The NHL season is heating up with two major storylines capturing the attention of fans and bettors alike: Connor Hellebuyck's Hart Trophy campaign and Alex Ovechkin's chase for Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record. Here's a deep dive into these narratives and their impact on the NHL betting landscape.

Connor Hellebuyck: A Goalie in the MVP Conversation

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is having a historic season, boasting a 2.06 GAA and 34 wins, propelling his team to the league's best record. His dominance has made him the clear favorite for the Vezina Trophy (-4000 odds at ESPN BET). But his impact extends beyond goaltending—Hellebuyck is now being considered for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL's most valuable player.

Winning the Hart as a goalie is exceptionally rare. Since 1924, only seven goalies have achieved this feat, with Carey Price being the last in 2015. Hellebuyck's current odds for the Hart sit at +320, trailing Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl (-115) and Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon (+250). However, his rise has surprised bookmakers, who initially had him as a long shot at 250-1. Karry Shreeve, Caesars Sportsbook's head of hockey, notes that Hellebuyck's potential double win (Vezina and Hart) could spell significant payouts for bettors.

Alex Ovechkin: Chasing Greatness

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin continues his relentless pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record. With 879 goals and 27 games remaining, he is just 16 goals away from breaking the record. This historic chase has made Ovechkin a focal point for bettors, with many sportsbooks offering season-long specials on his chances of achieving the milestone. ESPN BET currently lists the odds at +175.

Johnny Avello, DraftKings' sportsbook director, highlights the liability bookmakers face if Ovechkin accomplishes the feat. The excitement around this storyline has driven significant betting action, making it a win-win for both bettors and sportsbooks.

Bubble Teams and Cup Contenders

As the NHL enters its final stretch, teams on the playoff bubble are making their push. The Detroit Red Wings (+220), Montreal Canadiens (13-1), and Columbus Blue Jackets (+500) are among the most popular bets to secure a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals (+1100), once long shots at 100-1, have become a serious contender for the Stanley Cup, attracting heavy betting action.

The Edmonton Oilers, preseason favorites, remain a popular bet for the Cup at +600. Their consistent performance has made them a significant liability for bookmakers, with Karry Shreeve describing them as "scary" for their potential to deliver big payouts to bettors.

Conclusion

The second half of the NHL season promises high stakes, both on the ice and in the betting world. Whether it's Hellebuyck's MVP bid, Ovechkin's record chase, or the playoff race, there's no shortage of excitement for fans and bettors to follow.