Some Fun With NHL Futures And Props
The good news is a new column will be getting sprinkled in on Fridays from time to time as the playoffs draw closer. We will spotlight what, at Gambling.com, is called “The Eliminator.” Our calculator determines what it may take teams to clinch a playoff spot. These numbers will mostly be coming from Sports Interaction.
This NHL season has seen goal-scoring stay up, with few dips, while teams rise from the ashes and others crash to Earth. There has been a history of Boston reaching 100 points faster than any other NHL team. We are giving these coaches another break this week. A few may come up in these columns.
That NHL Playoff Bubble
OK, where are the risks to take in your ? Can a team from the outside find a way into the top eight seeds of either conference? Here is where things stand now. The New York Islanders occupy the final playoff spot in the East with 70 points. However, Buffalo and Ottawa are nipping at their heels. Also, the Sabres and Senators both have several games in hand.
Naturally, those teams have to win those games. Dallas missed the playoffs by not winning in crunch time last season. Could that happen again? Anything is possible. For those wondering, the Islanders dropped from 4.15 a month ago to 2.55. Buffalo is 3.47, while Ottawa is a whopping 7.16. Guess who the hottest team of the three is? That’s right, the Senators.
Then, there is the Western Conference. While a mere seven points separate the top eight seeds, the bubble is strange. Winnipeg and Colorado have both lost four straight games, which has kept Nashville in the playoff race. This is despite the Predators having gone into sell mode with the new General Manager (to be) Barry Trotz. He takes over officially at the end of June.
In the West, all it takes is one losing streak to shoot a team straight down to the bubble. Calgary has hit plus territory for the first time all season to make the playoffs (2.10). Nashville is 3.81 and lengthening as we speak. It does appear that, eventually, the West is set (aside from seeding), with only Calgary making a possible difference.
The Goals Of Connor McDavid
So, Connor McDavid, barring the unforeseen, will win the Rocket Richard Award for most goals scored during the 2022-23 NHL season.
OK, how many goals will he wind up with? Currently, McDavid has 52 goals in 62 games for the Edmonton Oilers. If one wonders, what is he on pace for? It's 69 goals. There are some options to bet where the forward ends up. Does he exceed 60 or even 70 goals? Yes, props exist for this occasion.
The consensus seems to be around 66-70 goals at 2.16. There are wrinkles like injury and load management to consider. Those cause much consternation and grumbling. I understand.
The outliers around the sweet spot are at 3.17 (61-65 goals) and 3.07 for 71+. If McDavid plays all 82, he may need to score 71 or more for the Oilers to make the playoffs or win the Pacific. A small wager on two of the three is interesting.
Some Final Words
Again, the fun part of the NHL season is digging deeper into numbers that most might not find.
Here at gambling.com, we aim to do some leg work for you. Good luck, and do not worry. We will seek out those coaches and general managers who are not entirely up to snuff soon enough.
