With the online NHL betting season drawing to its close, sportsbook fans need to relish the little time they have before the season concludes. This past weekend, bookies and players alike were treated to a fantastic finale to the NFL season, and even though the game was climatic, it still serves as a stark reminder that hockey fans will soon have to fare their season goodbye as well.

Needless to say, those who bet on hockey need to take advantage of the little time they have left in this season. Whether that means placing as many wagers as possible, or doing a little more research to find the ideal line, is up to the player. But in order to help hockey betting fans maximize their winnings, we’ve amassed an updated look at the NHL’s top teams.

Power rankings may not be the be-all and end-all for online NHL betting success, but they invariably help players have a quick and easy look at which teams are picking up steam and which teams are starting to come apart. So with that in mind let’s take a look at the most recent power rankings for clubs in the NHL.

Washington Capitals

With a 5-point lead in the race for the President’s Trophy, the Capitals are undoubtedly the best team in the NHL. Granted, winning the President’s Trophy doesn’t guarantee postseason success, but it does help sportsbook fans know which team is likely to enjoy a good dose of success before the season concludes. Furthermore, the Capitals lead the NHL in goals for (175) as well as goals against (114), and their +61 goal differential is the best of any club. Washington is currently on a 3-game win streak, will enjoy the next three games at home, and then will revel in a well-deserved 5-day rest.

Minnesota Wild

The Wild may have played the second-fewest games in the Western Conference with 51, but their 73 points is still 4-points higher than their nearest contender in the West. Minnesota has earned their cushy lead by continually beating their opponent. Minnesota has won 4 of their last 5, 6 out of their last 8, and 10 of their last 13 contests. With a relatively easy schedule ahead of them (a quick stop at Winnipeg followed by 8 home games) the Wild should be online NHL betting favorites over the next couple of weeks.

Pittsburgh Penguins

By mounting a 3-game win streak, the Penguins were able to tie with Columbus for the No. 2 seed in the Metropolitan. Considering the Blue Jackets’ recent struggles, and the low-ranking opponents the Penguins have ahead of them, it seems more than likely that Pittsburgh will usurp Columbus in the coming days.

San Jose Sharks

Considering that the Sharks have picked up 17 out of 20 available points in their last 10 contests, one could argue that they deserve to be higher on this list. However, most of those games were played on home ice. But nevertheless, San Jose has been able to create a 3-point between itself and both Anaheim and Edmonton.

Columbus Blue Jackets

15 games have passed since the Blue Jackets mounted their impressive 16-game win streak. Since that fallout, Columbus has gone 6-8-1 and is starting to look weaker by the minute. Nonetheless, this team has too much potential and talent to not make this list. But if they don’t get back on the right track soon, the Penguins will soon make a sportsbook push past Columbus.