The trade deadline has now passed and the leading NHL teams are gearing up for a hectic February as the playoffs loom. The top three teams in each division make the playoffs, with two wildcards in each conference, and the battle to qualify is really ramping up. Here we run through each division, providing odds and predictions as to who will win, along with a roundup of some of the most intriguing upcoming games:
Atlantic Division
The Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins have pulled away from the chasing pack in the Atlantic Division, and it looks like turning into a three-way fight between them to win it and therefore gain a favourable playoff schedule. A revival by the Florida Panthers turned into a three-game losing streak, so the Canadiens, Senators and Bruins should all qualify. The Canadiens are leading the way on 34-21, but Ottawa is hot on their heels on 33-22, and Ottawa has the momentum. While Montreal has stumbled in recent weeks, Ottawa has looked strong and more consistent, and have been bolstered by the arrival of Canucks star Alex Burrows. The Canadiens are the even favourites with Paddy Power, but Ottawa looks good at 4/1 with Sky Bet.
Metropolitan Division
The Washington Capitals has been the best team in the league this season. They have won more than anyone else and are deservedly joint favourites with the Minnesota Wild to win the Stanley Cup (both 5/1 with Sky Bet). They are in the same division as 2016 champions the Pittsburgh Penguins, but look set to finish above them, and the 3/10 that William Hill is offering on Washington looks a banker.
Central Division
The Wild has won 40 and the Chicago Blackhawks has won 39, but Minnesota has played two games fewer. The Wild are the heavy favourites to win the Western Conference (9/4 with Betfred) but they have a fight on their hands to win the division as Chicago is on fire. Minnesota is 7-2-1 in its last 10, while Chicago is 9-1, making the Blackhawks the league’s form team. That makes the odds on Minnesota winning the division – 3/10 with Paddy Power – looks risky and unattractive. A speculative punt on Chicago at 9/4 with Sky Bet might be more rewarding. The Blackhawks just need to stay healthy, which is a big if.
Pacific Division
The Pacific Division is led by last year’s beaten Stanley Cup finalists, the San Jose Sharks, and they should maintain that position between now and the end of the regular season. Their recent form has been poor, but so has that of their chief rivals – the Anaheim Ducks and the Edmonton Oilers – and they have a comfortable cushion at the top, on 36-18 versus 32-21 for the Ducks. They are 2/5 with Sky Bet to win the Pacific and that looks a very good bet. An interesting double would be the Sharks and the Washington Capitals.
Upcoming Games
A huge game on Thursday sees the Penguins travel to Chicago for a showdown with the in-form Blackhawks. It should be a close one but Chicago has great momentum at present and can be expected to scrape a narrow victory, with odds of 4/5 looking pretty appealing on the Blackhawks. The big game on Friday sees the Wild face the Blue Jackets in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets are battling it out with the New York Rangers for a playoff place and have it all to play for, but the Wild are in superb form and should edge it. On the same day, the Ottawa Senators will be expected to beat Colorado, and the Canadiens should comfortably beat the Nashville Predators in Montreal, so that looks a great treble.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
