Soccer betting players are gearing up for the World Cup, but in the NHL, the Stanley Cup champion has been crowned, and it ended a 49-year drought for this Original Six team.

Patrick Kane scored the game-winner in overtime of a 4-3 win in Game 6 in Philadelphia, making it the third year in a row that a visiting team has won the Stanley Cup on the road. It was up for debate as Kane was the only person who saw the puck go past Flyers goalie Michael Leighton, but once they figured it out, the celebration was on, and the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 49 years, which now leaves Toronto with the longest drought.

Captain Jonathan Toews was awarded the Conn Smythe for playoff MVP, and it's difficult to think of anyone who has had a better year than Toews, outside of Sidney Crosby. Toews won the gold medal with Canada at the Olympics, scored in the gold-medal game, and won the award for Top Forward in the tournament. Now he's the captain of the Stanley Cup winners (only Crosby was a younger captain in last year's win), and he scooped up the Conn Smythe.

And it may not be over for the Blackhawks, who have a sparkling young nucleus that is still getting better. The number of Chicago-Pittsburgh picks for next year's Stanley Cup finals among betting players and those who make picks is going to blow your mind.

Markov Skates

Andrei Markov is skating again after suffering a knee injury against the Pittsburgh Penguins. That is excellent news for the Canadiens, as they get ready to take on the winner of game seven between the Flyers and the Bruins. Markov's return would give Montreal's blue line a big boost on the power play and make their unlikely bid for the cup a closer reality. Betting that his knee is a 100 percent would be foolish, but if it is good enough to play well then Montreal is in luck.

Markov's injury was a bitter-sweet problem for the Canadiens. It facilitated the surprising emergence of P.K. Subban as a legitimate force on Monreal's blue line. It is unlikely that Markov's return would put Subban out of the lineup. Subban is now one of their stronger and best playing defensemen and one of the big reasons they were able to beat Pittsburgh.

Boston and Philadelphia will hold a size and physical advantage over Montreal. If Markov is able to play, it will give the Canadiens more tools to manage the defensive responsibilities.

Blackhawks vs Sharks - First Game Sunday

The Sharks and Blackhawks anxiously await to get going in their conference finals bid. Both teams have been strong in the playoffs this year and both pack a variety of strengths. NHL betting odds are favoring the Sharks to take game one, but not by much. Game one will give us a better idea on how these two will stack up in this matchup.

Whoever wins this series, will be the favorite for the cup. Both the Sharks and Blackhawks are stronger teams than the ones remaining in the Eastern conference. This matchup is worthy of the finals. EA Sports predicted that Chicago would win the cup, and that prediction may yet hold true. Unless of course Halak decides to be a super hero and steal the Stanley Cup this year.

In the middle of all the playoff action, it is fair to take a look at what team has reaped the most rewards in the playoffs from its trades and signings.

At the trade deadline, there were some moves made that promised to be key going into the postseason. One of these was Ilya Kovalchuck going to the New Jersey Devils. A few acquisitions made by the Capitals were going to take them deep, if not all the way. While Kovalchuck was the leading scorer for the Devils in the postseason, the team only lasted five games before closing up shop for the summer. The Capitals also lost in the first round, against all betting odds, to the unlikely Canadiens.

So what was the key trade that had the greatest impact in this postseason?

Boston Bruins

By signing Miroslav Satan in January, the Boston Bruins probably did not know how much of a help he will be in the playoffs. Well, several months later, Satan is Boston's top point getter in the postseason. This definitely panned out as one of the more successful playoff signings this year. He scored the game winner in double overtime to beat the Sabres and help Boston take a three to one lead in the series. In game six, he scored the series winning goal that propelled the Bruins into the next round. Not too shabby!

In the second, round Satan has three goals again the Flyers, including the winner in game three. This guy is not done yet. Boston looks like it is on an express train going to the conference finals and Satan will have plenty more to say before all is said and done. It is fair to say that Satan has single-handedly altered the Stanley Cup odds this postseason.

The awesome part would be to see Satan go against Pittsburgh, his former team, in the next round.

Stanley Cup betting is starting to get series as we get into the second round. Here is who you should take in your sportsbook.

Canadiens vs Penguins odds

The Canadiens may have used all their bullets in their upset of Washington, and if they want to have a shot of another massive upset, Jaroslav Halak and the Montreal defense will have to be just as good against Sidney Crosby and friends. Crosby leads the NHL with 14 points so far, and he takes special joy in trashing his favorite team. (Penguins in six)

Flyers vs Bruins odds

Both pulled off big upsets in the first round thanks to defense, goaltending and special teams, so you can expect much of the same in this physical series. The Flyers have an edge in Peter Laviolette, who led Carolina to the 2006 Stanley Cup as an underdog. (Flyers in six)

Red Wings vs Sharks odds

 The Sharks took Game 1 by a score of 4-3, but three of their goals came in a 1:19 span, and you could argue that Detroit played the better game. You have to think that the Sharks will shake their underachieving tag at some point, and the Red Wings have a rookie goaltender in Jimmy Howard who has showed some nerves. (Sharks in seven)

Canucks vs Blackhawks odds

 This should be the best of the second-round matchups as these teams don't like each other, and the Blackhawks put the Canucks out at this point last year. Vancouver's Roberto Luongo will be aiming to make a reputation as a big-game goalie, but the Blackhawks have too much firepower for the Canucks' defense, so go with Chicago in your sports betting picks. (Blackhawks in seven)