NHL Betting: Blackhawks Crown Kings to End Losing Streak

Martin Havlat continues to pick up the Blackhawks. (AP Images)

If Martin Havlat could ever play a full season he might win an MVP award.

The speedy but frail Chicago Blackhawks right wing missed 22 games this season because of a shoulder injury. In his seven games back, he has five goals and three assists, including a pair of markers during Tuesday night’s 6-3 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center.

Chicago paid -165 on the puckline (meaning a hockey bet of $165 would net $100). The betting total flew way over 5.5 goals.

The Blackhawks, who were recently profiled by the popular online magazine Bodog Nation as a solid NHL bet, continued to get major contributions from their two outstanding rookies. Jonathan Toews had a goal and two assists and Patrick Kane, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, had two helpers.

Patrick Sharp also had a goal and two assists as the Blackhawks stopped a four-game skid, their longest losing streak of the season.

In other NHL action on Wednesday:

Ottawa 6, Carolina 0: Dany Heatley had two goals and an assist as the Senators demolished the Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C. Martin Gerber came on in relief of injured Ray Emery and helped blank his old team. Ottawa paid -120.

Buffalo 5, New York Islanders 3: A three-assist game by Jason Pominville highlighted the Sabres’ home victory that paid their backers -170.

Boston 5, Atlanta 3: Rookie Milan Lucic scored the winning goal late in the third period as the Bruins’ spoiled Mark Recchi’s Atlanta debut. Boston paid +130 on the road.

Washington 5, New York Rangers 4: Mike Green beat Henrik Lundqvist with 1:19 to play in overtime as the Capitals upset the Rangers in the nation’s capital. Washington was a +115 underdog.

Columbus 4, Colorado 1: Jared Boll’s second-period goal stood up as the winner as the Blue Jackets won as a -105 play at home.

For NHL odds for Wednesday, faceoff with the Bodog Sportsbook.