NHL Insider - Western Conference Betting Preview (Bottom 8)

To Win the NHL Western Conference 2009-2010

• Edmonton Oliers +1800
• Minnesota Wild +2000
• Nashville Predators +2500
• Columbus Blue Jackets +2500
• Dallas Stars +2000
• Los Angeles Kings +2500
• Phoenix Coyotes +4000
• Colorado Avalanche +4000

The EDMONTON OLIERS (+1800 at BetUS) were disappointed when Dany Heatley indicated no desire to go there while the Senators were shopping him. What you've got to wonder is whether goalie Nikolai Khaibulin (25-8-7 with Chicago in 42 games), who has scaled the heights but is about to turn 37 years old, can get it done over a full season, because he might have to.

The MINNESOTA WILD (+2000 at BetUS) will play a more up-tempo style with first-year coach Todd Richards. Of course, anything compared to the style Jacques Lemaire employs is up-tempo. Minnesota has one of the most terrific goalies in the league in Niklas Backstrom (37 wins, 2.33 GAA) but he has often had to be perfect because of the lack of firepower. Richards will be trying to change that, and acquiring Martin Havlat (29 goals with Chicago last year) is part of that, though oft-injured Marian Gaborik is no longer around.

The NASHVILLE PREDATORS (+2500 at BetUS) got some inspiration by the comeback of Steve Sullivan, who played in 41 games and may be able to carry more water over the course of a full season. The leader from the standpoint of production, however, is once again Jason Arnott, who had 33 goals last season. They just need some help from other places. Pekka Rinne was a revelation as a rookie in the irons (2.38 GAA). Can he do it again? Off the ice, former minority owner Boots Del Biaggio got eight years for fraud. Well, the Predators may lack some talent, but they're no fraud. Artful management has often steered them to the playoffs despite a low budget, so don't count them completely out.

The COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (+2500 at BetUS) have one of the game's terrific young players in Rick Nash (a 40-goal scorer who signed an extension) and got 26 goals last year from R.J. Umberger, who played at Ohio State (how perfect is THAT?). However, the Blue Jackets scored on just 12.7% of power play opportunities last season, and that needs to improve. There is a chance to get some more offense out of this team, if Derick Brassard can get through a whole season healthy. Samuel Pahlsson was brought on board to do some back-checking. What in the world can Calder-winning 21-year-old goalie Steve Mason (2.29 GAA) possibly do for an encore?

The DALLAS STARS (+2000 at BetUS) are taking steps backward in some respects, but are also in a bit of limbo. Their owner, Tom Hicks, is in big financial trouble. Joe Nieuwendyk is an NHL general manager probably before he's ready. Marc Crawford, who does not have a background of winning, is the new coach. Marty Turco gave up a half-goal more per game than he did the season before. I don't like this team's playoff chances.

The LOS ANGELES KINGS (+2500 at BetUS) are the youngest team in the NHL, and consequently, they may not be ready to make a playoff run just yet. But they are aggressive, bringing aboard two key acquisitions in former Penguin defenseman Rib Scuderi and Ryan Smyth, the veteran left winger who comes from the Avalanche to provide some leadership. Hey, if Justin Williams, who has scored 30 goals twice in his career, can bounce back and have a healthy season, that can really elevate this offense.