NHL Reset: Biggest Storylines to Bet on 2024
The Vancouver Canucks are the toast of the 2023-24 NHL season thus far. But can they keep it up? This surprising team is just one of the many positive developments of the season. Folks who bet on the Canucks’ preseason odds could be in for a big payday. But what other interesting storylines are worth betting on based on current NHL odds and predictions as we head to 2024?
Intriguing Western Divisions
The Canucks are now expected to make the playoffs at -1600. There is no value in betting online on these odds. However, betting the Canucks to win the Pacific Division at +250 could still be a winning play. Vancouver is neck-and-neck with Los Angeles (+135) and Vegas (+225) for the spot.
The Kings have a better point percentage (68.2%) than Vancouver (68.1%). And based on their opponents’ current records, Los Angeles has an “easier” remaining schedule as well. But the oddsmakers also remain bearish on Vancouver given its poor record from the previous seasons. So a regression is expected.
Meanwhile, another Canadian team could be a sharp NHL pick to win its division: the Winnipeg Jets at +300. Winnipeg is tied with Dallas (+115) atop the Central Division. Colorado (+190) is not too far behind. But we’ve seen Winnipeg start fast before only to falter down the stretch.
The Jets went 14-14-2 after the All-Star break to crawl into a wild card spot. But this season, the Jets’ have a slightly easier remaining schedule among the Central contenders. Like Vancouver, the Jets may be a bit underestimated here. They’ve already been two of the most profitable Western teams this season.
Playoff Races: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
In the NHL, it is rare for the playoff picture to not change at all the following season. As such, we can expect a few new teams to make the postseason and at the expense of some. We already mentioned Vancouver as a new playoff team. They’re likely replacing the Wild or the Kraken, whose slow starts may have sealed their postseason hopes.
Two other new playoff contenders are Arizona and Nashville. The Coyotes are listed +250 to make it while the Predators are at +140. The former has gotten some solid netminding from Connor Ingram while winning six of its final seven games from 2023.
Over to the East, Philadelphia has turned some heads. It was supposed to be a lottery favorite but John Tortorella has the Flyers playing well above expectations. Philadelphia is currently tied for third in the Metropolitan Division and is lined at -120 to make the playoffs. Those who bet online on the Flyers before the season started could be due for a big payout.
Finally Nathan MacKinnon’s Year?
After years of finishing as a runner-up in the Hart Trophy race, Nathan MacKinnon may finally win one. The Avalanche center has one of the shortest NHL lines to win at +400. He’s top three in scoring (58 points) and Colorado is likely to finish in the top three in the Central Division. However, he’ll need to keep up his pace if he hopes to widen the gap against Connor McDavid.
The reigning Hart Trophy winner is still at the top at +320 to win. McDavid has 38 points in his last 21 games. Edmonton has improved since making a coaching change and is likely to return to the postseason all thanks to his dominant display.
Questions Of The Day
Which player(s) will emerge as the biggest breakout stars in 2024?
Coyotes goalie Connor Ingram and Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard are two of the more notable “breakout stars” of the 2023-24 season.
How will the reset impact the future of hockey betting?
Several will decline or improve moving forward. Figuring out how and why will be crucial for
