The last time sportsbooks gave online NHL betting fans a glimpse into the league’s power rankings, the Detroit Red Wings were rapidly falling. Now, Detroit is completely submerged and there is no question that their hallowed quarter-century playoff-appearance streak will be coming to an abrupt end in 2017. Granted, we generally only cover the top teams in the league and there’s no doubt that the Red Wings aren’t an elite team. But with such a hallmark meeting an unceremonious ending, the least we could do is give a shot out to the ailing Wings.

But Detroit’s continued plummets aren’t the only thing that the updated power rankings bring about. There have been some shakeups within the top 5 teams in the NHL. Some have attentively defended their ranking, while others have begun to display the chinks in their mail. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the best online NHL betting teams are currently measuring up.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals proved themselves to hockey betting sites as the most dominant team this season when they scored 5 or more goals in 11 consecutive home games – all of which were won by Washington – and in doing so tying an NHL record set by the Bruins during the 1970-71 season. The Capitals have led the league in points all season long and it does not appear that they will be losing that edge anytime soon. Although, the Wild are certainly close to giving Washington a run for their money.

Minnesota Wild

With Minnesota being the only team contending with the Capitals, where else on this list could they fall? Furthermore, the Wild’s Eric Staal has skated past his last season’s totals in goals and assists, proving that this team is an improvement in every definition of the word. Minnesota may be one of the youngest teams in the NHL, but their 4 straight playoff appearances, soon to be 5, are beginning to convince sportsbook fans that the Wild are an elite NHL team.

Chicago Blackhawks

With each passing online NHL betting week, the Blackhawks come one step closer to seeing their heated rival miss out on the postseason for the first time in 25 years. Chicago might not be able to beat out the Wild atop the Central Division, but with a nifty 75-point lead over the St. Louis Blues, – the Central Division’s No. 3 seed – the Blackhawks are feeling pretty good about their postseason chances.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Of course the reigning Stanley Cup champions deserve a spot on this list. Not so much for the fact that they’re the reigning champions, but because of the weight they’ve pulled this season. The Penguins currently rank second in the Metropolitan and will be engaged in a tough fight with the Columbus Blue Jackets as well as the New York Rangers for the final top two spots in the division.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets showed sportsbook fans how dangerous this team is when they mounted a 16-game win streak earlier this season. Columbus currently ranks third in the Metropolitan, and as aforementioned the Blue Jackets will need a solid finish to the season in order to keep their current ranking.