NHL value bets: Reviewing our best, worst preseason predictions

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A day before the 2019-20 NHL season began, we gave out 12 fearless value bets for the campaign. It was essentially a "bold predictions" article.

Let's revisit all of those predictions, working our way from the worst of the bunch to the best.

Sharks to win the Stanley Cup (25-1)

Not only were the Sharks NOT going to win the Cup this season, but they were in pole position to finish last in the Western Conference.

Erik Karlsson to win the Norris (8-1)

A broken thumb cut Karlsson's season short, but he wasn't anywhere near the Norris conversation through 56 games.

Panthers to win the Eastern Conference (9-1)

Why do I get the feeling that while Sergei Bobrovsky struggled on the ice, his handicap drastically improved away from it?

Blues to miss the playoffs (5-2)

I led this section off by writing, "I have nothing but respect and admiration for Blues coach Craig Berube." I proceeded to bet against him. That was foolish.

John Gibson to win the Vezina (26-1)

Show this pick to the next person who tells you to bet on talent over opportunity. Gibson is one of the most talented goalies in the world, yet the Ducks made him look like Robert Esche.

Penguins to miss the playoffs (8-5)

I mean, it still could have happened, right? This is all Tristan Jarry's fault.

Coyotes to make the playoffs (6-5)

The Coyotes were on track for the playoffs before a trade for Taylor Hall curiously derailed their season. Something tells me Hall and Phil Kessel could be joining Bobrovsky on the PGA Tour soon.

Hurricanes to win the Metro Division (4-1)

The Hurricanes weren't on track to win the division, but if the season eventually resumes, I still think they're capable of big things.

Canucks to make the playoffs (9-5), Flames to miss the playoffs (2-1), Jets to miss the playoffs (10-13)

I think at least two of these bets would have cashed if the season wasn't suspended, but the point of this was to show I was higher on the Canucks and lower on the Flames and Jets than most, and I'm feeling pretty good about all of that right now.

Nathan MacKinnon to win the Hart (14-1)

MacKinnon was having an MVP-caliber season and was all the way down to +250 in the Hart Trophy odds. If not for Leon Draisaitl, he would have been a lock.

Devils to miss the playoffs (10-11), Islanders to miss the playoffs (1-1), Rangers to miss the playoffs (2-3)

The Islanders could still have thrown a wrench in this, but for the first time since 1965-66, it was looking like no New York-area team was going to make the playoffs.

Matthews to win the Rocket Richard (14-1)

Matthews had closed the gap behind David Pastrnak and Alex Ovechkin to just one goal, and given the recent pace, I think he would have claimed this honor over the final 12 games.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

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