such, hockey is a highly strategic sport requiring coaches and players to think ahead and plan their moves accordingly.

Habs fans are some of the most passionate and enthusiastic hockey fans around. After all, supporting the Montreal Canadiens is about loyalty, dedication, and the ability to cheer them on even when they appear to be letting you down. 

While Youppi! may take it easy after a suspenseful match, fans are generally rearing to go and still riding the high from an epic win (or looking for comfort after a heartbreaking loss). Therefore, taking the game into their own hands may be a great way to continue celebrating or gain some distraction.

Thankfully, several software developers have provided the means to do this through their hockey-themed slots. These companies have created games that Habs fans and even those supporting other teams will fall head over skates for.

Hockey League – Pragmatic Play

The most popular hockey-themed slot is Hockey League by famed developer Pragmatic Play. With the ability to make you feel like you’ve been transported directly into the rink, this game is recommended for seasoned gambling veterans and those just starting out. 

The game is pretty simple and operates the same as any other slot. You have a 5×3 grid of symbols that are all hockey related. Pay lines depend on the site you’re playing on and vary between 9 and 20. This is a bit strange, as developers usually prefer to fix the number of lines, but certainly nothing to complain about. 

The real gem of this game isn’t the wilds that substitute other symbols or the free spin jackpot. The incredible graphics and sound are so immersive and representative of an NHL game that you’ll believe you’re there. 

Break Away Deluxe – Microgaming

Microgaming, makers of the infinitely popular Mega Moolah, is known in the industry as the developer of some of the most memorable and profitable slot games. For hockey lovers, Break Away Deluxe is another game that hits the mark perfectly.

Set on the cold ice of the rink, the game has a 5×5 grid and lets you choose between 18, 38, 68, or 88 pay lines. Your bet amount will increase or decrease accordingly, depending on the number of lines you play with.

While the graphics are basic and feature hockey staples like players, helmets, and ice rinks, the gameplay is what you should get excited about. In addition to free spins, the game features stacked wilds and cascading icons that let you win multiple times on a single spin.  

Hockey Hero – Push Gaming

Showing what it is like to be on the ice in an almost scarily accurate way, Hockey Hero follows three superstars of the sport in their quest for victory. These heroes are the highest-paying symbols, with all lower-paying symbols displayed through a sheet of cracked ice.

If the backtrack of screaming fans, bells, and whistles isn’t enough to get you into the hockey spirit, the way the game works definitely will. It hosts a regular 5×3 grid and 40 pay lines. However, the three sportsmen can appear as an entire reel and, when falling on the first reel, will trigger an automatic respin. 

Respins activated by the heroes can continue up to five times, potentially leading to some winnings you’ll be screaming about. The game also features a wild symbol and five free spins that let you choose which athlete you want to help you achieve greatness.

Ice Hockey – Playtech

If you’re searching for an incredible hockey slot accessible from Canada, Playtech’s Ice Hockey may be your holy grail. Featuring a 5×3 grid, this game lets you pit teams against each other—something hockey fans will particularly enjoy.

To start playing, you’ll need to pick two national teams from the supported list, including the USA, Russia, Germany, and (of course) Canada. Each team will place three players on the reels, and each team will grant wins depending on where they land (from left to right or vice versa). 

The slot offers plenty more if the excitement of competition between teams isn’t enough. Some wilds force the two teams to work together to award significant wins, and there is a bonus game that gives 12 free spins. 

Hockey League Wild Match – Pragmatic Play

Released as a different variation of Pragmatic Play’s popular Hockey League (mentioned earlier in this article), this game ups the ante and keeps you on the edge of your seat. While it may look very similar to the original game, the Hockey League Wild Match version offers a few gameplay changes that are sure to please.

The most noticeable change is that wins can now occur both ways—left to right and right to left. Because of this, the way the reels fall has also changed, with reels stopping in an alternating pattern from the left and then the right. 

The game’s visuals have been retained and make you feel like you’re watching on an old television, and the soundtrack is incredible. There are also wilds that substitute, and the scatters offer ten free spins that come with a three-time multiplier. 

Notable Mentions

While the above games are the cream of the crop, there are a few others that will surely have your inner hockey player fighting to get out. Some of these include:

• Jagr’s Super Slot – Inspired Gaming
• Break Away Lucky Wilds – Microgaming
• Field Hockey Hero – Push Gaming
• Hockey Hero – RealTime Gaming
• Hockey Attack – Pragmatic Play

The 2022/23 NHL season is proving to be monstrously competitive in just about every area of the standings, with a couple of Original Six exceptions. While the Montréal Canadiens were basement dwellers at the 54-game mark at second-last in the Eastern Conference, the Habs were only 12 points back of the nearest wild-card spot.

Sure, it’d require a winning streak not seen by this beaten-up Canadiens side, but a late run in the last 28 games wasn’t out of the question with the way that league has ebbed and flowed this season. For the most part, though, the viable Stanley Cup competitors have already laid down the gauntlet, with three of them not only being Eastern Conference rivals but also rivals from the days of the Original Six. While the NHL has become much, much more competitive since its early days, especially since the salary cap came into play, Original Six teams make up the glut of champions. Of 106 Stanley Cups competed for, 64 or 60.4 percent have gone to Original Six teams – with the Habs, naturally, atop that wins chart. The franchises have a history of going far, and in 2023, the first of this exclusive club since the 2015 Chicago Blackhawks looks primed to win it all.

Original Six teams amongst the favourites

https://youtube.com/watch?v=D7pLapDSBfU

As you’d expect following the team’s 40-8-5 run to a mighty .802-point percentage rate, the Boston Bruins are the favourites to win the Stanley Cup. However, as the NHL playoffs are notoriously fraught with upsets, the B’s aren’t found at short odds with Canadian bookmakers.

Of the top betting sites in Ontario, per Canadian-sports-betting.com, the two that have long focussed on the Canadian market, Bet99 and Sports Interaction, have the Bruins at +460 and +481, respectively. This is despite Boston being seven points clear of the second-placed Carolina Hurricanes at the time of writing while on the same number of games played.

Looking at the other teams atop the odds rankings, you can see why the Bruins aren’t running clear yet. Fellow Original Six members Toronto and the New York Rangers are hot on their heels and are coming in from the Eastern Conference. At +900 and +924 for the Buds and +1300 and +1309 for NYR, they’re not being counted out yet.

Assessing the credentials of Boston, NYR, and Toronto

The Boston Bruins have reached the peak of the NHL through a tremendously consistent team effort. With 40 wins in the bag, it’s remarkable that Thehockeynews.com found that only one of their players sat in the top 50 for scoring. It demonstrates how well all lines are playing for the B’s and emphasizes the role of the goaltenders.

Linus Ullmark held an absurd 1.90 GAA and .937 SV% by his 27th win, while Jeremy Swayman also pulled his weight to record a 12-4-4- record with a .914 SV%. Boston’s success in the postseason, as most teams find, will come down to their goaltenders staying hot. Still, like the record-setting 2018/19 Lightning and their 128-point regular season, there’s always a chance that the Bruins will capitulate and bow out in the First Round.

Set to avoid the Bruins in the First Round, the Maple Leafs will hope to finally break past the opening series of the playoffs for the first time since 2003/04. That includes their current six-season streak of immediate expulsion from the postseason. Thehockeywriters.com report that Tyler Bertuzzi would be an ideal addition to one of the strongest teams in the conference as he’d deliver high-impact play and grit for the battles ahead.   

Surging on a six-game winning streak, the New York Rangers look set to secure their place in the Metropolitan Division’s spots following a superb bit of dealing before the trade window started to heat up. Acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues before they put up the fire sale sign was excellent business, reinforcing an already deep, star-studded roster that’s backed by the reigning Vezina Trophy winner.

While Habs fans won’t like the Bruins running away atop the standings, Montréal can take solace in the fact that regular-season success doesn’t guarantee postseason triumphs. So far this season, Boston has defeated the Rangers twice in two games and is 2-1 against the Maple Leafs. Again, though, everything changes in the playoffs.