Danica Patrick’s Indy 500 odds looked better than Evgeni Malkin’s odds of scoring another playoff goal this season just a few weeks ago. Boy, has that ever changed.

After everyone wrote him off or called him out — including this blog — Geno has responded in a big way, to the tune of 13 friggin’ points in his last five hockey betting contests. Pretty damned impressive. Who knows what flicked the switch? Whatever the reason, he’s totally rediscovered his game. He’s using his great size to protect the puck, he’s hitting, he’s taking punishment — hell, he even dropped the gloves last night — and he’s handling the puck with confidence. The crescendo was last night’s hat trick, topped off by this gorgeous goal:

The Stanley Cup odds look better for the Penguins by the second, don’t they? Crosby hasn’t slowed down and Malkin’s back. It’ll be interesting to see if he can avoid another disappearing act in the Final should the Penguins get there.

Enjoy the Red Wings vs Blackhawks odds tonight! More Pens tomorrow plus the UFC 98 odds. Should be fun for sports wagering fans.