NHL Midseason Futures: Best Bets to Win the Divisions

by Nic Turner |
Jan 22, 2020

With the NHL season more than half-way over and the all-star break fast approaching, we will be taking a look at the best bets to win each division. Every division is currently only separated by six points or less. The parity in the league is at an all-time high. It will be key to identify current trends, injuries, and upcoming schedules to gain the upper hand. We have a solid sample size of the current construction of each team, but with the trade deadline far from over, things can change quickly.

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Eastern Conference

Best Bet to win the Atlantic

Tampa Bay Lightning (+200 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
The Reigning President Trophy winners are playing some inspired hockey of late. After a sluggish start, the Lightning are only six points back of the Boston Bruins. Since Dec.23rd, they have gone 11-2-1, and have the best goal differential in the entire league. Third in goals per game at 3.6, second in power-play percentage at 27.5%, and first in shooting percentage at 11.2%, this Lightning offense is for real.

Their defense is also top-10 in the league. The Lightning rank ninth in goals allowed per game, fifth in penalty-kill percentage, and have one of the best goalies in the league in Andrei Vasilevskiy. In 35 games this year, Vasilevskiy has cruised to a 24-9-2 record with a 2.54 GAA and a .917 SV%. I like the hottest team in the league right now to continue their strong play and take the Atlantic Division title.

Best Bet to Win the Metropolitan

Pittsburgh Penguins (+200 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Another team that is trending up recently is the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite significant injuries to superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin this season, they find themselves only four points back of the Washington Capitals. Crosby has since returned and appears to be his dominant self. Malkin has been incredible with 50 points in 36 games. Not to mention, the breakout years from Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust. Each of these players has averaged more than a point per game this season.

On January 14th, Crosby returned to the Penguins. Pittsburgh went 18-6-4 without him in the lineup. Adding a superstar caliber player can only help the cause. This team is battle-tested and ready to climb even higher in the Metropolitan.

Western Conference

Best Bet to Win the Central

Colorado Avalanche (+400 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
The Avalanche have overcome some big injuries to stars Miko Rantanen and Cale Makar. They currently boast a 28-15-6 record and are only six points back of the NHL leading St. Louis Blues. Led by superstar Nate Mackinnon, who is third in the league in scoring, the Avalanche are second in the league in goals per game. They have one of the deepest four lines in all of hockey and set up well for a big second-half run.

Goalies Pavel Francouz and Philipp Grubauer have performed admirably in a timeshare. They have the goaltending to go on big runs, but they could definitely use another defender. At the deadline, donâ€™t be surprised to see the Avalanche acquire a veteran defenceman who has playoff experience. I like the Avalanche to continue to roll in the second half.

Best Bet to Win the Pacific

Edmonton Oilers (+340 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
The closest division in the entire NHL, the Pacific Division race is fixing to be a good one. The Vancouver Canucks currently have the lead with 57 points, but one back of them are the Oilers, Flames, Golden Knights, and Coyotes. While each of these teams are capable of winning the title, the Edmonton Oilers have my eye. They have the top-two point-getters in the league in Connor McDavid and Leon Drasaitl. This dynamic duo has helped the Oilers go 5-1-1 since the New Year. The offseason acquisition of James Neal has helped provide some scoring depth to the team.

While it has been a pleasant bounce-back season for the Oilers after missing the playoffs last year, they are far from perfect. They are bottom-five in shots per game, faceoff percentage, and in the bottom half for goals allowed. The Oilers will have to make some moves by the trade deadline. Acquiring a better face-off guy, and some more secondary scoring should be a focal point.