As the chill of winter approaches, the anticipation for the 2023-24 NHL season heats up, especially for the dedicated followers of the Montreal Canadiens. Last season, the Canadiens showcased moments of brilliance, clinching notable victories, yet also faced challenges that left room for improvement. With a blend of triumphs and lessons from the past season, the stage is set for an exciting journey ahead. Fans, brace yourselves as the Canadiens gear up to carve a new chapter in their storied legacy. In this article, we look at what fans can expect during the upcoming season.

New Signings and Roster Changes

The Montreal Canadiens have been proactive in the off-season, making strategic moves to bolster their lineup for the 2023-24 campaign. The Canadiens also secured Jesse Ylonen (RW) with a one-year, two-way contract and added depth with Lucas Condotta (LW) who resigned on  a two-year, two-way deal. David Reinbacher and Mitchell Stephens further augment the roster with their 3-year and 1-year contracts respectively. These fresh faces are anticipated to play significant roles, enhancing both the offensive and defensive dynamics of the team. Alongside these signings, there have been important roster adjustments, all designed to optimize the Canadiens’ performance, ensuring they are a formidable force in the upcoming season.

Fan Engagement

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Keeping their fans engaged is a top priority for the Canadiens this season and that’s why they’ve rolled out various engagement initiatives to keep fans coming back for more. For example, they’re bringing back the in-game escape room, known as The Bell Canadiens Escape, where teams attempt to escape a locked room while fans follow along at the Bell Center. Fans interested in participating in the challenge can purchase one of the limited tickets.

While hockey matches will take up a sizable part of any hockey fan’s free time, online gaming has quickly become an alternate source of entertainment, especially during the colder months when venturing outside isn’t very appealing. Casinos have moved increasingly online in recent years as part of the larger trends in gaming. Instead of traveling long distances to play their favorite titles, there are many casino games to play online, with games featuring titles like Unlimited Treasures, Stampeding Strike, and Forge of Olympus; there’s something for any hockey fan with a little extra time on their hands. Since these games can be played at home and in short bursts, fans don’t have to worry about missing a minute of the Montreal Canadiens matches.

Team Development

The team is gearing up for a pivotal season, with a clear focus on holistic player development. Emphasizing the team’s evolution, Head coach Martin St-Louis said, “This year, we’re not starting at zero. We’re more advanced in our development.” This commitment is evident in their rigorous training sessions, showcased during the Canadiens’ training camp presented by RBC.

This camp is not just about drills; it’s about fostering competition, as seen in the intense training camp battles where players vie for coveted spots on the team. These strategic initiatives, from hands-on coaching to competitive training environments, underscore the Canadiens’ dedication to optimizing player performance and ensuring they are primed for the challenges of the NHL season.

Challenges and Opportunities:

The Canadiens have faced their share of challenges, particularly in the realms of Power Play (PP) and Penalty Kill (PK). In previous seasons, inconsistencies in these areas have sometimes hindered the team’s momentum. However, recognizing these challenges, the coaching staff has worked on strategies to bolster both the PP and PK units, aiming for more efficiency and fewer vulnerabilities. On the flip side, opportunities are many. They possess a roster with diverse strengths, from swift attackers to stalwart defenders. By leveraging these strengths and exploiting opponent weaknesses, the Canadiens are poised to turn challenges into triumphant moments in the upcoming season.

If you are reading this, there is a pretty good chance that you are a Montreal Canadiens fan. Unfortunately, there is also a reasonably good chance that you have never seen the Habs lift the Stanley Cup. A lot has been said about the 30-year drought this year – and stretching back to the beginning of last season – and the wait for a 25^th title goes on.

It does feel, at times, as though that 25^th championship is never going to make its way back to the city. Although hockey is still king in Montreal, it is understandable that other teams and sports have grown over the years. CF Montreal has done pretty well in soccer so some may have even been checking the best MLS betting sites rather than concentrating on the Habs.

But when can long-suffering Canadiens fans expect to get really excited again? There are plenty of reasons why there has been precious little to shout about in recent times but is there now a light at the end of the tunnel? We’re not going to get carried away and predict a Stanley Cup triumph this season – but could happier days be coming our way?

The Last Hurrah

When the Habs won that last championship in 1993 it had only been seven years since the previous triumph. There had even been a Stanley Cup finals loss in the years in between. The Canadiens were not the dominant force they had once been, but droughts were still being counted in single digits.

Obviously, we all know how quickly everything went downhill after that. Even making the playoffs wasn’t guaranteed any more and the Conference Finals seemed the limit for a while. We weren’t even supposed to make the finals in 2021 – so not breaking the curse before it reached 30 years didn’t seem all that surprising.

A Canada Problem

There is one statistical scrap to cling onto, of course. The Habs may have not been able to claim a 25^th championship in 30 years – but then no other team from Canada has been anywhere close either. It’s been an incredible 12 years since any Canadian team even made it to the Stanley Cup finals.

With the top players not automatically joining Canadian teams, all of those from this country have struggled to compete as the NHL has aggressively looked to grow the game in the US. Habs fans will always find it hard to get behind any other Canadian team – especially the Leafs – but the nation could do with a win.

Tough Division

All Habs fans will know that there are a multitude of reasons – both on and off the ice – as to why our team has not even looked like challenging for the majority of the last 30 years. But even as we begin to have a little more hope of a brighter future, the Canadiens find themselves in with a tough group of teams.

The Atlantic Division is going to be hard to progress from once again. Some of the teams may not be the out-and-out favorites to lift the Stanley Cup, but Toronto, Boston and Tampa are all high on the list. Add to that last season’s runner-up in Florida and Ottawa, Buffalo, and even a Detroit team that cannot be as bad as last year, and the Habs face a tough task making the playoffs.

Young Talent

It is not an overstatement to say that the last two years have been horrible for Habs fans. After losing in the finals in a season seriously affected by COVID, not making the playoffs at all forced the organization to majorly rethink how it was going to regroup and rebuild.

Without wanting to get too excited (we have been down this road before, after all) the future is beginning to look bright. This is now officially the next stage of that rebuild. Giving young players more ice time is an exciting tactic. Improving would not be difficult. But a good young core of players that use this time to get better this season is an exciting prospect.

More on Offense

Offensive talent in Montreal has been short on the ground most of the time since that last Stanley Cup triumph. But now, in Cole Caulfield, there is a player who has the ability to score 50 goals in a season. He won’t be able to do it all on his own – but, no one can.

If Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach can combine to give the team some real talent at center, the Canadiens might actually be able to compete. Add to that Alex Newhook living up to his potential and Juraj Slafkovsky setting down in the league, and suddenly Montreal can begin to worry a few of the other teams.

Promising Start

By the time you read this, we will still only be in the early stages of the new season. But the opening game of the year is always a tense and exciting time. The fans eagerly anticipate what is going to unfold in front of them on the ice and pray that their hopes will not be dashed instantly.

A loss to the Leafs is never going to be easy to take. But that first game of the season did suggest that Montreal will be able to put up a fight this year. Losing in overtime was even more of a kicker, but there were plenty of positives to take from the game against one of the favorites to win it all this season.

A 25^th Championship

So, are we any closer to being able to answer the question at the top of this article? The honest truth is probably, “not really”. There are definitively more positive vibes around the place this year – and that should count for something. An injury-free core of young players developing and pushing forward again is probably the most we can hope for this year.

The Habs are unlikely to even make the playoffs if we are being completely honest. But even more development in the next few years should sort that problem out – and then the possibilities only grow. This horrible championship drought has to end at some time and, for the first time in a long time, it actually feels as if we might be able to compete in the very near future.

With just a few days left until the 2023/24 NHL season begins, hockey fans and betting experts are still deciding on the main contenders to win the Stanley Cup. After an exciting preseason exhibition, this season is expected to be a corker. But which specific teams should you look out for if you’re hoping to place a winning wager?  Consider our selection of the top 5 NHL teams for 2023/24.

The Best Odds & Betting Platforms for the NHL 2023/24 Season 

Before we get into our selection of top NHL teams for the upcoming season, you may be wondering where and when you’ll be able to place bets on outcomes for the latest fixtures. The best Ontario sports betting sites are already accepting bets for fixtures from the upcoming season, including those slated for the first week. If you require tips and advice on how to find the best odds for Ontario online sports betting, Quintin from Online-Casinos provides valuable information to help you get started. Remember to stay safe when gambling online and never place bets beyond your means. Also, collecting essential knowledge on team statistics can contribute immensely to your next betting strategy. And with the right casino site and betting odds, things can go only upwards.

Ranking the Top NHL Teams of the Season

Considering the current events, we have rated and ordered the best NHL teams for this season. We will share some short retrospectives of each team’s most vital features and players, which our readers can benefit from. So, let’s discuss the best teams for this season in detail.

Winnipeg Jets

If any team is likely to make it to the playoffs this year, it is Rick Bowness’s Winnipeg Jets, who had a fantastic 2022/23 season and will surely be looking to take names in the rapidly approaching season. The latest embodiment of the Jets is perhaps best known for the presence of goaltender extraordinaire Connor Hellebuyck, who boasted a stunning .920 save percentage last season. As long as Hellebuyck continues to keep those pesky pucks out, Winnipeg Jets fans could be in for a treat. The Jets are scheduled to take on the Montreal Canadiens at the end of the month, which could be a ‘make or break’ barometer of how their season is likely to go in the long term.

New Jersey Devils

Garden State favorites the New Jersey Devils should be the source of plenty of quality play this season, following a dominant 2022/23 campaign in which they managed to bag an impressive 289 goals. As well as landing fifth in the league in terms of pucks in the net, the New Jersey Devils displayed an adept offensive unit coupled with notable defensive prowess courtesy of Akira Schmid and Vitek Vanecek. If last year is anything to go by, this year will be a barnstorming season for the Devils, which is looking even more hopeful for fans since Tyler Toffoli got on board.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes were defeated by the Florida Panthers in the Conference finals last year after losing the star wingers Max Pacioretty and Andrei Svechnikov mid-season. Although they did not take the win, it’s notable that the Canes made it so far in the tournament with two of their major players injured. Now that they’ve had time to refresh and replenish their squad, the 2023/24 season could be even more productive. To see how the Carolina Hurricanes team is shaping up for the new campaign, it’ll be worth checking out their first PNC Arena meeting against the Ottawa Senators. This game is slated for Thursday, October 12th.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs can usually be relied on to provide some top-drawer action on the ice, and this fast-approaching season is no different. Before former GM Kyle Dubas made the move to the Penguins, his signing of Ilya Samsonov was seen as a particularly safe bet. Toronto fans will be happy to learn that Brad Treliving has retained Samsonov for the upcoming season. This should give the Leafs some extra depth for their first game of the campaign when they meet the Montreal Canadiens at the Scotiabank Arena on October 12th. This matchup will certainly be one to look out for if you’re a Maple Leafs fan, as Sheldon Keefe’s squad will be eager to pick up two points in their first fixture of the season.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers have lifted the Stanley Cup five times in the past – many tipsters expect the upcoming season to provide their sixth win. Edmonton enjoyed a productive 2022/23 campaign, in which they scored +24 more goals than any other team in the tournament. Last season cemented the dynamic duo of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, who provided an injection of much-needed aggression upfront. It’ll also be worth keeping your eye on goalie Stuart Skinner this season, who shone as a rookie last year and is likely to provide a significant impact for this bolstered Edmonton Oilers team.

Previewing the First Game of the Season

The first game of the new season is scheduled for Tuesday October 10th with a clash between Tampa Bay Lightning and the Nashville Predators at Amalie Arena. The Bolts are currently the 60% / 1.5 goal favorites to win the game, which means that the Preds will have to work harder to make an impact on the ice. Although neither of these teams made our final selection of top picks for the upcoming season, the first face-off of the 2023/24 campaign looks set to be a thriller! Suppose you’re thinking of placing a wager on this game or other upcoming NHL fixtures this season. In that case, you’ll find competitive odds at the numerous Canadian sites offering sports betting in Ontario. Good luck, and we’ll see you on the ice!

This off-season has been a quiet one for the Montreal Canadiens. No particular changes have been made in order to focus on stability in the growth for the next season. However, this will change as the Canadiens Training Camp will soon be underway. With both young and experienced players, everyone is looking forward to seeing what to expect from the new roster.

Canadiens Training Camp

The Canadiens Training Camp, which kicks off on the 23rd of September, already looks promising. This time, the 72 players are divided into four teams. Those teams will play against each other with two scrimmages daily. The games will lead up to the yearly scrimmage between the Red and White Scrimmage before pre-season begins the week after.

There are good reasons to follow the training camp, as it is often a warning for the next season. You will also get to catch up with new, promising players. Staying up to date on player happenings is crucial if you bet on matches at sites like those listed on BonusFinder Canada.

The Roster

The roster of 72 players includes players who are on AHL contracts. This time, the roster consists of 9 goaltenders, 23 defencemen and 40 forwards. The Habs’ executive vice president of hockey operations, Jeff Gordon, as well as Kent Hughes, the general manager, are looking towards a new rebuild and modernizing the team. One of the keywords for this time has been familiarity. The players and coaches have had to gain each other’s trust, which is why there haven’t been any significant changes of late.

This time, we see new additions like Alex Newhook and Gustav Lindstrom. The roster also consists of experienced players under St. Louis, and they will be among those players who will keep the fort down. The competition won’t be easy. Both new prospects and experienced players will have to do the best they can to fight for the chair.

Possible Battles

Many fans are keeping an eye on Canadian Arber Xhekaj, who is often highlighted as a very talented all-rounder. His physique and toughness will make him a strong contender amongst his teammates. There is no doubt that he will be one of the threats. Then we have newcomers like Gustav Lindstrom and players like William Trudeau, who will do their best to push over Harris and Kovacevic. Other players like Mike Matheson won’t necessarily go into battles, as their future will not necessarily be decided in this training camp. 

The Lineup

A burning question is the future of Cayden Primeau, the son of the retired NHL forward Keith Primeau. Right now, he is going into the prime of his career. However, whether he can prove himself as a stable goaltender is still being determined. If he manages to do so, the Habs will have to do everything in their power not to lose him. But the chances are 50-50. If he can’t live up to expectations, he won’t have the same security, and manager Hughes is more likely to leave him.

When looking at the lineup, Primeau will likely be a part. Besides him, we will see Mike Matheson, Arber Xhekaj, Harris and Kovacevic, as well as Alex Newhook, as part of the opening-night roster.

The Rookie Camp

Looking at the rookies, their training camp at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard is already underway.  The roster consists of 27 prospects, 9 defensemen, three goaltenders, and 15 forwards. Some have been invited on a tryout basis, while others were drafted by the Canadiens. The first-round picks are players like David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux. So far, the rookies have had a tumultuous start, with a loss against the Sabres team but a win against the Ottawa Senators.

In 1993, the Montréal Canadiens beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada after the Pittsburgh Penguins had kept it down south for back-to-back years. Before the Pens nabbed two in 1991 and 1992, the Cup spent seven years in Canada. Since 1993, a handful of Canadian teams have made it to the Finals, with the Habs being the most recent in 2021, but none have returned with the NHL’s ultimate prize.

This season might, finally, be different, though. After 30 years – or 31 years by the time the Finals take place – Canada boasts two legitimate contenders and some intriguing dark horses. Given the unpredictability of the playoffs, if any of the dark horses make the cut, they’ll have just as much of a shot at the crown as the favourites, so they’re well worth considering.

Dark horses and rebuilders

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Montréal Canadiens are in the midst of a rebuild, and with that in mind, they did rather well during the offseason. The team got younger, and the emphasis on this was clear to see. Now that they’ve flipped Jeff Petry from getting in on the Erik Karlsson multi-team trade for 24-year-old Gustav Lindström and future considerations, it seems likely that the Habs got the best of the blockbuster deal.

The Vancouver Canucks could also find themselves in the midst of a rebuild if their star Swede’s impending RFA status isn’t sorted soon or a poor first half of the season makes them commit to a tear-down and capitalizing on the center’s immense value. The Winnipeg Jets may also end up going into a soft rebuild if they feel the need to deal impending UFAs Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele following a weak start.

As for dark horses emerging from the north, there’s plenty to like in the Calgary Flames ranks. Jacob Markström is serviceable in goal, the blueline corps is rather strong, and the forward lines are headlined by Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri. Given the recent years of turmoil, it might be surprising to see the Ottawa Senators as one of the prime dark horse contenders. It’s a very young and talented team that missed the playoffs by six points last season.

Canada’s leading contenders for the crown

Dark horse contenders are all well and good, but this season, there are two legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. With the Toronto Maple Leafs finally making it past the First Round and the stars of the Edmonton Oilers seemingly only getting more lethal, it’s clear that the Buds and Oilers have what it takes, on paper, to go all the way. Fans have a feeling that McDavid or Matthews could hoist the Cup, and the hockey betting also ranks them both at the top.

The Maple Leafs did see some significant outgoings, including Ryan O’Reilly, Luke Schenn, Alex Kerfoot, Michael Bunting, and Noel Acciari, but have decided to gamble on John Klingberg to up their scoring power. It’s a lot of defensively sound players shifting for a distinctly offensive one, but bringing in Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi may help mitigate this slightly. Perhaps they’re following the template of the Oilers.

Once again, Edmonton will hope to outscore everyone by a significant margin. They put away 20 more goals than any other team by the end of the 2022/23 regular season, and may even see an uptick with Connor McDavid’s old Erie Otters pal, Connor Brown, joining the team. Without a doubt, Brown will at least have a career year. Their main sticking point is the goaltending situation, where they’ll essentially be hoping that their rookie improves.

The Flames and Sens should be able to battle for a wild card place, but the glut of Canada’s hopes to see the Stanley Cup again lie with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers.

The 2023-24 NHL season begins in just over a month’s time.  The Montreal Canadiens are looking to bounce back after two tough seasons where they missed the playoffs, after making the Stanley Cup Finals in the shortened 2020-21 season.

Below I will look at the odds for the Habs to win the Stanley Cup, and some other popular futures betting markets including division winner, regular season points, and to make the playoffs.

Montreal sports bettors should be able to find similar odds at any reputable online sportsbook for Canadians.

Stanley Cup Winner

• Montreal Canadiens to win Stanley Cup: 150-1

The Habs are not expected to contend for the Stanley Cup this season.  This oddsmaker has them pencilled in as one of the four teams least likely to win the Stanley Cup, along with the Blackhawks, Flyers, and Sharks who also have odds of 150-1 at the sportsbook where these odds were found. 

Atlantic Division Winner

• Montreal Canadiens to win Atlantic Division: 100-1

The Habs odds don’t shorten much to finish atop the Atlantic Division this season.  The Red Wings are the second least likely team to win the division and their odds are 20-1.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (+200) are the favourites to win the division, while the Bruins (+375), Panthers (+375), and Lightning (+600) are the other top contenders. 

Regular Season Total Points

• Over 71.5 Points -130
• Under 71.5 Points +100

The Canadiens have the second lowest regular season points total at this oddsmaker, next to only the Anaheim Ducks (67.5 points).  Interestingly, the Ducks have the lowest total, but their odds to win the Stanley Cup at this sportsbook are 125-1.

Montreal finished with 68 points last season, and with only 55 points in 2021-22.  The team will have to improve on both of those seasons to finish with 72+ points this year to hit the over.

To Make Playoffs

• No -5000
• Yes +1600

The odds indicate that the Canadiens are nearly a lock to not make the playoffs this season.  The No odds of -5000 indicate a 98% implied probability that the Canadiens do not qualify for the post season.  The Yes odds of +1600 indicate a 5.9% chance that the Canadiens pull off the improbable and advance to the post season.  The extra 3.9% is the vig.

If you’re interested in making any of these Canadiens futures bets, check out this NHL betting tutorial for Canadians.

For those looking to blend history and modern-day excitement, the 1976-77 NHL season of the Montreal Canadiens is a season worth reminiscing about. Setting the gold standard for team performance, this remarkable season stands as the NHL’s highest-scoring team season ever. The Canadiens tallied an unprecedented 132 points, closing the regular season with a jaw-dropping 60-8-12 record. This article will provide an exhaustive look into what made that season so extraordinary.

Montreal Canadiens 1976-77 Stanley Cup

Player Highlights

In the Montreal Canadiens’ historic 1976-77 season, standout performances from key players set new NHL benchmarks. Spotlighting legends Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, and Ken Dryden, we’ll explore their pivotal stats and moments that defined this unforgettable season.

Guy Lafleur

Nicknamed “The Flower,” Guy Lafleur clinched the Art Ross Trophy with 136 points (56 goals, 80 assists), excelling in key games to elevate the Canadiens.

Larry Robinson

Larry Robinson won the Conn Smythe Trophy and tallied 85 regular-season points, anchoring Montreal’s defense with his physicality and intelligence.

Ken Dryden

Goaltender Ken Dryden had a 2.14 GAA, earning the Vezina Trophy. His key saves were instrumental in crucial games throughout the season.

Key Games and Moments

A few games and moments encapsulate the Canadiens’ dominance. The February win against their arch-rivals, the Boston Bruins, where they decimated them 8-3, was a testament to the team’s offensive firepower. Another highlight was the regular-season finale, where they put up a 10-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. These performances weren’t just statistics on a sheet; they were demoralizing statements to opponents.

Tactics and Coaching

The puppet master behind this ensemble was none other than head coach Scotty Bowman. Known for his tactical acumen, Bowman crafted line combinations that seemed almost psychic in their coordination. He wasn’t just rolling lines; he was adapting in real-time, exploiting opponent weaknesses with a surgeon’s precision. Bowman’s uncanny ability to read the game and adjust strategies was pivotal in steering the team towards its record-breaking season.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The 1976-77 season left an indelible mark not only on Montreal but also on Canadian hockey as a whole. This squad became emblematic of what the sport could offer at its pinnacle—a fusion of skill, teamwork, and an insatiable drive to win. In pop culture, this season’s legacy has been preserved through documentaries, books, and a wealth of memorabilia. Songs and films referencing this Canadiens’ squad have cemented its place in Canadian lore.

Celebrating the 1976-77 Season Today

Even decades later, the magic of that season continues to captivate fans. Documentaries have been made, memorabilia is still sought after, and attending Canadiens’ games today feels like stepping into a living history book. Even some platforms, like Comeon, offer fans an engaging way to enjoy the sport while reminiscing about this historic season. Moreover, social media communities have sprouted up where enthusiasts share old clips, photographs, and firsthand accounts to keep the legacy alive.

The Long-Term Impact of the 1976-77 Canadiens Season on Modern NHL Teams and Strategies

Unpacking the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens’ season, it’s easy to see why it is often heralded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, team performances in NHL history. From unparalleled individual performances by Lafleur, Robinson, and Dryden, to the tactical genius of Scotty Bowman, every element seemed to align. Its influence on the sport and its cultural implications remain deeply embedded in the fabric of Canadian hockey culture. As fans, let’s continue to celebrate and remember this incredible chapter in Canadiens history.

Hockey is one of America’s favorite sports, and certainly the biggest athletic event in Canada. The field variant of the game has existed for a long time, and may date back to the Medieval Period. However, the ice variant of hockey originates in Montreal in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. The sport quickly took off and became a massive success.

The Montreal Canadiens are the most successful team in NHL history,. The Canadiens have captured the Stanley, awarded tho the Championship winning team, a total of 23 occasions.

As any popular sport, ice hockey is a huge betting sport, not just in America and Canada, but also around the world. Various European countries, including Sweden, Russia, Finland, and more love the game, and frequently enjoy placing bets on it. Which begs the question; How did hockey become so popular?

Online Sportsbooks

One of the major factors in the popularity of ice hockey are online sportsbooks. Not only have these websites made it incredibly easy to bet on the NHL, but they’ve also made NHL betting accessible to the wider world.

Nowadays, you can access online bookies and place a bet on any hockey league around the world. Naturally, this has increased interest in hockey, which makes the sport more popular. Of course, the sport’s popularity leads to betting’s popularity, which further grows the sport.

In other words, it is an endless cycle of self-proliferation that makes hockey more popular worldwide. Indeed, online sportsbooks have had a significant impact on the betting world in general, as they offer quick and easy access and a simple way to wager.

Bonuses and Promotions

Somewhat related to online sports betting are bonuses and promotions. As you might gather, bonuses are extra offers that websites might offer to make your betting easier. Hockey bonuses range from free bets, to match deposits, and much more.

Many online sportsbooks even offer welcome bonuses, which further makes wagering easier. Basically, just by signing up to a website, you become eligible for a bonus. By doing this, online sportsbooks make it a lot easier for you to manage your money, plan ahead, and enjoy your time with them.

Hockey is Fun

Naturally, we left the most obvious reason for last. Hockey is simply fun. Millions of people around the world enjoy the game, because it is a fun and, mostly safe, way to release frustration, enjoy the company of friends, and support your local team at the top of your lungs.

In Canada, for example, the passion for hockey is born at a young age, as children watch games along with their parents, and take up the sport while they are still in grade school. Their passion only grows as they do, and eventually, some of them are even ready for the professional teams.

Conclusion

Hockey remains Canada’s favorite sport. And though soccer has taken the lead in the USA, it still remains in the top five, behind only the three other major league sports, and soccer. Around the world, hockey is in the top ten most popular sports, so it is no surprise that bettors are incredibly interested in the great game.

As the professional hockey season gets underway once again, many fans have already begun speculating how the famous rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs is set to play out. What do the experts have to say? Why are the Maple Leafs favourited at this point? While it is impossible to draw any firm conclusions, we should still take a closer look at a handful of potential variables.

A Rivalry with a Long Track Record

It is first wise to point out that the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs have been passionate rivals since the 1921-1922 season. It is therefore no surprise that their face-offs represent some of the highest-grossing competitions in the entire league. While there is little doubt that both have their eyes on the distant horizon, it is equally logical to assume that they will be paying a particular amount of attention to how their perennial counterparts perform. The big question involves whether or not either will be able to make it as far as the Eastern Conference Finals and therefore, the Stanley Cup.

Expert Opinions Matter

To be clear, current NHL futures and odds seem to be firmly favour the Maple Leafs. What are some of the reasons why the Canadiens should be worried?

One variable involves GM Brad Treliving. A significant amount of roster changes have already occurred during his watch and the most prominent include the addition of Maxi Domi; a player who offers a bit of much-needed versatility to the Maple Leafs’ lineup. Let’s also not fail to mention that Dylan Gambrell has been signed to a one-year contract; a relatively young forward with promising potential.

While new players are always welcome additions, the Maple Leafs possess plenty of prowess on the ice thanks in no small part to their existing roster. Some names to watch include Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Auston Matthews. Many analysts will be keeping a close eye on Matthews, as has proven to be one of the most potent scorers in the past.

What About the Canadiens?

While the notion of walking away with the Stanley Cup may be slim, the Canadiens will nonetheless pull out all of the stops along the way. Let us also remember that they were riddled with injuries during the 2022-2023 season and this inevitably impacted their performance on the ice. If the Canadiens are able to solidify their presence and remain healthy, they could very well represent a formidable foe. This is even more relevant considering the fact that an injury-free defence combined with a strong forward thanks to the presence of players such as Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield could spell real trouble for the Eastern Conference as a whole.

While the odds seem to lean towards the Maple Leafs at the moment, the NHL has delivered some of the most surprising upsets in the history of ice hockey. It would therefore be foolish to write off the Canadiens without seeing how the season pans out.

Hockey is a massively popular sport in many parts of the world and has some fine leagues to keep tabs on. While this is certainly true, the NHL remains the premier hockey competition for people all around the world to stay up to date with. The US naturally is a place where the NHL grabs major headlines, but its close neighbor Canada also has a real obsession with hockey’s tier one tournament.

Hockey and NHL dominate sports in Canada

Due to this, it is fair to say that hockey remains the dominant sport in Canada and the NHL remains the go-to choice for most Canadian sports fans. There are people all over the country who watch the latest games and keep up with breaking NHL stories. In addition to this, people across Canada also like to bet on NHL games and add a little more excitement to them through doing so.

This is especially true in Ontario where wagering on hockey games is a much-loved pastime. When you see what Ontario’s top sportsbooks to bet on NHL with offer to bettors, this is not a surprise. If you plan to bet on the NHL from Ontario or elsewhere in Canada, it is wise to know what you are doing first though. This is especially true when it comes to knowing about sports betting bonuses and the wagering requirements they usually come with.

It’s important to note that following the 2022-23 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the most valued franchise in the NHL, valued at $2.12 billion. The NY Rangers are next at $2.1 billion. And the Montreal Canadiens are third at 1.7 billion.

What are bonus deals for NHL betting in Canada?

Although it is not possible to advertise or  discuss specific bonus deals various sportsbooks offer under Canadian gambling laws, bettors should know what they refer to in general and why they are worth hunting down.

Sports betting bonuses are extras which sportsbooks give to customers for creating an account with them. This is normally in the form of a welcome bonus package which can include free bets or matched deposit deals. In addition, NHL sportsbooks in Canada may also run ongoing promotions each week for existing customers to enjoy. This can include a range of offers from free bets to boosted odds or money-back on parlay wagers.

But why do so many NHL gamblers in Canada look out for bonus offers? To begin with, they can bring even more fun into betting on teams like the Edmonton Oilers and spice up your sports betting journey. Bonus offers can also give you free cash to wager on NHL games with and free cash to try out new betting strategies with.

Wagering requirements in NHL sports betting

One term you may hear connected with sportsbook bonus offers is wagering requirements. Wagering requirements are typically detailed within the fine print of any sports betting promo and outline how many times you need to wager the bonus amount before you will be able to withdraw it. As you may expect, it is best to look for the lowest wagering requirements possible when evaluating the terms of any bonus.

This is because it makes it much easier and quicker to get your hands on any winnings. It is common to see wagering requirements of up to x30 at most NHL sportsbooks. Anything over that could result in you having to wager a lot of money through, depending on the bonus amount.

What other terms and conditions should you know about for NHL betting in Canada?

The first thing to note is that all sportsbooks you might bet on the NHL in Canada may have their own unique rules around certain things. Some may stipulate that you can only use free bets on wagers which have a minimum odds threshold, such as odds that are no lower than -150. This is obviously important to note so you do not make bonus bets which are classified as invalid.

With the above in mind, it is always crucial to look carefully at any NHL sportsbook in Canada you might bet with before signing up to see the various terms and conditions on their website. It is true though that certain guidelines and rules are common at betting sites in the country.

For example, there is a minimum age before you can legally bet on sports in the country. This may be either 18 or 19 depending on the province you are in. As with most sports betting markets now, you may find that some sportsbooks in Canada ask for documents which prove your identity before you can request a withdrawal. This is part of the global Know Your Customer guidance which is now employed by the sports betting/online gambling sector.

Why should you know about the fine print when betting on hockey in Canada?

Knowing not only about major things like bonuses but also the fine print around sports betting in general is worthwhile for a few very good reasons. Firstly, it means you start betting on hockey from a position of knowledge and fully understanding how the sector works. It also means you stay in line with the rules any sportsbook may have and don’t break them through ignorance.

An offer which gives enhanced odds on Connor McDavid to score in overtime for example would not be valid if he scored in normal time. If you did not pick up on this when placing the bet, you would be disappointed to see it was unsuccessful as you thought you had won if he scored in regular time.

As this shows, knowing a bit more about bonuses, wagering requirements and other key background details makes for a much more enjoyable NHL wagering experience.

NHL wagering around Canada in 2023 There are some key things you need to learn before you start betting on NHL matches within Canada. Although digging into the terms and conditions a sportsbook may have on bonuses or other parts of their operation is not the most exciting activity, it is very useful. It is highly recommended as something to do when choosing which sportsbooks to bet on NHL games with in the c