The average salary in European hockey leagues
The average salary in European hockey leagues varies significantly depending on the league, country, and player experience. Here's an overview of salaries in some of the top European hockey leagues:
1. Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) - Russia/International
- Average Salary: $300,000–$500,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Can earn $1 million to $5 million per year. The KHL is considered the strongest league in Europe and the second-best in the world after the NHL.
2. Swedish Hockey League (SHL) - Sweden
- Average Salary: $75,000–$200,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $500,000 USD per year. The SHL is one of Europe's top leagues, known for developing talented players.
3. National League (NL) - Switzerland
- Average Salary: $100,000–$300,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $1 million USD per year. Swiss teams tend to pay well, and the country attracts high-profile international players.
4. Liiga - Finland
- Average Salary: $50,000–$150,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Around $300,000 USD per year. Liiga is a competitive league known for its homegrown talent and strong development system.
5. Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) - Germany
- Average Salary: $50,000–$150,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $400,000 USD per year. The DEL is an emerging league that has become attractive for foreign players.
6. Czech Extraliga - Czech Republic
- Average Salary: $30,000–$150,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $300,000 USD per year. The league focuses more on developing local talent but offers good salaries for top players.
7. Austrian Hockey League (ICEHL) - Austria/International
- Average Salary: $30,000–$100,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Around $200,000 USD per year. The league also includes teams from Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary.
8. United Kingdom (EIHL) - Elite Ice Hockey League
- Average Salary: $20,000–$50,000 USD per year
- Top Players: Up to $100,000 USD per year. EIHL salaries are typically lower compared to continental Europe.
Summary
- Top Leagues (KHL, NL): $300,000–$1 million for star players.
- Mid-tier Leagues (SHL, DEL, Liiga): $75,000–$200,000 average.
- Lower-tier Leagues: $30,000–$100,000 average.
Betting addiction trends 2024
Betting addiction in 2024 is a growing concern worldwide due
to the increasing accessibility and variety of gambling platforms, including
sports betting, online casinos, and virtual gaming. Here are some key factors
and trends contributing to the state of betting addiction in 2024:
1. Increased Access to Online Gambling
- Mobile Betting: The rise of smartphones and mobile apps has made betting easier and more convenient. Many people now gamble from home or on the go, contributing to impulsive gambling behavior.
- Cryptocurrency and Betting: Some gambling platforms accept cryptocurrencies, providing anonymity and quicker transactions, which can enable gambling without traditional banking barriers, leading to riskier behaviors.
- Esports Betting: Esports and virtual sports betting have gained popularity among younger audiences, increasing exposure to betting at an earlier age.
2. Technology and Personalized Advertising
- Targeted Ads: In 2024, data-driven targeted advertising continues to play a significant role in attracting gamblers. Betting companies use personalized marketing techniques to lure people with promotions and offers that are hard to resist.
- Gambling Features in Video Games: "Loot boxes" and other in-game features that mimic gambling behaviors have further blurred the lines between gaming and gambling. This normalization of betting behaviors in entertainment is a growing issue.
3. Social and Economic Pressures
- Economic Uncertainty: With the economic challenges faced by many individuals, some turn to gambling as a potential way to make quick money. However, this often leads to more financial distress, deepening the addiction.
- Rise of Sports Betting: Legalization of sports betting in many regions has made it more mainstream. In the U.S., for example, the expansion of legal sports betting continues to surge, with states allowing betting through various channels, such as mobile apps, making it more socially acceptable but also more problematic for addicts.
4. Mental Health and Gambling
- Loneliness and Isolation: Post-pandemic effects have exacerbated feelings of isolation, which can push individuals towards online betting as a form of escape.
- Co-Occurring Disorders: Gambling addiction often coexists with other mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, complicating the treatment process.
- The “Chase” Behavior: Chasing losses is a hallmark of gambling addiction, where individuals bet more in an attempt to recover their losses, leading to a vicious cycle.
5. Regulatory Efforts and Public Awareness
- Tighter Regulations: In 2024, many governments have started implementing stricter regulations on gambling, such as limiting advertising during certain hours, imposing betting caps, and implementing self-exclusion programs.
- Self-Exclusion Tools: Many platforms now offer voluntary self-exclusion tools or impose mandatory cooling-off periods to help individuals limit their gambling, though the effectiveness varies.
- Awareness Campaigns: Public health organizations continue to raise awareness about the risks of betting addiction, although there is still a stigma attached to seeking help.
6. Treatment Options in 2024
- Digital Therapy and AI Tools: In 2024, digital therapy platforms and AI-powered chatbots are playing an increasing role in providing 24/7 support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. These platforms often offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, real-time support, and personalized recovery plans.
- Peer Support Groups: Online peer support groups and communities have grown, providing spaces for people to share their experiences and strategies for overcoming addiction.
Conclusion
Betting addiction in 2024 is fueled by technological advances, greater accessibility, and evolving gambling platforms. The effects of addiction can be devastating, leading to financial problems, relationship breakdowns, and mental health issues. While there are ongoing efforts to address this growing issue through regulations, technology, and awareness campaigns, the problem remains complex, requiring sustained attention and intervention at both personal and societal levels
UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Group Stage Preview & Predictions
The most
prestigious competition in club football is set for the 2023/24 season after
the draws in Monaco and the group stages kick off on the 19th of September
2023. Only 16 teams would progress from the group stage with the first and
second-place teams going through to the knockouts. Manchester City won their
first Champions League trophy last season and they enter this season as
defending champions and favorites to win the ‘big-eared trophy’. Can they
follow in Real Madrid’s steps to retain their trophy or will we see other big
giants like Barcelona and Real Madrid take the prize home?
UEFA Championship League Top Favorites
Manchester City had one of the best runs in the UEFA Champions League last season as they lifted the trophy in brilliant fashion, going unbeaten throughout the tournament. They are the favorites to win the UEFA Champions League and they are joined by other teams like Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. Arsenal makes it into the top five after a long absence from this competition and it remains to see if they can emulate Manchester City by winning their first-ever Champions League title.
● Manchester City to win @ 3.05
● Bayern Munich to win @ 6.35
● Real Madrid to win @ 8.90
● Arsenal FC to win @ 11.00
● FC Barcelona to win @ 15.00
Champions League Group A
Bayern Munich and Manchester United are the big teams in Group A and the Red Devils would be traveling to the Allianz Arena in their first game of the group stage. Both teams are favorites to reach the round of 16 and they are joined by Copenhagen and Galatasaray. The Turkish team has made some good preparations regarding transfers and with Manchester United struggling, they will fancy their chances in this group. Bayern Munich is the strongest team here and they have topped their group in the last two seasons, they can breeze through the Group stage once again.
|
Group A |
Position |
|
Bayern Munich |
1st |
|
Manchester United |
2nd |
|
Galatasaray |
3rd |
|
Copenhagen |
4th |
Champions League Group B
Arsenal returned to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2017 and their path to the knockouts isn’t a difficult task for the Gunners. Lens, Sevilla, and PSV Eindhoven joined Arsenal in Group B and the battle for second place would be a very tough contest. The Gunners are expected to finish top of this group and they have a very balanced team this year. Sevilla was at the finals of the UEFA Super Cup this year but they haven’t started the league campaign well, however, they are still a good challenge. PSV Eindhoven and Lens are away in their first game and they would be hoping for a strong start.
Predicted Table
|
Group B |
Position |
|
Arsenal |
1st |
|
PSV Eindhoven |
2nd |
|
Sevilla |
3rd |
|
Lens |
4th |
Champions League Group C
Real Madrid and Napoli met in the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League six years ago where the Spanish team progressed on aggregate. This season, both teams will be facing each other in the group stage and they are both favorites to qualify ahead of Braga and Union Berlin. Real Madrid has won the Champions League a record 14 times and they should be topping this group easily. Union Berlin has improved over the years and this is their first ever appearance in the UEFA Champions League. Braga has been decent in the Europa League but they are facing their toughest challenge in years and it is unlikely that they make it past the group stage.
Predicted Table
|
Group C |
Position |
|
Real Madrid |
1st |
|
Napoli |
2nd |
|
Union Berlin |
3rd |
|
Braga |
4th |
Champions League Group D
Imanol Alguacil’s exploits with Real Sociedad earned them a place in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League and they didn’t have a bad draw in Group D. The Spanish side is joined by Inter Milan, Benfica, and Salzburg in the group stages. Last season’s finalists Inter Milan would be hoping for another great campaign in the Champions League and they are the favorites to top this group. Salzburg is the weakest team here and even a third-place finish would be a good result for the Austrian side. Benfica lost to Inter Milan in the quarterfinals last season and they would be having a rematch this season.
Predicted Table
|
Group D |
Position |
|
Inter Milan |
1st |
|
Real Sociedad |
2nd |
|
Benfica |
3rd |
|
Salzburg |
4th |
Champions League Group E
Atletico Madrid exited the Champions League group stage last season, finishing fourth in the final standings despite having an ‘easy’ group. Diego Simeone would be hoping to avoid a repeat this year and his team is the favorite to finish top of this group. Lazio and Feyenoord are the biggest challenge to Atletico Madrid in this group while Celtic is poised to finish bottom of this group. Feyenoord made it to the group stage after winning the Eredivisie last season and they reached the knockouts of the Europa League after a good season. Celtic is a regular in the group stages but they always struggle against decent European teams.
Predicted Table
|
Group E |
Position |
|
Atletico Madrid |
1st |
|
Lazio |
2nd |
|
Feyenoord |
3rd |
|
Celtic |
4th |
Champions League Group F
Almost every season, there is always a ‘group of death’ and this season Group F is the toughest pool with little room for mistakes. Paris Saint Germain managed to keep Kylian Mbappe and they made good additions to the team with Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani replacing Neymar Jr and Lionel Messi. AC Milan is another European giant in this group and is a very tough team to beat. Newcastle United didn’t have an easy draw as they have to face PSG and AC Milan in addition to Borussia Dortmund. Luis Enrique’s team is the favorite to win this group but tricky teams like Dortmund, Milan, and Newcastle wouldn’t be an easy task for the ParisiansPredicted Table
|
Group F |
Position |
|
Paris Saint Germain |
1st |
|
AC Milan |
2nd |
|
Newcastle United |
3rd |
|
Borussia Dortmund |
4th |
Champions League Group G
Manchester City got another easy draw in the Champions League group stages and could finish the group games without a defeat. RB Leipzig, Young Boys, and Red Star Belgrade are the other three teams in Group G and one of them is expected to qualify alongside the European champions. RB Leipzig recorded one of their heaviest defeats in the UEFA Champions League last season, losing 7-0 to Man City at the Etihad Stadium and they would be hoping to avoid a repeat but they are stronger than Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade.
Predicted Table
|
Group G |
Position |
|
Manchester City |
1st |
|
RB Leipzig |
2nd |
|
Young Boys |
3rd |
|
Red Star Belgrade |
4th |
Champions League Group H
Xavi Hernandez finally got his wish of an easy draw in the UEFA Champions League and he has no excuses to not finish top of this group. FC Barcelona is set to face FC Porto, Royal Antwerp, and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Group H and they have an easy ride to the round of 16. FC Porto reached the knockout of the Champions League last season and they are favorites alongside FC Barcelona to qualify from this group. The battle for the Europa League spot will be between Royal Antwerp and Shakhtar Donetsk although the latter could give Porto and Barcelona a run for their money.
Predicted Table
|
Group H |
Position |
|
FC Barcelona |
1st |
|
FC Porto |
2nd |
|
Shakhtar Donetsk |
3rd |
|
Royal Antwerp |
4th |
FIBA World Cup 2023 Preview
Only a few days are left until FIBA World Cup will
start in Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. Let's look at what we can
expect from this tournament!
Without many NBA stars
This year will be different from last year's EuroBasket because many stars won't be playing. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kristaps Porzingis, Domantas Sabonis, and Jamal Murray are just a few of the biggest stars that are going to miss the tournament. Of course, we can also add the most prominent American stars but that's a different story because their national team already announced the 12-man roster while previously mentioned players can't play because of injuries.
It's not like we can say that the World Cup will be without any stars. Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lauri Markkanen, Brandon Ingram, Jalen Brunson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Karl Anthony-Towns are very entertaining to watch.
Group stage
32 teams are divided into 8 different groups. We love "death groups" because we know that at least one good team won't make it to the next round. This time, the "death group" can be described as group E with Germany, Japan, Australia and Finland. Group H with Canada, France, Latvia and Lebanon can also be labeled as a "death group" but without Porzingis, the Latvians aren't seen as a big threat but I wouldn't write them off yet.
The two best teams of each group will qualify for the next round and they will get already in the TOP16 where they are going to merge together with their neighbor group (A with B, C with D, etc.). In this round, two more games will be played and then the two best will qualify for the quarterfinals. The winner in the playoffs is decided in one game.
Teams that were in the bottom 2 in the 1st round will also play two more games with their neighbor group two worst. After that, teams will be placed from 17 to 32 based on their results and they will fly home. These two extra games are necessary to finalize standings because places in the Olympic qualifier are given based on standings.
Favorites
It's no surprise that the USA is the favorite to win it all. Five years ago, they finished just in the 7th place which is their all-time worst result. France, Australia, Canada, Serbia, Spain, and Slovenia are the next favorites by bookmakers.
As a "dark horse," I would mention Germany. They already played very well last year in the EuroBasket. One more year as a professional for Franz Wagner is only an advantage, and his brother Mo Wagner will also help the national team. Reaching finals could be a very long shot but quarterfinal or even semi wouldn't surprise me. Germany is a part of group E but Finland is the worst team between them, Australia and Germany.
Another team that could surprise is Latvia. Yes, they are without Kristaps Porzingis but they have a very deep roster with good players. I assume that they will beat Lebanon in the 1st match and they need to beat France or Canada to advance. For the Latvians, it would be easier to beat Canada but it would still be a big surprise. While Canada's roster is good, they are inexperienced and FIBA rules could mess up some things.
Don't rule out Slovenia. After disappointing EuroBasket last year, Luka Doncic could be very motivated and it looks like he's in good shape. Underachiever could be Spain. They don't have a very tough group but, in the playoffs, I wouldn't be surprised if they lose already in the 1st round.
Predictions
Teams that will be in the TOP2 in each group after the 1st round:
A: Italy, Dominican Republic
B: Serbia, Puerto Rico
C: USA, Greece
D: Lithuania, Montenegro
E: Australia, Germany
F: Slovenia, Georgia
G: Spain, Brazil
H: France, Canada
Finalists: USA vs. Slovenia
Champion: USA
MVP: Jalen Brunson
Transfers: What does Lionel Messi’s move mean for Inter Miami and MLS?
Lionel Messi’s move to the United States has been in the works for some time and David Beckham finally lured the Argentine to America. Inter Miami was also quick to reunite Lionel Messi with Sergio Busquets, as the latter signed a deal running through 2025. Inter Miami would be needing Messi’s brilliance on the pitch very soon but they have felt his effect already with their social media interactions increasing by over 20% in the last few weeks. Jordi Alba became the latest player to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and he formed a brilliant partnership with him at FC Barcelona.
There have been talks of other players moving to Major League Soccer and one name that has often been mentioned is Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez. The former Liverpool forward has been in good form for Gremio this season and he has often talked about spending his last playing days with Lionel Messi. Inter Miami hired Gerardo Martino as part of their squad revamping and he has worked with Lionel Messi previously at club and country level.
Inter Miami is bottom of the Eastern Conference League and they are the worst side in the Supporters Shield this year. There’s a lot of work to do for Gerardo Martino’s team but with the quality of players signing for the team, they can get a respectable finish in the league this season. Lionel Messi’s move to the United States would make the league more popular and Neymar Jr believes that this move is a very important one for Major League Soccer.
“I believe the league will become more popular and everyone has to take advantage of Leo. We have to enjoy watching him play because unfortunately, everything comes to an end” the Brazilian forward said in an interview.
With Lionel Messi and Co. signing for Inter Miami, the league is expected to grow in a few years and Gerardo Martino should have his job easier with a better team.
English Premier League title race & top four preview
Heading into the final stretch of the 2022/23 Premier League season, it is looking like a two-horse race between Arsenal and Manchester City although the Gunners have become favorites to win despite spending a good number of months as the underdogs. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur remain within touching distance but it is unlikely either of them would get their hands on the famed prize.
Contenders
Arsenal FC
It is hard to look past Arsenal at this stage of the season. What they have done is extremely incredible and what looked like a purple patch has turned into a great season which could end in premier league glory. Mikel Arteta has earned his plaudits this year although there are still doubts about the certainty of their league win with Manchester City lurking behind. The Gunners have missed one of two key players at some point this season and they have only welcomed back Gabriel Jesus from a long-term injury while also missing Thomas Party for some crucial premier league games this season.
Looking at Arsenal's performances this season, it is evident they have the mental strength to battle until the final day. The comeback 3-2 against Bournemouth at the Emirates was one of the highlights of Arsenal's season and the only recent disappointment they have faced was in the UEFA Europa League against Sporting CP; losing in penalties to the Portuguese side. Mikel Arteta assumed responsibility for the defeat but he would gladly take the English Premier League over the Europa League if it means he has full squad fitness for the rest of the season.
Manchester City FC
As usual, the citizens are the favorites to win the English Premier League under Pep Guardiola. The Spanish manager has built a great winning mentality at Etihad and they have been more successful than their city rivals under Pep Guardiola's tenure. Manchester City had a slow start to the season but they have regained well and capitalized on the few times Arsenal dropped points. The 3-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates was also a pivotal role in the title race this season and it made things closer than before. Manchester City has a knack for turning up their performance in the second half of the season and this could spell trouble for Arsenal who still has a game against Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's team is still in the UEFA Champions League and they would be looking to make amends after last year's heartbreak against Real Madrid. They would still have an eye on the Premier League and the FA Cup which could give Arsenal an edge with fatigue likely to set in. The loan of João Cancelo to Bayern Munich halfway through the season was a strange decision, one that weakens the fullback options for Manchester City, but they have been able to cope with his absence with the availability of Ryan Lewis and Nathan Ake.
Potential Title Deciders
Manchester City vs Arsenal (26th April 2023)
This is a game for all football fans and one that has the potential to decide the outcome of the English Premier League at the end of the season. Arsenal is doing well by building a healthy lead ahead of their trip to the Etihad next month. The Gunners hold an eight-point lead over the Citizens although City has played a game less. Pep Guardiola's team could start the game against Arsenal with a five-point gap, and if they manage to beat Arsenal, the gap becomes just two! Arsenal has lost their last ten Premier League games against Manchester City and they would need a good performance or a miracle when they make the trip to the Etihad stadium.
Top Four
Manchester United looked like a Premier League challenger at some point but a 7-0 defeat to Liverpool followed by a goalless draw at home to Southampton has seen them fall behind the top two by more than ten points. Tottenham Hotspur started the season well but they are not a threat to either Arsenal or Manchester City at this point while Newcastle United would be seeking Champions League football after a heavy investment by the new owners. Liverpool is a few points away from the UEFA Champions League spots but they have been very inconsistent this season, although they can still mount a late charge for Champions League football as they did in the 2020/21 season.
Final Standings
Predictions Arsenal might have the edge of focusing on the English Premier League and Manchester City's obsession with the UEFA Champions League could be detrimental to a potential domestic success this year. Arsenal might lose to Manchester City at the Etihad but they can edge out the Citizens to win the League title for the first time since 2004.
EPL Table 2022/23 Prediction
1. Arsenal FC
2. Manchester City FC
3. Manchester United FC
4. Newcastle United FC
National Hockey League Trade Deadline 2023
The National Hockey League transfer window is one of the interesting parts of the season and there has been a lot of activity in the market as teams try to strengthen their teams for the playoffs. We bring you the best transfer news including the shockers of the NHL trade deadline
Timo Meier (San Jose Sharks to the New Jersey Devils) Tim Meier was drafted by San Jose Sharks in 2015, becoming the third Swiss player drafted for the Sharks, joining Mirco Mueller and Noah Rod. The 26-year-old surpassed the 30-goal mark last season and now has his eyes set on bigger things with the New Jersey Devils. Timo Meier was on the score sheet for the Devils on his debut and he would be looking to play a key role in their run to the playoffs. The New Jersey Devils also strengthened their defense by acquiring Curtis Lazar from the Canucks.
Dmitry Orlov & Garnet Hathaway (Washington Capitals to the Boston Bruins) The Boston Bruins are one of the winners of the NHL trade 2023. Before this trade, the Bruins already had a decent team and led the Eastern Conference by some distance. Now they have added Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Craig Smith and other lesser picks. The Bruins are undoubtedly the best team in the NHL right now. Both players have hit the ground running already for the Boston Bruins and their outing against the Buffalo Sabres is a taste of what is to come in the Stanley Cup later this season.
Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks to the New York Rangers) The New York Rangers added one of the most experienced right-wingers in the NHL to their team, trading a 2023 second-round draft pick, a fourth-round pick in 2025, and Andy Welinski for Patrick Kane. The 34-year-old is reunited with Artemi Panarin and is also teaming up with Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues. With the squad they have assembled, the New York Rangers are a great contender for the Playoffs. Patrick Kane has not had the best start to life with the New York Rangers but this is one of the biggest deals in 2023.
Jakob Chychrun (Arizona Coyotes to the Ottawa Senators) The Arizona Coyotes sealed a move for Jakob Chychrun to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2023 conditional first-round pick, a 2024 conditional second-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick. The defenseman is moving to a better team and this is a step up for him at this point as he racked up good numbers even with an underperforming Arizona Coyotes' team. Jakob Chychrun was brilliant in the 5-2 win at home to the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Ottawa Senators would need him at his best in the next few weeks.
Joonas Korpisalo & Vladisla Gavrikov (Columbus Blue Jackets to the Los Angeles Kings) Another interesting deal in the NHL is the deal involving Joonas Korpisalo and Vladisla Gavrikov's moves to Los Angeles Kings. The Los Angeles Kings have always needed a defenseman and they finally got their wish but at what cost? Vladislav Gavrikov was the chosen one for Todd McLellan's team but that move resulted in them losing Jonathan Quick to the Columbus Blue Jackets alongside a conditional 2023 first-round draft pick and a third-rounder in 2024. Joonas Korpisalo was also involved in the deal to give depth to the team in goal.
There has been a lot of NHL trade this season with the business end of the season fast approaching, teams are looking to fill in defects on the squad but there are quite a few standouts and it remains to see how these 'big' moves play out.
NHL Players to watch for the rest of this 2022/2023 season
NHL hockey 2022/23 season is filled with storylines which is a usual part of team sport, and, generally, the best NHL players always have a big role in defining the season. However, new players emerging to create history and we are going to look at three players to watch out for from now till the Stanley Cup in June.
Who will win the NHL scoring title? Who is poised for a breakout season in the National Hockey League? Who is the NHL’s best goalie? Who could lead his NHL team to the Stanley Cup?
Three Key Players To Watch
Kailer Yamamoto (Edmonton Oilers)
The 24 year old American is a speedy forward with excellent hockey sense, quick hands, and he has a strong work ethic. Kailer Yamamoto is elusive and this makes him an important player for the Edmonton Oilers despite not being a regular. With rampant squad injuries in recent games, he would surely get more minutes in the coming games and this looks like his big season. In the playoffs last year, Kailer Yamamoto had 13 goals and assists in just 14 games despite having reduced minutes and his performance against the San Jose Sharks is one to remember.
Jonathan Marchessault (Vegas Golden Knights)
Jonathan Marchessault is an offensive winger with great hands and fine puck skills. He has good vision to pick out a teammate and most importantly, he can play anywhere up front. The only 'problem' about Jonathan Marchessault is his size. At 175 cm and 5'9", he isn't the biggest NHL player but he is still a very tricky player as he makes up for his disadvantages. Jonathan Marchessault is still improving certain parts of his game. The Canadian Ice Hockey player has only two goals this year for the Vegas Go
Andrew Mangiapane (Calgary Flames)
Andrew Mangiapane is a player with excellent speed and great offensive instincts. 2021/22 was a memorable season for Andrew Mangiapane as he surpassed the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career, he didn't get much recognition which he deserved in the previous years and he is still underrated currently. Andrew Mangiapane has flashed his quality a few times this season and I think he is going to explode over the next few games. Calgary Flames would need him to turn up every game if they are to participate in the Stanley Cup.
Conclusion
The best players do not always decide games in sports and some unlikely heroes emerge in the NHL season, like we have seen every year. Other notable mentions ahead of the playoffs include Marc Staal of the Florida Panthers and Corey Perry of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
NHL | National Hockey League, Breaking News & Current Standings
NHL Preview & Key Info
The National Hockey League is one of the most exciting sports to watch, especially in North America. The regular season is way past the halfway mark and we are heading towards the most important part of the NHL which is the Stanley Cup. It represents the playoff round and it is scheduled for June 8 this year. There are 16 spots up for grabs in the NHL playoffs on June, 12 of which are filled in by the top three teams from the four divisions while the remaining spots are allocated to two wildcards from both conference leagues. We are going to look at the current situation in the Eastern and Western conferences to see interesting battles for the playoffs.
Eastern Conference
The best teams in the Eastern Conference are the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes. Ranked first and second respectively, these two teams are the best representatives from this conference. But the New Jersey Devils and Tampa Bay Lightning all have a chance to topple those two.
Carolina Hurricanes are big favorites to reach the Stanley Cup with consistent performances in the regular season. They already have their sights set on the Stanley Cup trophy and few teams can match their intensity. After winning just one of their first five games in 2023, Rod Brind'Amour's team is cruising at the moment with only one defeat from 13 games.
The Boston Bruins are number one on the charts for the Eastern Conference. They have held their own despite the injuries they faced this season. Right Wing David Patsmack has been key to the Boston Bruins' run towards the playoffs. The Boston Bruins are blessed with very good scorers and this has seen them rack up good numbers.
At the bottom of the Eastern Conference, we have the Columbus Blue Jackets who have no chance of reaching the Stanley Cup. The 2022/23 season is one to forget for the Columbus Blue Jackets as their trade involving Vladislav Gavrikov fell through. They are joined in the bottom three by the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadien.
Western Conference
Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights are the top two in the Western Conference with Vegas Golden Knights taking the conference by storm. Other teams like Edmonton Oilers and the Winnipeg Jets have a very good shot at participating in the Stanley Cup.
The Vegas Golden Knights have a slender advantage over the Dallas Stars and we are witnessing one of the best playoff races in the Western Conference. They lead both in the Western Conference and the Pacific division table. A spot in the Stanley cup isn't too far looking at their run this year
Dallas Stars is the closest team to the Vegas Golden Knights and they lead their division; the central division. A good scoring team like the Dallas Stars always does well in the Stanley Cup, and if they get to that stage, they would be among the strong favorites to win.
The Anaheim Ducks are far down the standings of the Western Conference. At this point, they would need a miracle to even reach the playoffs with a lot of inconsistencies in the team's play. San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks are other teams struggling in the Western Conference but the latter is starting to pick up.
Conclusion
Every team wants to be at the prestigious Stanley Cup in June, some are having a good ride towards that goal but there are also some teams underperforming. However, this is one of the most interesting parts of the regular season for the players and fans.
Modern Day Sports Betting
Sports Betting is an act of predicting sports results and placing a wager on the outcome. It is fast becoming a popular industry in the world of sports. With the advancement of technologies, Sports Betting is quite easy and affordable to almost everybody interested in sports and gambling, with increasing offers, especially from online bookmakers and prediction sites.
Sports betting originally began in ancient Greece with the Olympic event being a major showpiece. Sports betting has undergone a lot of changes and it currently features so many sports available to punters including Football, Basketball, and even Ice Hockey betting in NHL bookmakers. These sports offer a lot of betting options and nowadays you can even place a bet on a player to score a goal or even complex bets like player bookings.
Requirements for Modern Sports Betting
As stated earlier, you only need a smartphone and an internet connection to wager bets but first of all, you need to create an account with a legitimate online bookmaker. You would be required to fill in personal details like your name, contact, and in some cases your address. It is also necessary to have a card/account for your transactions and you must submit the right details to ensure the validity of your bet account.
Advantages Of Modern Day Sports Betting
- Easy Accessibility: Sports Betting has become very accessible and more lucrative with mouthwatering offers ranging from sign-up bonuses to cashback on deposits. In the early 2000s, it was very difficult to make bets from the comfort of your home but recently all you need is an internet connection and a smartphone to place your bets.
- Funds Security: There has also been an increase in the security of funds in the betting industry. Punters can handle a lot of cash on the internet without having to risk carrying a huge sum of money around. For this reason, sports bettors are willing to invest a good amount of money in legitimate online bookmakers.
- Live Betting: Live betting options has become a key part of sports betting. Punters can now analyse live games and place bets on ongoing games. This was not available a few years ago and almost all top online betting sites provide this feature for various sports.
- Virtual Markets: Another recent feature of sports betting is the option of betting on simulated sports events. These markets offer virtual sports to punters and the results are immediate, you don't have to wait as long as 90 minutes for a bet on virtual football.
Disadvantages Of Modern Day Sports Betting
- Underage Gambling: Sports betting is now accessible to almost anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection, therefore there has been an increase in underage gambling as there are a lot of loopholes and weak security measures to curb underage persons from gambling. Various states have different legal ages for sports betting with 18+ being the most popular.
- Increased Addiction: It is much easier to become addicted to Sports Betting these days due to its easy accessibility and availability. Punters are not only limited to betting houses and studies have proven that there is an increase in addiction with the introduction of online bookmakers and a variety of sports.
Conclusion
Most popular sports to bet on
Sports betting is the main market in the betting industry with attention shifting from indoor games like casinos to big sporting events like football and basketball. There are various sporting events available on the betting market, each with its unique options and below you can find the most popular sports to place your bets.
Football
Also known as soccer in some parts of the world, this sport is one of the oldest and has a huge fanbase. With a good number of followers, football is the most popular sport to bet on with a variety of options to bet. You can make predictions on football depending on whatever outcome you desire, be it goals or result. Some popular football bets include:
Match Result: Predicting the match winner ("1" represents the home win, "X" represents a draw while "2" stands for an away win).
Goals market: You can predict if a match ends below or above a particular line, e.g Over 2.5 means three goals or more.
Basketball
The NBA (National Basketball Association) is the pinnacle of betting in basketball. It is also a popular sport, especially among Americans. This sport offers good market options similar to football bets and you can make your predictions on the number of points scored in a game or even bet on your favourite player to score above a certain point. Some popular Basketball bets include:
Match Result: It requires you to predict which team wins the game but unlike football, there is only the home and away option as basketball games do not end in draws.
Goals Market: The scoring system is higher in basketball with games ending with up to 250 points combined. You can place over or under bet options on a line set by the bookmakers.
Tennis
Tennis is among the top five most popular sports among mobile punters. It has a wide range of options and the live betting feature is very popular with Tennis betting. On average, best-of-3 tennis games can last about 90 minutes, while best-of-5 matches last 2 hours and 45 minutes. Some popular Basketball bets include:
Player to win: Predict which player wins at the end of the game. This is different from betting on a particular player to win a set.
Player to win a set: You can place bets on a particular player to win a set and the bet is valid even when he loses the game but wins a set.
Baseball
Baseball is a popular sport in North America and it has gained prominence in various parts of the world. The Major League Baseball (MLB) is the biggest league for punters looking to bet on Baseball and they offer good options too. Some popular Baseball bets include:
Money line: This betting option has odds set for you to pick the winner of the baseball game.
Totals: Like the over and under options in football, you can also place bets on the total runs scored in a baseball game.
Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey is another popular sport among online bookmakers. Ice Hockey is a big sport in the United States and Canada with the NHL being the major professional league for ice hockey in those countries. NHL bookmakers are responsible for the NHL odds distribution. Some popular Ice Hockey bets include:
Team to win: Predict the winner of the game
Total bets: These are options for you to predict the number of goals scored above or below a certain line. For example, Over 5.5 means there will be six goals or more.
Conclusion
Sports betting is a big part of the betting industry with punters and fans being able to make money and derive excitement from their favorite sport. Football and Basketball are very popular sports in the world and have a very large fanbase in the world of gambling.