I’ve been immersed in sportsbook betting lately, with hockey back, the baseball playoffs and the NFL in full swing. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have time to dis the guys I don’t like for 2009-10!

Here are some guys who could cost you money in your hockey odds betting this season. Some will be busts with new teams, some are getting old, others are just douchebags. Here they are, in random order.

Niklas Backstrom (the goalie) — Not to be confused with Washington’s stellar playmaking center. Let’s see…locked up cushy long-term contract…defensive-minded head coach Jacques Lemaire left town…yep, that’s a recipe for way more shots — and goals — on Backstrom. (Side note: last year in my fantasy hockey pool, I had the No. 32 and No. 33 picks overall. I took Niklas Backstrom and Nicklas Backstrom back to back. Was I the first guy ever to do that?)

Marion Gaborik — One healthy season didn’t convince me that Chad Pennington’s NFL odds of getting through 2009 healthy were good. Gaborik will be lucky to play half the year with that groin of his.

Jamie Langenbrunner - Career year last year for a first-line guy with second or third-line talent. Don’t expect a repeat with Lemaire back behind the bench.

Alexander Ovechkin — Just kidding! Wanted to make sure you were still reading.

Pekka Rinne - Nashville goalies are cursed; every friggin’ last one of ‘em wins the job midseason only to lose it to the backup the next year.

Nicklas Lidstrom - Sacrilege! Don’t get me wrong — I rank him as the second-best defenseman ever to play the game — but he’s almost 40. Niklas Krownwall is getting really good really fast, so Detroit can start cutting back Lidstrom’s ice time.

Marty Turco - He’ll never be a star No. 1 goalie again. He’s older than you may think — 34 — and I’d be shocked if Dallas re-signed him. Who takes the plunge on him next year? Seems like a Philly thing to do. I’m betting management considers it.

Jonathan Cheechoo — He was miscast in his short-lived sniper role in San Jose. He’s more of a blue-collar player who can chip in occasional offense now with his speed and ability to drive to the net. I wouldn’t expect a major performance spike in Ottawa.

A shorter list, but I stand by my picks.

If super bowl betting is raging onward, we know the NHL All-Star break is over, and that means the stretch run has officially begun. It’s been an exciting NHL season, with some powerhouse teams exploding to the top of the standings and some horrible teams sinking deep to the bottom. NHL betting fans have to wonder, though — who’s primed for a fall? And who will bounce back? Those who bet on hockey should keep reading…

POST-BREAK RISERS

1. Pittsburgh Penguins – the worst is over. Don’t get overexcited and expect them to return to NHL betting glory, but they should crawl into a low playoff spot.

2. Vancouver Canucks - they survived without Luongo. Now he’s back and Sundin should find his legs eventually. Hard to imagine them not improving.

3. Ottawa Senators - like the Leafs of two years ago, they’re in denial. Their pride alone should squeeze out a handful of wins…but they won’t make the playoffs.

FALLERS

1. Phoenix Coyotes — the future looks bright, but they’re slightly ahead of schedule. I don’t see them making the playoffs with the current goaltending breakdown.

2. Carolina Hurricanes – technically, the fall has already started. Currently eighth place, but they’ve allowed 21 more goals than they’ve scored. Stay away, NHL betting fans.

3. Chicago Blackhawks - don’t get me wrong — they’re a great team and could win a playoff series. But they’re still young. They may tire a bit down the stretch and lose home-ice advantage.