The NHL paused its season, and we’re all better for getting to watch the Men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament unfold. But now we’re on the other side of this year’s marquee hockey event, setting our sights on what’s sure to be another jaw-dropping postseason.
The betting market continues to evolve, reflecting the hectic nature of this season and the current state of the standings.
Let’s assess where the plus-EV betting opportunities lie and which teams are poised to go on extended playoff runs this season.
Wild, Wild West
Inarguably, the Western Conference has become the most combative battleground for playoff positioning. The Central Division lead is shrinking, several teams are primed to challenge for the Pacific Division crown, and all but two teams are within 10 points of a wild card spot. What happens over the next few weeks will be a deciding factor in which eight teams are playing for Lord Stanley’s Holy Grail.
Pacific Division Depth
Once the premier frontrunner in the division, the Vegas Golden Knights are clutching to their Pacific Division lead. Just one point up on the Anaheim Ducks and four up on the Edmonton Oilers, the Knights’ path to a third division crown in four seasons won’t come without a fight.
The betting odds reflect the tight nature of this year’s race. The Knights are out in front, priced as -150 favorites. But with Edmonton lurking at +700 and the Ducks at +300, there may be value in taking a flyer on either of those squads to go on a late-season run.
Still, the most valuable underdog could be the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings landed Artemi Panarin ahead of the Olympic roster freeze, and could be the mightiest card in the deck. At +1700, we’re betting their closing odds shrink drastically before the end of the regular season.
Central Division Contenders
The Colorado Avalanche remain the top contender in Central Division, Western Conference, and Stanley Cup betting. However, you’re right to have some apprehensions about their chances. The Dallas Stars are nipping at their heels, and since the arrival of Quinn Hughes, there’s been no stopping the Minnesota Wild.
Heading into the stretch drive, the Stars sit six points back of the Avs. Minnesota is only marginally behind that, sitting seven points behind the division leaders with two more games played.
With two games against the Stars and one against the Avalanche, the Wild could use those contests to catapult themselves to the top of the conference. If nothing else, those would represent ideal hedging opportunities to close out the campaign.
At +7000, Minnesota could be worth the investment to catch the Avs (-2500) and Stars (+2500) as Central Division champs.
Eastern Conference Assessment
There is less up for grabs in the Eastern Conference. The Tampa Bay Lightning are installed as -900 chalk in the Atlantic Division, with the Carolina Hurricanes priced as the odds-on favorite in the Metropolitan. Beyond the division lead, though, lie a dozen teams with playoff aspirations.
Atlantic Division Playoff Hopefuls
Compared to previous seasons, there are some unsuspecting teams leading the Atlantic Division playoff race. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Buffalo Sabres are the pace-setters in that regard. They are priced at -1500 to make the playoffs, sitting ahead of the Canadiens (-700) and Red Wings (-300).
With the Bruins and (+105) and the Senators (+175) within striking distance, it’s anyone’s guess which Atlantic Division teams are represented in the postseason.
Metropolitan Division Mayhem
Other than the Hurricanes, only the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders are safe bets to make the playoffs. The Pens and Islanders share the same betting price, currently listed at -450.
Still, we’re not discounting the Capitals (+155), Blue Jackets (+175), or Flyers’ (+500) chances of reigning in their division rivals before the end of the year.
Stanley Cup Betting Leaders
Predictably, the division markets correlate with the Stanley Cup futures board. The Avalanche (+290), Lightning (+390), Hurricanes (+700), and Golden Knights (+850), are priced as the four top contenders to hoist the cup this season. Beyond those top contenders, there is plenty of value to be had.
Relative to playoff betting odds, the Penguins stand out as an outlier. While they’re priced as one of the favorites to make the playoffs, the Pens are listed as +4000 Stanley Cup longshots. Even more so, the Red Wings are listed at +5000, and have a less obstructed path through the playoff bracket.
More Insanity Will Ensue
March Matchups is a term associated with college basketball, but we’re expecting some overlap with this year’s hockey results. The NHL Trade Deadline lies on the horizon, which will undoubtedly have an impact on playoff races. Once rosters are set, we’re predicting more insanity will ensue, as we race toward the postseason.
As always, stay flexible and keep your betting ideas adaptable as the betting odds will continue to shift ahead of April.
New to sports betting? First, explore our Introduction to Sports Betting. Then check out our recommendations at Flip The Switch for online sportsbooks, along with offers to get started. And if you’re not an avid sports fan, you can still find some fun and unusual bets to enjoy!
