NHL Power Rankings Based on Stanley Cup Odds on Feb. 2 (Avalanche, Panthers Battle for Top Spot)
We're officially into the second half of the NHL season, and teams are starting to jockey for plaoff position.
The top eight teams in the Eastern Conference have already been virtually decided, but the Western Conference remains wide open. It's time to update my NHL Power Rankings.
The numbers in the brackets indicate movement since the last edition of the power rankings.
All odds listed are via WynnBET Sportsbook.
1. Florida Panthers +850 (-)
The Florida Panthers barely hold on to the top spot this week, with the Avalanche and Hurricanes right on their heels. They're third in point percentage, but they get bonus points for leading the powerhouse Atlantic Division.
2. Colorado Avalanche +475 (+2)
Colorado has the highest point percentage in the NHL right now, but the Western Conference is significantly weaker than the East this year, and they're benefactors of that.
3. Carolina Hurricanes +1200 (-1)
The Hurricanes have no weakness. Easily the best value bet on the board right now at +1200.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning +675 (-1)
5. Toronto Maple Leafs +1200 (-)
The Maple Leafs have won five-straight games. Unfortunately for them, the new playoff format is going to make it hard for them to go on a deep playoff run.
6. Minnesota Wild +2200 (+6)
It seems like every time I look at the Wild, they're either on a big win streak or a big losing streak. Winners of five-straight, they're looking like the number two team in the Central Division right now.
7. Nashville Predators +2500 (-1)
8. Pittsburgh Penguins +1500 (-1)
9. St. Louis Blues +2200 (-1)
10. New York Rangers +1800 (-1)
I've already made the claim that the Rangers are the biggest frauds in the NHL right now, but credit where credit is due, they're finding ways to win games.
11. Boston Bruins +2000 (+2)
The Bruins are just chugging along, doing their thing. They'll be in the playoffs, but they won't be considered a top contender unless things start to click for them.
12. Washington Capitals +2500 (-2)
What happened to the Capitals we saw in December? They've been terrible as of late, but should still firmly make the postseason.
13. Vegas Golden Knights +850 (-2)
Most overvalued Stanley Cup bet on the board right now. They're terrible in their own end, consistently giving up a plethora of high danger scoring chances. The only thing going for them is that they're in by far the worst division in hockey.
14. Los Angeles Kings +6000 (+1)
Sneaky good team that has very good analytics. Their issue is that they've been struggling with shooting percentage and save percentage all season, and you can't win hockey games without succeeding in at least one of those areas.
15. Calgary Flames +3000 (+4)
The Calgary Flames may be fourth in the Pacific Division, but they've only played 41 games and have a goal differential of +30. Best dark horse bet on the boards right now.
16. Edmonton Oilers +5000 (+6)
Same thing with Calgary, Edmonton has only played 41 games this year and could get hot at any moment. They don't have quite the analytical advantage that the Flames do.
17. Dallas Stars +7000 (+1)
18. Anaheim Ducks +5000 (-4)
19. Winnipeg Jets +7500 (-2)
20. Detroit Red Wings +50000 (+1)
21. New York Islanders +7500 (+4)
Scheduling issues, COVID outbreaks, starting the season on a 13-game road trip. It's just been bad luck for the Islanders from start to finish this season. Time to start looking ahead to next year.
22. San Jose Sharks +15000 (-6)
23. Columbus Blue Jackets +30000 (-)
24. Buffalo Sabres +100000 (-)
25. Chicago Blackhawks +50000 (+1)
26. Vancouver Canucks +10000 (-6)
27. Seattle Kraken +100000 (-)
28. Philadelphia Flyers +30000 (-)
29. New Jersey Devils +100000 (-)
30. Ottawa Senators +100000 (-)
31. Arizona Coyotes +500000 (-)
32. Montreal Canadiens +300000 (-)
Yikes.