Tag: NCAA

Heisman Trophy Odds Revisited: Do Not Count Anyone Out—Yet

By: Travis Pulver 

Heisman Trophy Odds Revisited: Do Not Count Anyone Out—Yet

With all the changes that the college football season has endured, it is good to know that one thing has stayed the same—the Heisman Trophy. Many wondered if the Trust would change things up this year and award after the Big Ten and Pac-12 play in the spring. 

But the Heisman Trophy Trust will hand out the award like it always does in early December. 

What does this mean for gamblers? It means the player pool will be a lot smaller, with two major conferences not playing and several players opting out because of coronavirus concerns. If you took a chance and rolled the dice on a long shot, good for you. His odds are not going to be nearly as long now(probably). 

It could also mean the usual rules are out the window. With a smaller player pool, maybe a defensive player can capture the hearts of voters and win. At the least, running backs and wide receivers will have a better chance. 

But who is going to win? 

Heisman Trophy Odds Revisited: We Have A New Favorite

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was the preseason favorite to win the Heisman this year, and deservedly so. But with the Big Ten not playing this season, Fields is no longer a candidate—which also means we need a new favorite. 

No one should be surprised that it is Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (+200; odds via DraftKings). What may be surprising, though, is that the player with the next best odds has yet to start a game, Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler (+700). 

Since his odds are significantly higher than Lawrence, are oddsmakers trying to send us a message? Is this year’s Heisman Lawrence’s to lose? What about the preseason Heisman favorite curse? Not familiar with that one? 

It’s simple—preseason Heisman favorites rarely even get invited to the ceremony in December, let alone win. But Lawrence might get lucky in this case since Ohio State’s Justin Fields was the original favorite. Then again, he might not. 

Lawrence is the favorite heading into the season because he is the superstar we know. We have seen just how great he can be—which is why he was one of the favorites heading into last season. But his game was lackluster at best, and he quickly fell out of contention. 

He is the obvious choice for favorite with Fields out, but the usual rules will apply in the end. Voters are going to gravitate to whoever shocks them. They are going to look for someone with the ‘wow’ factor. If no one does have it, Lawrence could be the fallback plan (assuming he plays well enough). 

JT Daniels (+1000) could certainly be that guy now that the job is his at Georgia. 

Is it Time for a Running Back to Take Over the Heisman Trophy Odds

But with the player pool being thinner, the door could be wide open for a running back, wide receiver, or even a defensive player winning. Travis Etienne (+1400), Najee Harris (+2200), and Jaylen Waddle (+2000) stand to be on the radar of voters more than they would have. Should Chuba Hubbard (+3300) replicate last season’s success, he has to become a front runner. 

If Lawrence is not impressive, but someone plays like Chase Young did last year, we could see our first defensive Heisman winner. Maybe LSU defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. (+10000 

This could also be the year we see a Group of Five player become a legitimate candidate. Had Miami’s D’Eriq King (+800) stayed at Houston, he would be a great option. But at Miami, he will be on a better overall team, which will improve his chances. 

Louisville quarterback Micale Cunningham (+5000) certainly has a good shot. Memphis quarterback Brady White (+25000) had a great game in their season opener. But Group of Five guys could also have an even harder time getting consideration since they will not be playing against any Power Five teams. 

So—who is going to win? 

That’s a great question. Without interconference games this season, voting is going to be even more subjective than usual. So, while this could be the season for a running back, wide receiver, or defensive player to win, it wouldn’t be shocking to see voters focus their attention on the early favorites.

OddsUSA NCAA Football Best Bet of the Week for Week 1: Coastal Carolina at Kansas

By: Travis Pulver 

OddsUSA NCAA Football Best Bet of the Week for Week 1: Coastal Carolina at Kansas

  • Spread: Kansas -7 
  • Moneyline: Kansas -265; Coastal Carolina +205 
  • Over/Under: 56.5 

*Odds via DraftKings.com 

No, the Coastal Carolina-Kansas game is not going to be must-see-TV. It may not even be worth having on as background noise if you have friends over Saturday night. If you are thinking about recording it, remember that we have NFL games on Sunday. 

But it is a game that gamblers should find intriguing. 

Kansas will be entering its second year under former LSU-great, Les Miles. In his first year, the Jayhawks went a dismal 3-9, the worst single-season record Miles has ever had as a head coach. It was the second year in a row Kansas went 3-9 and the fifth time in the last ten seasons. 

Oh— and one of those nine losses was a 12-7 defeat at the hands of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Yet, for some reason, oddsmakers have made Kansas a touchdown favorite in the game. Surely, there must be a reason…right? 

Handicapping the Kansas Jayhawks

If fans were hoping for a quick turnaround in their first season under Les Miles, they were delusional. Yes, Miles is a former national champion, but Kansas has been one of the country’s worst programs for over a decade. It is going to take time for him to work his magic. 

He certainly didn’t work much last season. His offense managed to score less than it did the year before, failed to score 20+ points in five games, gave up 40+ in five games, and got blown out by double digits in six games. 

On the plus side— they have nowhere to go but up. However, with their current roster, Kansas is going to have a hard time doing so. 

The offensive line will be heavy, but it will need three new starters this year. Miles has yet to decide on a starting quarterback and has hinted at possibly using both. That could mean neither has played well enough to win the job. But it could also mean both have played well enough to earn it. 

Whoever it is will have a decent running back in the backfield with him in Pooka Williams. Stephon Robinson and Andrew Parchment are the team’s best wide receivers. 

As for the defense, the best thing that can be said about it is that most of last year’s terrible unit is gone. 

Popping any Champagne with the Chanticleeers of Coastal Carolina?

The win over Kansas last season was the first for the Chanticleers against a team from a Power 5 conference (1-7). It seemed to light a fire under the team who went on to win their next two giving them a 3-1 record entering conference play. 

Once conference games started, the Chanticleers fell apart, going 2-6 the rest of the way. But on a positive note, the team has a lot of starters coming back this season, including four on the offensive line, running back CJ Marable, both quarterbacks (Bryce Carpenter and Fred Payton), and their best wide receiver (Jaivon Heiligh). While the offense was not explosive, it could put up points (they scored 30+ in five of their first eight games). 

But the offense was just as likely to flounder as it did down the stretch against Louisiana, Arkansas State, and UL Monroe. However, it would not be shocking if this largely veteran unit was better in its second year under head coach Jamey Chadwell and offensive coordinator Newland Isaac.        

As for the defense, the unit did well against the offenses it should have dominated last year and poorly against the better ones. The front seven was not good at getting into the backfield or putting pressure on the quarterback, and the secondary was not super-productive. 

However, the defense has eight returning starters, which could give it a leg up early in the season. 

NCAA Football Best Bet for Week 1 Betting Pick

Traditionally, Power 5 teams are stronger than their Group of 5 counterparts, but there is no reason to believe that will be the case here. Neither team is great, but in this case, Coastal Carolina is better. Take the Chanticleers to win straight up and against the spread. 

As for the over/under, it would not be shocking to see Coastal Carolina scoring 35, but it is hard to say Kansas will put up 22+. Take the under.

Revisited SEC Championship Odds Preview

By: Travis Pulver 

SEC Championship Odds Revisited: Has Anything Really Changed?

With the Big Ten and PAC-12 potentially rethinking their stance on the 2020 college football season, it is hard to say what the national title picture could look like. However, at the conference level, that is not the case. Schedules include more conference games than usual, like in the SEC, but fans will not mind. 

However, the question most are wondering about is this: how will the additional conference games impact the SEC Championship picture? 

The SEC had a chance to make the schedule more competitive, but instead, it looks like they tried to ensure Alabama returns to the top, LSU remains competitive, and the bottom-feeders remain on the bottom. 

But just because Alabama got handed the golden ticket does not mean they will get the chance to cash it in.  Maybe Florida ascends to the top like LSU did last season, or perhaps the investment in Jimbo Fisher pays off, and the Aggies do. 

Or maybe a team no one is paying attention to emerges out of nowhere and shocks the world… 

SEC Championship Odds Revisited: Still Alabama’s Conference to Lose?

After last season’s 11-2 downer of a season, Nick Saban will be looking to get his Alabama Crimson Tide (-143) back on top. The oddsmakers at DraftKings expected them to back when the early odds were released, which have only gotten better as the season draws near. 

With their roster of talent and the losses other teams have suffered, it is not hard to see why. 

LSU (+1000) had pretty good odds early on to repeat as champions despite losing a ton of starters to graduation and the NFL. But with several of the remaining starters opting out due to the coronavirus, the Tigers will only have five returning starters. 

If they still had three non-conference games to work the kinks out, they might still have been competitive. But without them, it is going to be a lot harder to get the offense or defense clicking on track. However, since expectations are low or their two additional opponents (Missouri, Vanderbilt), they may be just fine.   

Even though Jamie Newman, who was expected to start at quarterback this year, opted out, the Georgia Bulldogs have seen their odds improve. They now have the second-best odds in the conference at +300. That is despite the late change at quarterback and other changes on the offensive side of the ball. 

Yes, their defense is going to be one of the best in the nation. But, for now, they have a ton of questions surrounding the offense. 

NCAA Football Betting: Is it Worth Taking a Chomp at the Gators SEC Odds?

Florida (+400) has seen their odds take a nice jump from earlier in the year. However, while they were fortunate with the teams added to their schedule (Arkansas, Texas A&M), the Aggies may be good enough to derail their title hopes. 

When it comes to Texas A&M (+1400), reviews about them are mixed. Some see the potential for great things, but many more do not. Before they had two additional SEC teams added to their schedule, they were a dark horse candidate at best. But with Florida and Tennessee added, well—the schedule makers didn’t do them any favors. 

After ending the season last year with six wins, Tennessee has some buzz (+2500). But with the holes in their roster and the two games that got added (Texas A&M, Auburn), they have a tough road ahead. 

Auburn (+3300) could be the best dark horse candidate in the conference. Last year’s 9-4 should see better production out of quarterback Bo Nix now that he has some experience. But while he has some good skill position guys coming back, he only has one starting offensive lineman returning. The defense will miss linebacker Chandler Wooten (coronavirus opt-out). 

As for the rest of the conference, Kentucky (+10000) will be better this season. But it may be asking too much to think they will improve enough to compete with Alabama. Will Muschamp will have his hands full at South Carolina (+12500) looking for new starters. 

Mike Leach will make Mississippi State (+15000) better as will Lane Kiffin for Ole Miss (+15000), but both will need more than one recruiting class to get the job done. Missouri (+15000) had a tough road before LSU and Alabama were added to their schedule. 

If you really want to bet on Vanderbilt (+30000) or Arkansas (+50000), but there are better ways to waste your money. 

Who should you bet for? This is the SEC we are talking about. We all know who will likely be in the race, but we don’t know who could be this year’s LSU and come out of nowhere.

NCAA Football Odds for Bowl Games: Who IS Going Bowling?

By: Travis Pulver 

NCAA Football Odds for Bowl Games: Who IS Going Bowling?

At one time, there were only a handful of bowl games every year in college football. But as the number of games grew (currently 40 with 78 slots to fill), what it took to qualify for one became easier. Teams use to need at least a winning record. But now 6-6 teams and even 5-7 ones can get invites. 

So, if it is that easy to go to a bowl game, why do teams still care about them? 

Bowl games give every team another chance to end their season on a high note, with a win. For seniors, it means an opportunity to play one more time before hanging the shoulder pads up for good. As for underclassmen, ending the season with a win means they head into the offseason with hope for next year.  

For a team trying to rise from the ashes, making a bowl game is a sign that you are doing something right. You may still be far from being a conference or title contender, but at least you are on the right track. 

While the Bahamas Bowl, Frisco Bowl, Camellia Bowl, Quick Lane Bowl, and Redbox Bowl don’t have the prestige the Rose Bowl has, the teams that played in those games last season were probably ecstatic to do so.     

So— who is going to go bowling this season? 

College Football Bowl Game Odds: Any Newcomers Out There?

It is not too hard to figure out many of the teams that will be bowl-bound at the season’s end. Many, if not most, of the usual suspects will probably qualify again. However, it is not as easy to figure out who the newcomers are going to be. 

Of the 50 teams that did not go bowling last season, which ones have a good shot at qualifying this season (odds via FoxBet.com)?    

  • Army                                    Yes        -286      No         +225 

Army loves to control the ball on the ground and play good defense. If the other team does not touch the ball much, they can’t score much.  It worked very well in 2018 when they went 11-2. But t did not so go well last year when they went 5-8. 

However, four of their losses were by a touchdown or less. Had one or two more plays gone their way, they could have easily gotten the one win they would have needed to become eligible. 

This season they will be replacing a few key players on both sides of the ball. But they have guys ready to step in that could do the job. As close as they were to becoming bowl eligible last season, it is not hard to see them winning one more game and becoming eligible this season. 

  • West Virginia                     Yes        +275     No         -350 

With a new coaching staff and quite a few new starters, expectations were low for the Mountaineer in 2019. But considering the circumstances, a 5-7 finish was not too bad. Five of the losses were bad, but two were by a touchdown or less. 

So, they were not too far from being bowl eligible last year.    

Both sides of the ball are going to be a lot better this year, with quite a few starters coming back for both units. But the offensive line and running game are going to be significant question marks heading into the season. 

Assuming the returners are better, they could steal another win from a Big 12 opponent. However, there are several good teams in the Big 12 this season. So, that will be easier said than done.   

Some Old School Football Teams to Look at for NCAA Football Odds and Bowl Games

  • Syracuse                             Yes        +220     No         -275 

Not much was expected of the Orange last season as the team was in a rebuilding year. But the talent was there to do better than they did. While they did finish with a 5-7 record, they struggled to move the ball and had just as much trouble stopping opponents. 

If the running game can pick up where it left off last season, and the offensive line can give quarterback Tommy DeVito a little time, there is hope for the offense. However, the defense has a lot of work to do in the front seven. 

But as long as the offensive line and defense can improve, they could get the one additional win they need to become bowl eligible.    

  • Rice                                       Yes        +155     No         -188 

The Owls were a young team playing a brutal schedule last season, and it showed in their 3-9 finish. But those three wins all came at the end of the season, giving the appearance that things finally came together. 

If that is indeed the case, and that young team can pick up where they left off when the new season starts, they could win six or seven games this season. At the same time, it is not hard to imagine them struggling to another 3-9 finish, too.    

  • Oregon State                    Yes        +275     No         -350 

The Beavers took quite a few steps in the right direction last season but failed to become bowl eligible when they lost three of their last four (5-7 record). On the defensive side, they have quite a few starters returning on a good overall unit from last season. 

But the problem will be on the offensive side of the ball as they try to replace their quarterback, their No.1 running back, and No.1 receiver. Their offensive line is going to need some work, too. However, if they can, they will have a good shot at getting that elusive sixth win and returning to the postseason.

PAC-12 And Big Ten Cancel Non-Conference Games For 2020 Fall Sports

Big Ten announced schedule change Thursday, PAC-12 on Friday

It looks like the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic will have an impact on the upcoming college football season. On Thursday, the Big Ten Conference announced it will not allow teams to participate in non-conference games in football as well as several other Fall sports. Yesterday, the PAC-12 followed suit and voted to move to a conference-only schedule for all Fall sports this year as well. The organizations hope that limiting travel will reduce the risk of spreading or potentially catching COVID-19.

Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said it is “much easier if we’re just working with our Big Ten institutions…” Warren is uncertain about the future of this upcoming football season. He told the Big Ten Network, “We may not have sports in the fall… We may not have a college football season in the Big Ten.”

“We may not have sports in the fall… We may not have a college football season in the Big Ten.”

Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren to the Big Ten Network

Yesterday, the PAC-12 followed the Big Ten’s example and also switched over to a conference-only schedule for all Fall sports. The decision was made during a virtual meeting held on Friday between PAC-12 athletic directors, university presidents, and conference officials. ESPN is reporting that the decision will delay the start of Fall sports, including football. USC was scheduled to open its season against Alabama at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Schools and Collegiate Conferences are still figuring out ways to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. This now makes three D-I Conferences that have had to make changes to their Fall Sports schedule due to Coronavirus. On Wednesday, the Ivy League became the first Division I Conference to suspend all Fall Sports due to the ongoing health crisis.

NCAA Football Bowl Odds: Who is NOT Going Bowling?

By: Travis Pulver 

NCAA Football Bowl Game Odds: Who is Not Going Bowling This Year?

If you are looking for a game to watch late in the season, try watching one featuring two five-win teams. Players from both sides are going to enter the game thinking about one thing—win and qualify for a bowl game. 

Win and they get to play one more game. 

Every year, there are several teams in that situation. Several more win a couple of games by the skin of their teeth and qualify for a bowl with seven or eight wins. While Lady Luck may have smiled down on them last year, maybe they will not be a fortunate this year. 

NCAA Football Bowl Game Odds: From Bowling to Not Bowling?

For many teams, the difference between earning a bowl bid and not earning one can be something as simple as one game, one busted play, or one key player on offense or defense. Fortune may shine on them one year but not the next. 

When that crucial superstar or two moves on to the NFL or graduates, a good enough team can quickly become a bottom-feeder. Maybe this year, instead of being part of the 60 percent that goes bowling, they are part of the 40 percent that does not. 

Odds are for teams to make a bowl game (odds via FoxBet.com): 

  • Tulane                                 Yes        +100     No         -120 

The Green Wave got off to a good start last year, going 5-1 in the first half of the season. But then a 1-5 slide in the second turned a promising season into one that barely made them bowl eligible. Part of the problem was the defense failing to get the job done. 

The other part was the inconsistent play of quarterback Justin McMillan.     

Some experts are high on Tulane because of the depth at running back and some of the talents they have at wide receiver. No one seems to think McMillan will be the starting quarterback this season—which could be a good or a bad thing. 

Do you really want to back a team that experts say will be better just because returning players got experience last season? Experienced sub-par players could become decent players. But they could just as easily remain sub-par. 

  • Nevada                               Yes        -167      No         +138 

The Wolf Pack were not a bad team last year (7-5), but when they were bad—they were terrible. Four of their five losses can best be described as ‘embarrassing’ while the other gave UNLV its fourth win of the year.    

Offensively, they could be a lot better this season, but only if quarterback Carson Strong can continue to develop after a good but inconsistent freshman season. Most of the starting offense is back, which is usually a good thing.   

But if the defense can’t play better, they could easily go from being a 7-5 team to 5-7. 

The Demon to Pay Attention to for this Year’s NCAA Football Bowl Odds

  • Wake Forest                      Yes        +333     No         -450 

For a team that has gone to four straight bowl games, it would be shocking to see the Demon Deacons miss out this year. But with all the personnel losses head coach Dave Clawson will have to cover for, the idea becomes a lot less shocking. 

The offense has to practically be rebuilt after losing the starting quarterback, best running back and wide receiver, three linemen, and tight end. On the defensive side, the losses are not as numerous, but could still loom large (two starting cornerbacks and the team’s best linebacker). 

With depth being a severe issue in the last two seasons, do you really want to trust that Clawson will be able to fill all the holes?    

  • Boston College                 Yes        +150     No         -182 

The Eagles have been a fixture in bowling games in recent years, going to six in the last seven seasons. However, to become eligible last year, they needed a win over a decent but unimpressive Pitt team (which they got). 

The big problem last year was the defense. But the school is hoping new head coach and former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can turn that around. After being a run dominant team in recent years, the offense will look to throw a lot more under new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, Jr. 

Can a new head coach turn his defense around in one year? It’s possible, but usually takes a year or two of recruiting the right players. Can a running team become a good passing team in one season? That task is going to be a lot harder. 

  • Temple                                Yes        +135     No         -162 

The Owls were a good team last season that finished 8-4 in the regular season last year. With a record like that, Temple would appear to be a good bet to go bowling again this year. However, while the offense has quite a few starters returning, it was not too impressive last season. 

But when the defense holds seven opponents to 17 points or less (in which they went 6-1), the offense does not have to be great. However, the defense they counted on last year has been gutted. They lost their two new defensive ends, starting linebackers, and a pair of defensive backs.     

If the offense can step up, maybe they can cover for the defense while it figures out who it can count on. 

  • Florida Atlantic                 Yes        -900      No         +600 

On the one hand, the Owls are one of the last teams that should miss out on bowl season this year. They’ve won their conference in two of the previous three seasons, including last year (when they won 11 games). They have a good quarterback coming back in Chris Robison and a lot of depth at running back. 

It sounds like a recipe for success, right?    

Maybe, but the offensive line has to be revamped, and they don’t have much at wide receiver. Combine that with the loss of seven defensive starters and head coach Lane Kiffin, and the recipe for a fall from grace is most certainly present.

Hall Of Famer Patrick Ewing Tests Positive For COVID-19

Knicks Legend and current Georgetown Coach tests positive for Coronavirus

Yet another sports superstar is being directly impacted by the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. Yesterday, Georgetown University’s Athletics Department released a statement saying Patrick Ewing has tested positive for COVID-19. Ewing decided he wanted to share his diagnosis publicly so that people understand the virus can affect anybody.

In the statement released by the university, Ewing had some important things to say about the Pandemic. He said, “I want to share that I have tested positive for COVID-19. This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly… I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Now more than ever, I want to thank the healthcare workers and everyone on the front lines. I’ll be fine and we will all get through this.”

According to the school, Ewing is the only member of the Georgetown Men’s Basketball program to test positive for the virus. At this time, Ewing is currently being cared for at a local hospital in Washington DC where he remains in isolation.

Patrick Ewing played in the NBA from 1985 to 2002. He bounced around as an assistant coach for a few different teams after he retired from his playing career. Ewing has served as the head coach of the Georgetown Men’s Basketball team since 2017.

NCAA Supports Player Payment Plan

NCAA’s highest governing body says it supports a proposal to allow athletes to profit off their image

Earlier today, the NCAA’s top governing body said it supports a proposed plan that would allow student-athletes to sign endorsement contracts and receive compensation for other types of work. The NCAA did specify the schools that players attend cannot be involved in the players’ payments. The Board of Governors said that student-athletes can benefit and profit from third-party endorsements, social media campaigns, and personal appearances at events.

The organization originally launched a group to help the NCAA modernize its rules regarding players profiting off their image. The working groups devised this proposal and presented it to the NCAA during its Board of Governors meeting yesterday afternoon.

According to the NCAA’s news release, players are allowed to appear in advertisements. They are also allowed to reference their particular sport and/or school. However, the NCAA said that student-athletes are prohibited from using School or Conference logos.

The NCAA’s three rule-making divisions will now take the proposal into further consideration. The groups are expected to adopt the new name, image, and likeness rules by January. The rules will come into effect at the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

Coronavirus Update (Part One)

How COVID-19 is impacting sports across the country.

NCAA

-The NCAA has elected to give spring-sport athletes an extra year of eligibility after almost all Spring-based NCAA Sports were cancelled. Yesterday, the NCAA Division I Council voted to give the students an extra year of eligibility regardless of what year they are in school. The NCAA did not guarantee financial aid to current seniors that chose to return to school next year. The NCAA decided that Basketball and Hockey would not be included in the decision.

NBA

-Yahoo Sports is reporting the NBA is expected to run a player-only NBA 2K20 Tournament on ESPN featuring some of the game’s most prominent players. According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the league is expected to launch a 16-player tournament that will last ten days starting on Friday. Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, and Donavan Mitchell are just a few of the players that are expected to participate in the event. Sources say the league is still finalizing the details of the tournament.

NFL

-Over 50 draft prospects are expected to take part in the NFL Draft virtually later next month. The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said that the league began extending invites to draft prospects this week. Pelissero also said more than 50 players are expected to be present for the annual selection process via video conference or some other form of social media. Players and their families are also expected to receive a “draft package.” Last week, Commissioner Roger Goodell explained that the league intends to proceed with the NFL Draft from April 23-25 as originally scheduled.

MLB

-Earlier Tuesday, the MLB announced it extended the period of financial support for Minor League Baseball Players to May 31st or to the beginning of the minor league season – which ever happens first. The MLB made this decision to ensure that Minor Leaguers and their families received all the support they need while the start of the baseball season is postponed. Previously on March 19th, the MLB announced that it will provide support to minor leaguers through April 8th.

NHL

-One of the NHL’s best players is voicing his opinion about how the NHL season should move forward. Yesterday, Victor Hedman, of the Tampa Bay Lightning, said that he hoped there would be some time to play regular season games before beginning the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He said, “it would be tough to jump straight into the playoffs, there’s no question about it, but I think this is uncharted waters for everyone without knowing when it’s going to restart… The focus is to get a few games in before the playoffs start, but at this point, you don’t really know. It’s going to be tough.” Victor Hedman recorded 11 goals and 44 assists for 55 points for the Lightning this season. The Lightning had the second most points in the Eastern Conference (92) before the NHL season was paused back on March 12th.