As we approach the final stretch of the regular season, with less than 20 games remaining for teams to play, the competition for playoff positioning and individual accolades intensifies significantly.NHL betting Auston Matthews, who plays center for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is leading the charge in the pursuit of two individual accolades. He is currently seen as the leading contender for both the Hart Memorial Trophy, which honors the league’s most valuable player (MVP), and the Rocket Richard Trophy, reserved for the top goal scorer.
The competition for the Rocket Richard Trophy is relatively straightforward, as it solely depends on the number of goals scored. Following a dramatic last-minute empty-net goal during a recent game, Matthews has surged to the top with 48 goals this season, also breaking his own career goal record.Ontario sports betting With Matthews' outstanding performance, the Maple Leafs are well-positioned to become the first Canadian team to capture the Stanley Cup since 1993. You can find the latest favorites for this achievement here.
Currently, Matthews is a solid -200 favorite to maintain his lead in goal scoring, according to bet365. Trailing him is Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, who has netted 47 goals after scoring a hat trick in a recent high-scoring defeat against Calgary. Draisaitl's odds are set at +175 to secure the trophy.
Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers, listed at +600 with 44 goals, and Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, rated at +1200 with 42 goals, are the only other competitors within realistic reach of the trophy.
Richard Trophy for Most Goals
Among these four players, only Matthews has missed games this season, achieving his 48 goals in just 60 matches, while the others have played no fewer than 65 games. If he maintains his scoring pace, his lead is likely to expand, reinforcing his status as the top contender.
When it comes to even-strength scoring, Matthews holds the advantage, with just 13 of his goals scored during power plays, compared to 22 and 20 for Kreider and Draisaitl, respectively. As power-play opportunities are expected to decrease as playoffs approach, Matthews is in an excellent position to increase his goal tally.
Conversely, the Hart Trophy presents a different kind of challenge. This award is given to the player deemed to be the most valuable to their team. The selection is made through a poll conducted by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association in all NHL markets, following the regular season.
Bets on this award go beyond simply predicting who the best player is; they reflect who the voters believe holds the most value. Matthews leads this race as well, with odds of +175 on his side. Close behind him is Igor Shesterkin, the New York Rangers' goaltender, at +400, followed by Connor McDavid of the Oilers at +450, with various other players ranging from +800 to +2000.
NHL Goal Leaders
| ⭐ Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs | 48 |
| ⭐ Leon Draisaitl, Oilers | 47 |
| ⭐ Chris Kreider, Rangers | 44 |
| ⭐ Alex Ovechkin, Capitals | 42 |
| ⭐ Kyle Connor, Jets | 41 |
Hart Trophy for MVP
Matthews' case for recognition is straightforward: his team ranks eighth overall in the league, indicating a level of success. He leads the league in goals and is fifth in points with a total of 83. This season has been the pinnacle of his career, ranking fifth in Corsi For percentage at even strength, which helps assess team puck possession when he's on the ice.
Furthermore, Matthews ranks third in expected goals for percentage, a metric that accounts for the quality of scoring chances created and allowed while he is on the ice. His offensive contributions remain significant, but he has also markedly improved his defensive performance this season.DraftKings Sportsbook Ontario *Odds sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook Ontario
In second place in the betting odds is Shesterkin, who aims to become only the third goaltender since the turn of the millennium to earn the Hart Trophy. His performance has been stellar, with a .936 save percentage and a 2.11 goals-against average, contributing to his tally of 31 wins in 43 games. However, given the exceptional offensive seasons of Matthews, McDavid, and others, his chances of garnering enough votes seem slim.
Comparing historical contexts, when Jose Theodore secured the Hart in 2002, only four players topped 80 points for the entire season, and the highest scorer that year played for a non-playoff team. Similarly, when Carey Price won in 2015, the league leader had only 87 points. Currently, we have 11 players surpassing 80 points with at least 15 games left, making it challenging for Shesterkin to attract the necessary votes.
Race for the Hart Trophy
| ⭐ Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs | +175 |
| ⭐ Igor Shesterkin, Rangers | +400 |
| ⭐ Connor McDavid, Oilers | +450 |
| ⭐ Field (all other players not listed) | +600 |
| ⭐ Leon Draisaitl, Oilers | +800 |
Goalie Trails Matthews
As long as the Oilers maintain their playoff standing, he will be a central figure in discussions about the Hart Trophy. Draisaitl, who also has favorable odds at +800, isn’t even considered the most valuable player on his own team because of McDavid’s presence.
Other notable names under +2000 include Jonathan Huberdeau at +1000 and Ovechkin at +1600, but they will require exceptional finishes to influence voters. Presently, the race looks to be tightly contested between Matthews and McDavid.
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