NHL division odds: Rangers rule the Metropolitan division, Leafs chase Bruins in the Atlantic

The NHL season is now just over a quarter of the way through, and the division odds have been changing quickly.

The latest: No team is a larger favourite to win its division than the New York Rangers, though the Boston Bruins are close behind. Out west, there’s more parity. The Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are favourites but with much tighter odds.

NHL division odds

Atlantic Division

NHL oddsas of 1:57 p.m. ET on 12/05/2023.

The favourite:Bruins (-143)

Much like last year, the Bruins jumped out to a quick lead in the Atlantic. David Pastrnak continues to lead the way offensively with 36 points in 24 games while the goaltending has been a bright spot for the team.

This season sees Boston once again running away with the Atlantic. Florida sits seven points back while a couple of other teams still have hope of catching the Bruins.

The rest of the division

The Maple Leafs (12-6-4) have only won five games in regulation, which is less than the San Jose Sharks. Further down, the Lightning's odds keep getting wider as they struggle to keep pace in the standings.

Montreal finds itself falling behind quickly, recording a division-worst goal differential (minus-17).

Metropolitan Division

NHL oddsas of 1:57 p.m. ET on 12/05/2023.

New York sits comfortably at the top of the Metropolitan.

The Rangers do all the little things right. They have the highest faceoff percentage in the league (56.1%) and boast the third-most efficient power play (30%).

On top of that, New York already has nine guys who’ve cracked double-digit points.

Igor Shesterkin remains one of the top goalies in the NHL, while new backup Jonathan Quick has fit in nicely, posting two shutouts in eight starts.

The rest of the division

The Hurricanes might be the only threat to the division crown but they are eight points back and have their work cut out for them.

New Jersey got off to a hot start but injuries halted its momentum. If it can get back on track, the division could get interesting fast.

NHL division odds: Central Division

NHL oddsas of 1:57 p.m. ET on 12/05/2023.

The favourite: Stars (-106)

Dallas has jumped Colorado as the favourite in the Central. 

The Avalanche held the shortest odds through the first quarter of the season but the Stars have surpassed their division opponent in large part due to getting points in eight of their last ten games.

They sit one point back of Avs with a game in hand.

Winnipeg is back in the mix after a hot November and a perfect start to December.

What was a two-horse race not too long ago is now one of the league's most interesting divisions with the inclusion of the Jets.

The rest of the division

Disappointing starts from teams like Nashville and Minnesota have seen a less competitive division than most would have predicted, betting-wise. 

Beyond the top three, we see the odds increase significantly.

Arizona has had a surprising start and is currently fourth in the Central and sits only four points back of Colorado.

Pacific Division

NHL oddsas of 1:57 p.m. ET on 12/05/2023.

The favourite:Kings (+110)

Okay, so Los Angeles may be for real. 

The Kings sit six points back of the division-leading Golden Knights but with a whopping five games in hand. L.A. is currently 14-4-3 and has a goal differential of plus-31. 

Anze Kopitar withstands the test of time and continues to prove his value at 36 years old. He has 20 points in 21 games and is elite at the faceoff dot, winning 55.5% of his draws.

The rest of the division

This division race is far from over, however. The reigning Stanley Cup champs continue to build their case to get back to the promised land while the Canucks have surprised the hockey world and hold the league’s best goal differential (plus-32).

Some still believe in the Oilers, as they have two of the league’s top players in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. 

With so much of the season still ahead, the Pacific is far from decided.

Spencer Closs writes about sports betting for NorthStar Bets. The Star's parent company has a minority interest in NorthStar Bets.