The online NHL betting season is getting shorter everyday which means that teams have less and less time to secure their spot in the playoffs. With the trade deadline looming over the NHL, most sportsbooks are expecting some major moves in the coming hours. The addition of the right talent could be the missing piece for several playoff contenders and could result in a major shakeup of the league’s power rankings. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at how teams are currently measuring up in the NHL as we head towards the fated trade deadline.
- Washington Capitals
With a 41-13-7 record on the season, the Capitals have the most wins of the NHL, and rightfully so, the most points. Nonetheless, Washington has still had their hands full holding on to the top of the Metropolitan Division where every week a new team is knocking at your front door. This week it’s the Pittsburgh Penguins who are 6-points shy of spoiling the Caps’ day. But the way Washington has been playing lately has most hockey betting sites convinced that the Capitals will maintain their position atop the Metropolitan.
- Chicago Blackhawks
Most sportsbook fans could argue that Chicago’s second-place ranking in the Central Division should see them get pegged lower on this list. However, considering the fact that the Blackhawks only conceded one loss for the month of February, and that they beat division-leading Minnesota twice this month; this is exactly where Chicago belongs. Furthermore, Chicago’s recent strength on the road paints them as a dangerous playoff contender. Barring an injury, this team could go all the way.
- Minnesota Wild
Like the Penguins, the Wild have 84 points on the season, thanks to their 39-14-6 record. The Wild may not be leading the NHL in points, but they’ll be waiting there in case of a Washington slip-up. Minnesota has been one of the most consistent teams this online NHL betting season and they’ll need that now more than ever to hold off the encroaching Blackhawks.
- New York Rangers
With their 40-20-2 record, the Rangers have more wins than the Penguins and Blue Jackets, but are still unable to pass either of the two in points. Currently New York ranks 4th in the Metropolitan division thanks to their 82 points, which shows sportsbook fans just how important it is to try to drag a loss out into overtime. Notwithstanding their inadequacy in points, the Rangers’ 40 wins is a monument of what this team can accomplish. Furthermore, the Rangers only suffered three losses in February – all of which were to potential playoff contenders, proving this team is built for the long haul.
- Pittsburgh Penguins
The fact that the Penguins are currently the team knocking on the Capitals’ door guarantees them a spot in this list. But the fact that Pittsburgh has lost two games this month against teams at the bottom of their division leads most online NHL betting fans to begin to doubt the Penguins’ title chances.
