This has been a wild NHL season. With a little over a month left in the regular season, only a handful of teams are out of postseason contention. Moreover, a quiet NHL Trade Deadline means more teams are willing to take their shot with their current rosters.
There are some intriguing entry points in the betting market as we look toward which teams can make the playoffs. Let’s assess which teams could make an unexpected run up the standings.
Metropolitan Division Underdogs
The Carolina Hurricanes are running away with the division, but there’s a lot up for grabs among the next six teams. The Penguins and Islanders are currently occupying the second and third seeds, respectively, but only nine points separate the Pens from the sixth-place Capitals.
Washington was one of the few teams that sold off assets at the deadline, but they haven’t come out and waved the white flag. With a daunting schedule ahead, the Caps face an uphill battle moving forward. However, the sharp bettors may be tempted to back Washington to make the postseason at +550, using their remaining schedule to hedge their bets along the way.
We also like the Columbus Blue Jackets’ chances of eking into the playoffs. They are three points back of the final wild card spot, but with a game in hand and a 7-1-2 record over their last 10, the Jackets are ready to march.
Atlantic Division Tidal Wave
There is a clear divide in the Atlantic Division. The Lightning and Sabres have asserted themselves as the power duo, but there’s an argument to be made that any team can rise up the standings.
Curiously, the Panthers and Maple Leafs are tied for the worst record in the division. Both teams are stuck at 65 points, putting them 11 points off the pace for the last spot. Given roster composition and expectations, we wouldn’t be surprised to see either team upend the playoff picture over the final month of the season.
More realistically, the Ottawa Senators stand out as a legitimate underdog ready to rise. As they typically do, the Sens have reserved their best performances for the end of the campaign, winning seven of their last 10 with points in all but one of those outings. Still listed at plus-money to make the playoffs, Ottawa is putting its glass slippers on.
Pacific Division Parity
For the first time in many years, there is an exciting race shaping up in the Pacific Division. No longer can the Vegas Golden Knights rule over their competition, setting the stage for an exciting end to the regular season.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Ducks have emerged as frontrunners in the division. The Oilers are also knocking at the door, but none of those teams are secure in their current positions. That’s because the upstart San Jose Sharks and Seattle Kraken have solidified their rosters in an attempt to win big. At +115 and +210 to make the playoffs, the Sharks and Kraken don’t have to set their sights on a wild card spot in the Pacific.
All of that is without even considering the Los Angeles Kings. LA made several impact moves at the deadline, and could surprise teams down the stretch. Taking any or all of the bottom three teams could be a profitable position for bettors.
Limited Central Division Contenders
Finally, the dichotomy of the Central Division doesn’t leave many plus-money opportunities for bettors.
The Avalanche, Wild, and Stars have cemented their positions as the best in class. The newly minted Utah Mammoth are six points up from the ninth-place Sharks in the wild card race, and should cruise to a playoff spot.
Don’t be fooled into thinking the Predators stand a chance this season. Nashville’s aging core and lackluster production metrics point toward an impending collapse over the final weeks of the season.
Stay Sharp
There is a lot left to be determined over the final month of the regular season. With the conference-based playoff system, just about any team could make an unsuspecting jump and ride that momentum into the postseason.
More importantly, bettors need to be ready to adapt to those moves as they happen. The Blue Jackets and Senators stand out as underdogs in the Eastern Conference, whereas the Sharks, Kings, and Kraken are poised to catch the top teams in the West.
This is where character is built. Keep an eye on betting odds and be ready to expand your betting portfolio to ensure a long-term profit.
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