NHL Futures Props: Odds and Expert Predictions for Stretch Run
As the NHL heads into the All-Star Break, now is a good time to take a look at some future’s and identify good value Vegas is giving us. With about 30 games left on the schedule and the trade deadline a little over a month away, there is still plenty of time for some teams to make a run and with that let’s analyze where the odds currently sit.
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Metropolitan Division
The Rangers have a two-point lead over the Hurricanes as the top two have begun to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. The Flyers and Isles are both on losing streaks, while the Penguins, Devils, and Capitals all have a realistic shot at a playoff spot. Despite the Rangers’ current lead, the Hurricanes have the best odds at +105 to win the Metro, while the Rangers have +110 odds. Currently, the two teams have split their regular season series, with the third and final contest in Carolina on March 12. As the race could very well come down to head-to-head, the Hurricanes do seem to have the edge on paper. Their special team’s unit is much better than the Rangers, ranking 2nd in PP% and 4th in PK%, and their goaltending has improved as the season has gone on.
My Pick: Carolina Hurricanes +105
Atlantic Division
This division, like the Metro, is a two-horse race as the Bruins and Panthers hold the top two spots in the standings. Boston ranks in the top five in both GF/G and GA/G, and their special team’s unit is also a top unit in the league. Despite the lowered expectations in the offseason, the Bruins are still the best team in the NHL. With -170 odds to take the division title, a 2-0 record against the Panthers, and more home than road games remaining, the Bruins seem like a lock in the division race. However, at +210 odds, the Panthers do have some great value, especially being only six points away from holding the top spot in not only the division, but the league. They may need to add some offense before the trade deadline, but this Panthers squad could make a run.
My Pick: Florida Panthers +210
Eastern Conference
We will look at two different sets of conference odds, the most regular season points and then the actual conference winner in the playoffs. As it stands now, the Bruins are favored to have the most regular season points at -110, while the Panthers (+270), Rangers (+650), and Hurricanes (+650) follow. With a little over 30 games remaining, any of these teams has a real shot at claiming the one-seed in the playoffs. I am going for value once again with this pick.
My Pick: Florida Panthers +270
Now, the odds of being the Eastern Conference representative are much closer. The Bruins, Hurricanes, and Panthers have the best odds at +500 while the Rangers (+550) and the Maple Leafs (+600) are right behind them. We all know anything can happen in the playoffs, and the city of Toronto might revolt if their team fails to get to the Stanley Cup, but I am going with the Bruins here to avenge their early playoff exit from a season ago as they are the most complete team in the conference.
My Pick: Boston Bruins +500
Central Division
This division has the most exciting race to the finish line as there are three legit candidates to claim the division title by season’s end. Colorado leads the division with 67 points, while the Stars (66) and Jets (65) are right on their heels. All three of these clubs not only have a real shot at winning the division, but they also could hoist the Stanley Cup at season’s end. The Avalanche have the best odds at +145, while the Jets follow at +160, and the Stars at a surprising +250. There is a lot of value resting on the Stars number as Jake Oettinger and Miro Heiskanen both missed significant time, yet Dallas’ deep roster kept them in the mix. As those two stars get back to 100%, this Stars team could be dangerous.
My Pick: Dallas Stars +250
Pacific Division
There is potentially a ton of value with the Vegas Golden Knights at +600, despite being only seven points behind the Canucks. However, that team from Vancouver has strengthened an already complete roster by adding C Elias Lindholm, which makes the offense even scarier. Vancouver ranks second in the NHL in both GF/G and GA/G. We all know Edmonton is in the midst of a potentially historic win streak, as they found a way to right the ship, but the Canucks might be the best team in the league.
My Pick: Vancouver Canucks -145
Western Conference
With a four-point lead, the Canucks are favored to have the most points in the Western Conference by the end of the regular season and have +175 odds to do so. With four teams within seven points of the Canucks, there are some solid value picks. Dallas for instance, has +550 odds despite being only five points out of the top spot, while the Avalanche have +350 odds despite being right on the Canucks heels. However, the Canucks have already added to their squad before the deadline, so the pressure is on the Stars, Avalanche, and Jets.
My Pick: Vancouver Canucks +175
Stanley Cup
Currently, the Colorado Avalanche and the Edmonton Oilers have the best odds to win it all at +850. Boston and Florida represent the best odds out of the Eastern Conference at +950. The best team in the Western Conference, however, has an incredible +1400 mark. Winnipeg, who has the best goalie in the NHL and a deep roster, sits at +1500. When talking about value, the Canucks are screaming at +1400, but the Stars (+1200) and Hurricanes (+1000) are also incredibly enticing. However, I believe there is one team that stands above the rest. One that has the exact makeup of a champion and one who is on a revenge tour. The Boston Bruins will be the team to win the Stanley Cup.
My Pick: Boston Bruins +950
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