By Larry Rupp
The NHL points system makes it difficult to project divisional winners simply because the titles could be up for grabs all the way through the last week of the season. The uncertainty leads to constantly shifting odds for bettors looking to get in on the action. But it also allows those bettors to buy low on teams that may not be getting the respect they deserve.
With that in mind, here is a pair of under-the-radar NHL divisional outright bets to make. All odds are according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Central Division: Minnesota Wild (+260)
The Minnesota Wild continue to be criminally underrated in their chances of winning the Central Division this year. A recent eight-game winning streak has catapulted them past the Colorado Avalanche and into first place, yet their odds come in a distant second (Avalanche: -190). People seem to forget that the Wild haven’t posted a losing record since the 2002 season. Their dominant consistency makes them a dangerous team capable of shocking the oddsmakers here.
The Wild’s biggest advantage can be found in their 5-on-5 play. When at full strength, they rank within the top five NHL teams in goals scored and shooting percentage. Putting the puck in the back of the net has become their specialty. Minnesota’s relentless offense is even counterbalanced by a shutdown goaltender. Ninth-year pro Cam Talbot is on pace to challenge his career-high mark in wins as well as save percentage.
Overall, coach Dean Evason’s squad has the depth to keep up with an Avalanche team that has gotten off to a slow start. Four different Minnesota players have scored double-digit goals this season and none of them have shown any signs of slowing down. It’s time to stop underestimating the Wild and start treating them as a legitimate Central Division contender.
ZUCCY CASHED IN FOR A BIG PAYOUT BEFORE THE BUZZER pic.twitter.com/1euEFgmfOl
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 13, 2021
Pacific Division: Edmonton Oilers (+360)
It was only a few weeks ago that the Oilers were sitting atop the Pacific Division and owned the best odds to finish that way. However, their unfortunate six-game losing streak has caused their chances of winning the divisional title to tumble. They now boast the third-best odds within the division, which makes it the perfect time to buy in.
Of course, Edmonton is best known for its star duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The two All-Stars have ranked within the top five NHL players in points all season long. Just having them on the roster gives the Oilers a fair shot to catch up to the Ducks.
It’s only a matter of time before Edmonton regains that spark that guided them to nine wins in its first 10 games. The only thing holding this team back is its lack of efficient goaltending. They can’t keep allowing their opponent to score more than three goals per game. If the Oilers can find a way to address that issue, they will be a team to watch out for over the second half of the season.
.@EdmontonOilers passing in sync 😵💫 pic.twitter.com/0dhNHqc0Rf
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 17, 2021
Picture Credit: Flickr
