Hockey is without a doubt the most popular sport in Canada. It is also among the most popular spectator sports in the world, the most popular winter sport in the Great White North, and among the most competitive sports on the international stage.

Even during the summer break, Canadians speak about their NHL teams and follow them religiously. The sport generates a lot of excitement around the country, and many Canadians are lifelong supporters of their local teams. Betting on the sport has also gained massive traction over time, with mobile casino Canada growing exponentially within the last few years.

Canada currently has seven NHL-affiliated professional sports teams, as well as numerous semi-professional and amateur leagues.

Is Hockey Betting Legal in Canada?

While the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits all forms of online gaming, online sports betting has yet to be formally legalized in Canada. Individuals who gamble on offshore gambling platforms are not punished by the rules, which are subject to interpretation.

The Canadian government focuses its efforts on sportsbooks that operate from within the country, and it does not prosecute individuals that operate from sites with servers located offshore.

As a result, you will feel safe signing up and betting with any licensed sportsbook.

For those looking to kickstart their hockey betting career, here is a simple step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Create an account with an online betting site.

Opening an online betting account is the first step toward making the first NHL wager. Look for the ideal casino to get you started. There are several betting sites available, but be sure to check out respective reviews online. There is a lot to consider, beginning with the kind of games available for betting, and whether they fully support hockey betting in the country as well as other countries.

Step 2: Make a deposit

You’ll need to finance your sports betting account now that you’ve opened one in order to be able to wager on NHL games. To make a deposit, search through the different segments in the website and press the ‘Deposit’ button. This will take you to the deposit tab, where you will choose from a number of deposit options for Canadians.

Step 3: Make Your NHL Betting Selections

Click on ‘Sports’ in the top navigation bar, then pick the ‘Hockey’ drop down menu from the left sidebar to find the NHL betting lines. Selecting ‘NHL Games’ will bring up the betting lines for that night, or ‘NHL Props’ or ‘NHL Futures’ will bring up the betting lines for all various forms of NHL bets.

You can bet on hockey in a variety of ways, particularly if you’re betting on top-tier competitions.

Money Line – This is the most basic form of bet in hockey, requiring only the prediction of the game’s outright winner. On the money line, the favorite is denoted by a negative (-) value, while the underdog is denoted by a plus (+).

Over/Under – Also known as totals betting, over/under betting is a wager on the total number of goals scored by two hockey teams. Your objective is to predict whether the final cumulative target number would be greater than or less than the value set by the books.

Other forms of betting include; puck line, parlay, future, period, and proposition bets.

It’s no secret that most sports fans love to get involved in the hustle of the game they love and participate in a few plays themselves. While this can be the perfect pastime for most fans of hockey, football, tennis, and more, not all sports fans find the physical aspect of it a treat. There are plenty of sports fans that consider themselves homebodies, and they’d rather enjoy their favorites from the comfort of their own home rather than get directly involved in the game. That said, here’s how most of these fans show often show their appreciation and love for sports.

Watching the Game

We’ll start with the most obvious one. Whether you like to participate in your sport of choice or not, we can all get behind watching our favorite teams as they give their all on the field. Since homebody sports fans aren’t too fond of getting physical, they mainly stick to watching the events develop on their TV screens. There’s nothing like the thrill of cheering on your team as they fight their way to victory, and you might be surprised by how many sports fans prefer to consume sports exclusively in video form.

Online Betting

The world of sports betting is booming. While there’s never been a decrease in popularity in the field, it has gained tons more traction lately due to the growth of online betting. Naturally, there’s a good reason for this. Placing a bet on a game can be a fun way to spice things up and get you more invested in the results. There’s plenty of entertainment that comes attached to sports betting, and top-notch websites like novibet.co.uk make this abundantly clear.

Arguably, one of the best things about betting sites is the diversity they provide. With at least a dozen different sports to choose from in markets all over the world, sports fans can not only find their favorites on the roster, but they can learn more about other sports that might pique their interest. Another reason why online betting is such a hit with most sports fans is its accessibility. All you need to have fun on these websites is a phone and an internet connection, so it’s easy to see why homebodies prefer them to traditional bookies.

Playing Video Games

There’s no denying that gaming is now one of the most talked-about hobbies in the world. Thanks to the incredible progress video games have achieved over the last two decades, it’s easy for anyone to find a fun game they can enjoy in their free time. Since their very conception, video games have been tied to homebodies. They’re one of the top ways to experience adrenaline-fueled entertainment without needing to leave the house, so it’s no surprise to see homebody sports fans go crazy over them.

Luckily, the sports niche in video games is pretty popular, so even if you don’t like the physical aspect of sports, you can still play them in a virtual environment! From boxing to hockey, the range of sports games you can find out there is insane. Some of our personal favorites come from popular publisher EA Games, but be careful when choosing a game, since they do have a few titles you should be wary of.

In recent times, synthetic ice rinks are becoming really popular. This is partly because of the high cost of maintenance and the effects of the real ice rinks on the environment. Also, due to the increasing awareness of winter sports, more people are interested in ice skating and hockey.

However, winter sports, like other sport, come with some challenges. For hockey players, one challenge they face is that of a suitable training platform. Since most of them cannot access or afford ice time, they do not have a platform to horn their skills.

Nonetheless, fake ice affords them the avenue to practice stick-handling, shooting, and skating on a platform that resembles the natural rink. If you are a winter sports lover, you will discover how to enjoy your favorite sport even if you do not have access to real ice.

What Is Synthetic Ice?

Synthetic ice is a solid polymeric material that is designed for skating purposes. It is often referred to as artificial ice. It has been in existence for many decades; however, manufacturers keep improving the quality of the polymeric material.

Materials that have a high molecular weight and density are regarded as industry standards for many manufacturers. Low molecular weight polymer is not good enough because it is too brittle, soft, and can easily break down when manipulated. If the polymer surface is too hard, it can make the skate blade scratch-off quickly. This can make the skate slippery when gliding through the panels.

5 Reasons to Use Synthetic Ice for Skating Training

Here’s why artificial ice is good for skating training:

1. Ease of Maintenance

Having a natural ice panel will require extremely high maintenance. But with artificial polymer rinks, there are less maintenance issues as you do not need to maintain the humidity and temperature. Since it is plastic, it is quite easy to clean.

Also, you can get different enhancers in the market that can clean the surface properly. A simple wipe using a wet mop stick can do a good job. This will remove dirt and not cause any physical damage to the panels.

2. It Can Fit into Any Space

A synthetic rink provides a platform for ice sporting activities. During hot weather conditions when there is no ice to train, the only practical option is installing an artificial one. You can do this anywhere if it is a flat surface.

The panels come in different sizes depending on your space, personal taste, and budget. It also has different thickness and dimensions. Due to its varying dimensions, it is easy to install as it can fit in any space.

3. Easy to Install

The panels are relatively easy to install because they come in form of pallets. The pallets are interlocked to form a smooth surface on the ground. An evenly flat surface however, is a criterion for installing the panels.

4. Does Not Damage Your Skate Blade

Before now, synthetic panels were known for the destruction they caused on the skate blade. But today, things are different. The current rinks are built with improved polymeric materials. They now have smoother surfaces, reduce wear on the blades, and are easier to maintain.

The older technologies allowed the application of waxes and liquids on the panel surfaces before skating. This reduced friction between the skate blades and the surface. On the other hand, the new technology incorporates self-lubricating materials into polymer when manufacturing the rinks. Therefore, you do not need friction management and maintenance after using the rink.

5. It Is Environmentally Friendly

With natural ice rinks, you need electricity and water for maintenance and preservation. This alone will make it awfully expensive, besides, it can have a significant impact on our environment. Water and power are overly used in refrigeration and ice production. The type of material used in refrigeration can cause ozone layer depletion and other environmental hazards.

But with synthetic panels, there is a reduction in power and water costs. Also, the panels are made of bio-friendly, recycled materials. You can visit https://inhabitat.com/ice-rink-alternatives-and-their-environmental-impact/ to learn more about the environmental impacts of artificial rinks.

Things to Consider When Buying A Synthetic Ice Rink

There are many factors to consider when buying an artificial rink. They are:

1. Price of the Product

There are many websites or brands that produce and market artificial rinks. Each of them will indicate how their pricing system works. This may depend on the size of the area for installation.

Generally, people expect a premium product to come at a high price. So if you want a durable and close-to-real ice sensation from the synthetic panels, go for higher-priced brands. A good quality product always comes with a thicker and denser polymeric material. In a nutshell, be ready to spend more if you want a top-quality product.

2. Quality of the Material Used

An industrial standard artificial ice is made with polymer of high density and molecular weight. This material must be non-toxic, bio-friendly, recycled, and have UV-resistance. It must be able to withstand wear and tear and should not start to fade after continuous use.

Low-quality panels usually change color over time due to harsh weather conditions especially when you install them outdoors. High-quality rinks, on the other hand, have enough chemical stability to withstand pressure and friction.

However, it is normal for synthetic panels to have more friction than real ice, whether it is of high quality or not. Viewing this in a positive light, continuous training on such surfaces will help to gain enough skills that will make skating on a natural rink easy for you.

3. Durability of the Product

A durable product is known to last for an exceptionally long time. If properly maintained, an artificial rink can last up to ten years. Even when dangerous or earth-wrecking skills are showcased on this surface, there will hardly be signs of wrinkling or wearing off. So, consider getting a durable product.

4. The Installation

Installing an artificial rink should not take a long time. You can spend just a day assembling a 2,500 square feet rink. You also need to consider where you want it to be installed in your home before making a purchase.

A popular spot where many homeowners install their panels is the garage. You can pack your car on it as far as it is durable and premium quality. One good thing about these synthetic panels is that they are movable. Unlike natural rinks, you can easily breakdown these plastic panels and move them to another location.

5. Versatility of the Product

You can construct a synthetic panel either outdoors or indoors. The only requirement needed is an evenly flat surface. When installing it outdoors, it is important to protect it from harsh weather conditions like sunshine, rain, or storm. You can do this by using a tent or trampoline to cover over it.

Also, consider how heat can affect the rinks when they are placed outside. This is why it is important to buy UV-protected panels so they can last much longer when outside. You can visit this website to know more about UV-resistant plastics.

You can install the rinks at home for skating or hockey training. You can also get them for public recreation center where people can come and skate during non-winter periods.

6. The Equipment Needed

Before buying a synthetic rink, you need to consider the equipment you need for ice skating. Since this type of rink was designed for year-round use, you won’t need the same gear used for natural ice skating. A pair of gloves, puck, stick, and goal are enough.

When training or participating in a game, you need to choose smart pads to protect your knees from potential injury. However, there is no special gear for a synthetic rink.

Furthermore, you should consider the equipment for installing the rink. Depending on where you purchase, the company can send an installer to assemble it. Although some products are not difficult to assemble, you will need some tools to install others.

Are Synthetic Ice Rinks the Future?

Irrespective of the sport, location, or occasion, adding ice skating to the program advert draws a lot of consumers. Winter skating and hockey are becoming popular across the globe, and artificial rinks are the catalysts behind this growth.

Natural ice has been affected due to global warming. We now experience more warm temperatures; ponds are now thawing faster than before. With these changes, artificial ice is even gaining more popularity in the Northern areas. Therefore, synthetic rinks have come to stay.

Conclusion

Winter sports training is now more accessible and affordable, thanks to artificial ice. Before now, the downside of the sport was the entry barrier in terms of purchasing gear. Today, you do not need to look for rinks or pay heavily for quality ice time. You can start with a simple synthetic rink.

Also, an interesting part of owning a rink is that you can watch a YouTube video while on the rink. This gives you a cheap training session that you can undertake at your own pace.

It’s been a few months since the NHL Season reopened. Even with the restrictions and burden brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, the action on the rink is still making a comeback and isn’t going away. People from all over the world have been looking forward to the NHL season and not even a pandemic is going to get in the way of their excitement for these games.

In this article, we’ll see the recent events throughout the NHL. From rumors, changes, and forecasts, we drop it all here for you to read on!

Penguin’s three-goal Attack Comes a Shocking Win against the Rangers.

Forward player Kasperi Kapanen had an impressive contribution of a goal and at least two assists for the Penguins against New York Rangers last Sunday at PPG Paints Arena. Kapanen had nine points on the last eight games since he was benched by Pittsburgh Penguins Coach Mike Sullivan in the third period against the Islanders last month,

Impressive enough, Keith Kinkaid made 16 tight saves in his debut for the Rangers, who had won three consecutive matches prior. This is made due to Alexander Georgiev missing out three goals out of six attempted shots in the early period.  The initial switches and plays in the first period paved the way for a smooth offensive for the Penguins and gained a three-goal stretch against the top contender New York Rangers.

Shameless Blow from Wilson to Carlo

Tom Wilson – Getty Images 

NHL has double-downed hard on Washington Capitals Tom Wilson after his hit on Boston Bruins Brandon Carlo that led him to a seven-game ban.

The league says physical hits as Wilson made happen on matches, but considering other factors and the totality of the case, it is best to resolve the concern through discipline. Additionally, Wilson’s history with grave violations had him face suspensions and fines before this case has also been considered.

In this event, where schedules are tighter, suspensions and fines are more severe not just for the player but also for the team. Wilson’s violations will take him out against his hockey team at least eighth of Washington’s schedule, as well as penalty fines reaching up to $300,000, cut from his professional salary.

Toronto Maple Leafs Steal the Top Oddsboard spot from Big Leagues.

Two weeks ago, three top contenders for the Stanley Cup were hailed as favored winners. These are the Tampa Bay Lightning, Colorado Avalanche, and The Golden Knights.

But in a sudden turn of events, Toronto Maple Leafs have overtaken all three teams on the board, and it all lies on their impressive start to the season. The Leaf’s surprising upset comes from their win against fellow Canadian clubs in the North Division with a staggering 18-4-2 record.

The Leafs also stepped over the Edmonton Oilers in three mini-game matchups last week. Winning all games with an overall score of 13-1 increased their chances for the Stanley Cup to a +550 odd average. It is worth noting that the power duo Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews of The Toronto Maple Leafs heavily contributed to the team’s rise to the Oddboards. Marner has the highest points of 10 goals, 24 assists to the team. Placing Matthews on his side with an impressive 18 goals and 13 assist contributions.

Injury Report: Matt Duchene of Predators switched over to Reserve

Matt Duchene’s situation with his lower-body injury against Florida may have come at the worst time as the Predator center was switched off to the front roster and moved back to injured reserve. Duchene is expected to miss at least three to five weeks’ worth of events.

It hasn’t been a good year for Duchene as well as for the team. Duchene’s anticlimactic performance of three goals and five assists in 23 matches is not expected from someone on par for achievers and high-performing talents. Duchene’s absence from several upcoming matches quickly adds to the list of dropped lineup players; Players like Juuse Saros, Luke Kunun, and Ryan Ellis.

It is a tough spot to fill in without Duchene. In the meantime, Erik Haula is expected to take Duchene’s place. Although, Mikael Granlund is also a good candidate and more likely to be moved in the middle.

Overall, Duchene’s already diminishing performance and dropped reserves becomes a challenge that Predators have to face. The odds are high, and chances are not in their favor for this year’s event.

Takeaway

With so many ups, downs, and twists since the start of the season, teams have been making major surprises after every match. This year also spurs out controversies, fights, and unwanted injuries that create more interesting feats to the league. In situations like this, never forget to stay ahead of the game and see the events unfold under breaking news.

Hockey is a multi-dimensional sport that combines skating abilities with shooting, balance, and strength

Hockey players, whether amateur or professional, are some of sport’s most talented and multi-faceted athletes. Just think about it – their gameplay involves balancing on a thin sheet of ice while passing a small puck across a rink, all the while maintaining their aim, balance, speed, coordination, and more. The bottom line: to succeed in hockey is no easy feat.

This year, as the Montreal Canadiens continue to prove themselves as one of the best teams in the league’s North Division with a handful of incredible playmakers from Jeff Petry to Josh Anderson, we’ve decided to put together a training guide for prospective hockey stars that aspire to play as well as these Habs. What types of exercise routines do hockey athletes follow during both the regular season and in off-season that makes them such a dominating force? Check out below the fitness tips and tricks that both superstars and everyday players utilize for maximum gameday performance.

Home Gym for Off-Rink Training

Hockey’s elite can’t always be in the gym or on the rink in order to practice their skills. In fact, some of the best workouts can take place right at home for a more personalized, tailored experience. Because the sport requires athletes to have insane levels of endurance and strength, off-rink training that focuses on those aspects of fitness is vital.

To create the best home hockey gym, equipment like free weights, medicine balls, resistance bands, jumping ropes, and even a treadmill are perfect. Practicing running and jumping rope consistently off the rink helps to sustain hockey athletes once they get on the ice. Other non-equipment exercises that work out the legs like crawls, squats, and curls are all useful as hockey players are constantly using their leg muscles.

If after a while of training inside you’re missing the rink, you can even set up a goal indoors to practice your shooting skills. Just lean a mattress up against the wall, aim, and fire away. Other sports stars like tennis players have utilized creative strategies to act as stand-in hitting partners in order to maintain their practice regime. Similarly, practicing puck shoots on dry land is also a valuable way to strengthen skills in this area before hitting the rink. Although hockey gameplay only takes place on the ice, off-rink training is crucial to improve, change, and enhance the way players compete once back in the midst of competition.

Statues of previous players stand outside Centre Bell Stadium, home of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team

A Carb-Heavy, Lean Protein Diet

Every athlete knows that an exercise routine which trains every part of the body is no good without an equally holistic diet to go along with it, and vice versa. Especially for hockey players, these athletes follow a specific food regime that includes carbs for fuel and lean protein for muscle building. Foods that provide vitamins and minerals like veggies, fruits, nut mixes, and milk are also needed.

Because of hockey’s physically demanding nature, professional players often follow strict nutrition plans that includes several phases such as pre-game, in-game, and post-game meals. For breakfast, players have been known to favor packed breakfast wraps with eggs and avocado, low-sugar cereals, and bananas. On gameday in particular, diet is even more important.

The league’s best often practice “carb overloading”, where they eat copious amounts of pasta within the hours leading up to gameday. These dishes are often mixed with some type of protein like chicken or salmon, and a marinara or pesto sauce.

For extra carbs, players utilize carb powders that contain electrolytes for more fuel; this can even be consumed throughout the game. In any sport, proper hydration is directly linked to performance, but in hockey even more so as players are consistently moving and shooting during gameplay. The bottom line: whether you’re aiming to be the next Montreal Canadien or just starting out in the sport, following a proper exercise regime and diet is crucial to becoming the best hockey player you can be.

It is hard to argue that a dozen games into the Habs 2021 season are not playing great hockey. The team is averaging 4.00 goals per game – up from 2.98 last season (the seventh-worst in the National Hockey League last season). Their ability to score short-handed – with seven goals this season (five more than any other team) puts them on pace (over an 82-game season) to shatter the NHL record for shorthanded goals by a team in a season.

The goaltending situation in Montreal is an interesting one to follow. Carey Price has yet to find his form in 2021 – but backup Jake Allen is playing unbelievable hockey – leading the NHL with a .940 save percentage and producing a quality start in four of his five games this season. If Price cannot return to form – or at least play as well as he did last year – the team may need to make some trades if they want to be a favourite to win the Stanley Cup.

Here are a few players we think could help the Montreal Canadiens.

Ryan Ellis – Defence – Nashville Predators

A veteran blueliner with nearly 70 games of playoff experience could be the piece the Canadiens need if they are going to make a run against the other North Division teams in the playoffs this year.

Ellis is a smart defender and a decent contributor on the power play – with 13 of his 38 points last year coming with the man advantage. He is also good at limiting rebounds – one of the Canadiens weaknesses the previous two years.

While the Nashville Predators are slumping this season – it likely would still take a reasonably large hull to get the 29-year-old. However, it would reunite Ellis with Shea Weber – who both played with Nashville when they made the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017.

If this trade were to happen – Nashville may want some youth for Ellis = meaning Victor Mete could be involved.

Ryan Ellis” by NHL is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Dustin Brown – Right Wing – Los Angeles Kings

Some more depth on the power play could help the Habs – especially against the high-powered offences of the Leafs and Oilers – which is where a trade for Dustin Brown comes into play. The 36-year-old forward is putting up some of his best numbers ever on the power play this season with four power play goals in only 11 games.

Brown is under contract for another season – but would likely prefer to play it out on a playoff contender over the Kings – who have missed the playoffs for six straight years and sit in last place in the West Division this season. The cost for Brown – due to his age – likely is lower than some other players on this list too.

The Kings also need young talent and draft capital – as a full-scale rebuild is a necessity in Los Angeles.

Tyler Johnson – Centre – Tampa Bay Lightning

While the offensive talent on the Lightning’s roster has diminished Tyler Johnson’s role in the last two seasons, he can still score at a high level when given the opportunity. Johnson is only two years removed from scoring 29 goals at a shooting percentage of 17.8% – which is a higher percentage than any player finished with on the Habs last season.

Johnson is also a solid playmaker – topping 26 assists (including a career-high 43 in 2014-15) four times in his career.

Tyler Johnson” by NHL is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Johnson also has plenty of playoff experience. Johnson was one of the best players in the 2014-15 NHL Playoffs, leading all skaters with 13 goals, four game-winners, and 23 points. He followed that year up with 17 points in 17 playoff games in 2016.

It isn’t easy to gauge the Lightning’s willingness to trade Johnson. While Johnson – himself may want a more significant role on a team – he could also be happy playing for the defending Champs – who also happen to be the favourites to repeat in 2021. The Lightning are also facing cap issues next season, meaning they may have no choice but to move one or two players – with Johnson being one of the logical choices.

With the 2021 NHL season being shortened to 56 games, it poses many NHL General Managers to think short term, considering the salary cap is a flat cap.  Stuck at $81.5M.  

Check out  Betting in Canada to see how how the Canadiens are favored for the 2021 shortened season. 

For 2021, the NHL created a special provision for a taxi squad, whereby players on the taxi squad wouldn’t count against the salary cap, but would still be subjected to waiver rules.

As a result, many teams signed players to one year contracts to bolster their taxi squad.

The Canadiens started the 2021 season with seven new faces.  Quite a huge turnover from last season.  And their biggest changeover was trading away Max Domi for one of the new additions.

#17 Josh Anderson

Acquired in the Max Domi trade from Columbus Blue Jackets , Anderson previously wore #77 with the Blue Jackets.  #77 is currently taken by Brett Kulak.  Anderson chose number #17, a number worn for over 10 seasons by Jean-Goy Talbot (1956-67).  Other players to have worn it, Craig Ludwig (1983-90), John Leclair (1991-95), Benoit Brunet (1997-2002), and just recently, Ilya Kovalchuk (2020).

#73 Tyler Toffoli

Tyler Toffoli was a free-agent signing.  This marks Toffoli’s third organization.  Previously with LA Kings and Vancouver Canucks.  Toffoli always wore #73.  A number worn by only two other Montreal Canadiens; Brendan Gallagher and Michael Ryder.

#34 Jake Allen

Jake Allen was acquired in a trade with St. Louis at the end of the 2020 season.  Allen played part of his junior career here in Montreal.  Allen has always worn #34.  The longest tenured Hab to have worn it is Petr Popovich (1994-98).  And Michael McCarron (2016-18).  This marks the first time in storied history of the Montreal Canadiens that a goalie wears #34.  

#44 Joel Edmondson

Joel Edmundson was acquired in a trade with Carolina prior to becoming an unrestricted free-agent and signing with the Canadiens.  The number was worn by 10 other Canadiens players over the years.  Stephane Richer was the first.  Richer is also the last Montreal Canadiens 50 goals scorer in one season.  

#27 Alexander Romanov

Alex Romanov was drafted by the Canadiens in the 2018 NHL Entry draft, 38th overall.  Coming over from the Russian league, this is Romanov’s rookie season.  Seems #27 is popular with former Russians who played with the Canadiens.  Alex Kovalev, Alex Galchenyuk (Russian heritage but American born), are two examples who wore it previously.

#94 Corey Perry

Corey Perry has spent his entire career with Anaheim and briefly last year with Dallas.  He always wore #10.  A number retired by the Canadiens (Guy Lafleur).  So Perry, acquired via free agency during the off-season, opted to wear #94.  A number he hasn’t worn since he played Junior hockey.  Only two other players have worn this number.  Yanic Perreault, and Tom Pyatt.

#67 Michael Frolik

Michael Frolik was a free agent pick up, signed  to bolster the taxi squad.  Frolik has played with 5 other NHL teams.  And has always worn #67 for his entire NHL career.  The only one other Canadiens player to have worn this number, is former Habs captain Max Pacioretty.

Across the globe, high-level sports captivate many people. The breath-taking action, passion, and unpredictability ensure that viewers are often on the edge of their seats. Over the years, however, some teams haven’t just enjoyed top-level success. Instead, they’ve created lasting legacies that will live long in the memory. So, it poses a fascinating question: who are the greatest teams in sporting history? Well, let’s consider a few options.

Montreal Canadiens – 1976/77

Upon highlighting some of the best sports teams in history, where better to start than with the 1976/77 Montreal Canadiens? Today, the Habs’ line-up from the mid-70s is considered the best NHL outfit of all time. The 1977-78 roster, coached by Scotty Bowman, lost just eight games. The 24-time Stanley Cup winners were victorious in 60 matches, setting a points tally of 132.

To date, the Montreal Canadiens still holds the record for the most points amassed by a single team in an NHL season. The following year, the Habs came close to surpassing their own total, recording 129 points following a 59-win season. Furthermore, at the time, their 60 victories set a new record for the most in a campaign. However, that has since been bettered by Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning, who achieved 62 in 1995/96 and 2018/19, respectively. 

The 1976/77 team was very much the pinnacle of the Habs’ dynasty during the 70s. At the end of their record-breaking season, Bowman’s roster defeated the Boston Bruins 4-0 in the Stanley Cup final. On their route to success, this all-time great side enjoyed unprecedented home form, losing just once in 40 games at the Montreal Forum, according to the official NHL website. 

Australia – 1999-2008

While various teams deserve recognition for their success, including the 1995/96 Chicago Bulls, the Australian cricket team of the late-90s and early-2000s are worthy of appreciation. Fundamentally, this Baggy Greens outfit sustained their dominance in the world of cricket for nearly a decade, with their team featuring many of the sport’s best players. There’s a widespread belief that the line-up captained by Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, and Ricky Ponting will never be surpassed.

According to Sportskeeda, the Australian team won 16 consecutive Test matches between October 1999 and February 2001. However, this wasn’t a one-time achievement, as the Baggy Greens repeated this feat between December 2005 and January 2008 under Ponting. Fascinatingly, in 2007/08, the Aussies established themselves as the highest-rated team in cricket history based on ICC rankings. Following Shane Warne’s retirement, the team still featured Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath, Matthew Hayden, Mitchell Johnson, Ponting, Shane Watson, and many more top-class players.

The global popularity of cricket is somewhat down to Australia’s success between 1999 and 2008. Following his international achievements, Ponting then aided the Indian Premier League’s expansion, captaining the Mumbai Indians to their first title in 2013. Then, after retiring, he also coached Mumbai to their second triumph two years later.

Now, the IPL is one of the most popular markets at many of the best sports betting sites in India, and the all-time great Australian side played a part in this modern-day appeal. Across several bonus-offering platforms, bettors can peruse various cricket-related offerings, including those concerning the IPL. Interestingly, Ponting is still involved in the competition as a coach for the 2020 runners-up, the Delhi Capitals. Ahead of the 14th edition, Delhi are likely to be among the favourites to win the IPL but face a challenge to beat Ponting’s former team, the Mumbai Indians.

New York Yankees – 1998 

Throughout the franchise’s history, the Yankees have put together a handful of top-level sides, but none were better than that of the late-90s. At the time of their success, the Yankees set a regular-season record consisting of 114 wins. Although the Seattle Mariners surpassed that total in 2001, the M’s didn’t win the World Series, whereas the Yankees did in 1998.

As per Bleacher Report, this Yankees team will go down in history because of its well-rounded roster. Of course, they had the talent, but their efficiency also saw them stand out from their competitors. This is epitomized by the fact that the Bronx Bombers recorded an overall run of 125-50, which is the best mark in MLB history.

Memorable Teams with Iconic Legacies

In sport, there are numerous ways to determine the best teams of all time. The Montreal Canadiens and New York Yankees, for example, enjoyed unprecedented success on a season-long basis. The Baggy Greens, on the other hand, stood tall for the best part of a decade. Irrespective of which of the three is the best, they deserve recognition for their legacies, which will live long in the memory.

Gambling and sports go hand-in-hand. There’s no better way to add to the excitement of a match, any match than to place a wager and sit down and watch the game. Regardless of the outcome, the bet always incorporates more spice.

So, Habs fans will be glad to know that the gambling industry, a sector that is on the rise worldwide, is taking a gamble on one of the most storied franchises in the National Hockey League’s history. However, it isn’t doing it through the traditional methods you might expect, such as investing money into sponsorship opportunities. There are other ways to skin a cat.

Source: Unsplash

Betting Bonuses

For the uninitiated, these are offerings that betting companies give to new and existing customers to ensure they remain loyal. Sports fans, such as hockey aficionados, should be glad they exist because they revert attention to the NHL, especially the likes of the second-ranked team in the North Division.

Sports gambling promotions are prime examples as the bonuses are too good for regular supporters to turn down. At Casumo Casino, for instance, you can place a $50 wager and receive a $100 risk-free bet on any pre-match or in-play sports market, as well as playing traditional table and dealer games. This not only highlights the number of Casumo Casino opportunities for punters, but also the link between the betting industry and the knock-on effects for teams like La Sainte-Flanelle.

With high-quality offers, more Montreal Canadiens supporters will be encouraged into watching and engaging with the sport. The impact this has on TV money and merchandise sales are considerable, and the hockey gambling market has a significant role to play.

Ice-Side Atmosphere

Nothing beats being ice-side as the puck pings of the side and backboards and the players scramble around in pursuit. The atmosphere is irreplaceable because the tension created by the crowd only adds to the excitement.

Still, it hasn’t stopped some institutes from trying. The Casino de Montréal is one of the most notorious institutions in Quebec, yet that hasn’t prevented it from creating The Zone. The Zone is a multi-faceted entertainment experience that includes a video LED wall of 140 tiles, a video wall of 48 televisions, and ceiling and surface speakers.

Apart from the infrastructure, there is also an imposing projection system and spotlights visible from the St. Lawrence River. Although it can replace Centre Bell, it’s an excellent stand-in for fans who can’t make it to the game.

Social Media Competitions  

However, you can’t walk into the Casino de Montréal when a game is on and settle in for the night. A booth is prime real estate, which means you have to secure entry in advance. There are several ways to do it, yet the gambling industry relies on an old friend – social media.

👇 Le code Club 1909 de la semaine

EDMUNDSON

👆 The Club 1909 code of the weekhttps://t.co/HsyWN4RduJ pic.twitter.com/3OuxpQZJAG

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 15, 2021

Via social media competitions, such as Twitter quizzes, fans can win a VIP night in The Zone watching the Canadiens strut their stuff. All people have to do is answer hockey-related questions, with the winners receiving the top prize. Many gifts are often up for grabs, though, as the prospect of a freebie is enough to whip up a frenzy and ensure support for the Habs never dwindles.

As a result of these methods, the Montreal Canadiens benefit from everything from increased merch sales to an incredibly intense and loyal support network. This is great for the franchise and the gambling sector.

On September 10th, 2004, Shea Weber put pen to paper on an entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators. After signing, the 35-year-old featured in 11 consecutive seasons for the Preds, before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for P.K. Subban in June 2016. Since the move, he’s been a leading player in the Habs’ team, bringing experience to a side who are seeking to reclaim their grasp on the NHL.

Despite being the most dominant outfit in the division’s history, they’re currently enduring a 27-year drought regarding winning the Stanley Cup. As such, there’s something of a fairytale feeling that, in the season where Weber plays his 1,000th game, the Canadiens could win their 25th Stanley Cup. While that would be a dream come true, failure to reach the pinnacle won’t define the 35-year-old’s career. So, let’s look back at his contributions and see what the future holds.

Reaching 1,000 Career Matches

At the time of writing, Weber has officially played 1,000 games. In doing so, he becomes the first player from the 2020-21 NHL season to achieve such a feat. Not only that, but he’s also in an elite group of competitors to have reached the mark. To date, only 348 other players have played 1,000 NHL matches. Despite being hampered by injuries at times throughout his career, it’s a testament to the defenceman’s application and desire to succeed that he continually overcame adversity.

Currently, Weber shows no signs of slowing down, particularly with the Habs heading in the right direction as a team. After ten games in the 2020-21 season, the Montreal Canadiens had won seven matches and held a one-point lead over the Maple Leafs. Although there have been structural changes to the NHL’s divisions, after their opening ten fixtures in 2019-20, the Habs had won just four games. Moreover, last season, they conceded 34 goals at the ten-match mark. Compared to this year, that figure dropped to 27. As a defenceman, this speaks volumes of Weber’s contributions.

After making his 1,000th appearance in a 5-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, Weber became just the fifth player from the 2003 Draft to reach the four-figure mark. Behind only Ryan Suter, Brent Burns, Brent Seabrook, and Dion Phaneuf, respectively, the 35-year-old’s achievements showcase his longevity.

Leaving Behind a Lasting Legacy

Among his peers, Weber is regarded as one of the most respected players to compete in the NHL. Rather insightfully, Suter, a fellow 1,000-match achiever, described the 35year-old as a “grizzly bear” on the ice, as per Sportsnet. As a captain, few can argue that the defenceman doesn’t bring much-needed leadership to the Habs. Despite his age, his fitness has held up, as he played 65 games in 2019-20. Importantly, this ensures that the Habs can rely on his experience during crucial stages of must-win matches.

Following his appointment in October 2018, the Montreal Canadiens have shown continual signs of progression. Although they missed out on the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2018-19, a fifth-place finish in the Atlantic Division during the following campaign saw them qualify for the first time since 2016-17. Of course, this isn’t solely down to Weber being appointed captain, but there’s undoubtedly a correlation between his increased leadership responsibilities and the Habs’ upturn in form.

Although the oldest defenceman on the Canadiens’ roster, the 35-year-old still has plenty left to offer. Weber himself admitted in a post-match interview that playing 1,000 matches was unimaginable. In many ways, his arrival in 2016 came at the perfect time, with the 24-time Stanley Cup Winners requiring leadership in a transitional phase. Now, with an action-packed schedule ahead of them, Weber and his teammates will be dreaming of winning the Stanley Cup after their impressive start. Should they turn that into a reality, it will be the first of the 35-year-old’s career. Although they aren’t the favourites to go all the way in if they can qualify, the Habs are currently priced at 12/1 to win the Stanley Cup in 2020-21, as of February 4th.

The Leader That the Montreal Canadiens Needed

When Weber decides to walk away from professional hockey and the Habs, he’ll leave behind a more competitive team than the one he joined in 2016. Although he doesn’t have any collective silverware to show for his commitment to the sport, his 2016 Mark Messier Leadership Award speaks volumes about his attitude, character, and legacy. While he’s still competing, he should be appreciated, as his career-long achievements don’t occur frequently.