I'm going to fade the Blackhawks every game this season. My logic is simple:
#1: This is the current Champion, and one of the most public teams in the league. The odds on them should consistently be inflated. Last season they went 47-35 for -10.5 Units. This season I expect something similar.
#2: This team is not as good as it was last year. They lost a lot of talent as they had to get under the salary-cap. In addition, the veterans are another year older so a drop off in play should be expected.
#3: Kane's off-season rape-allegations were a major distraction, and could continue to be so throughout the season. Not sure of the psychological effect on the team, but there possibly could be a negative one.
#4: Did I mention that they're the current 'Champs'? Well, besides getting 'inflated' odds, teams in the league will be jazzed up to play Chicago. Everyone wants to measure themselves up against the 'best', and right now Chicago is it. Expect opponents' best effort against the Blackhawks every single game.
Full disclosure:
* I am NOT a hockey handicapper. I don't know enough about the sport nor do I watch the sport consistently.
* This is purely a season long 'fade' play of a team I expect to be over-valued on a consistent basis. No handicapping will be involved.
* I didn't make this play for the first game of the Blackhawks' season (against the Rangers - they lost) but I've been fading the Blackhawks since then. For purposes of tracking, I'm going to include all of their games so far.
* My bets are 1/4th of a standard unit so each play is an 'action wager'. If you decide to follow, don't go crazy, and expect fluctuations and of course 'hot' and 'cold' streaks.