When the NHL released the divisional realignments for this season, it immediately became clear that some divisions were going to be tougher than others. The one that looked to be the toughest from the off was the East Division, and it is certainly shaping up to be a tough fight all the way to the end. Three teams have pulled clear of the pack, but we also have a team hanging around and in the mix because of the number of games they have played. This one is shaping up to be a fantastic battle for first, so let’s take a look at the teams in with a shot at nabbing that prize. Let’s jump right into action so you can make plan your bets against their NHL Divisional odds.
Updated Odds to Win East Division – NHL Betting
New York Islanders
The Islanders have spent a lot of time in first place in the division this season, but they are currently down in second after losing their last 2 games. They are currently just 2 points out of the top spot, although they have played a couple more games than the division leaders, which could be considered a knock against them getting back to first. Another issue that might hurt them is that they have not been great on the road this season and are playing .500 hockey outside of their own building. They are going to need to do better coming down the stretch to take the division.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals are back on top of the East Division standings and are on fire right now, winning 9 of their last 10 games. They are, as you would expect, scoring a lot of goals, but they have been a little slack in the defensive end at times. Of the four current division leaders, the Capitals have the worst goal differential, which is currently sitting at +20. Given their current form, they look like the team to beat in the division right now, but the competitive nature of the East suggests that it is not going to be an easy road to the title.
Boston Bruins
At first glance, the Boston Bruins would very much appear to be out of the picture in terms of winning the division, but it is certainly not all over yet. The Bruins are 11 points out of first, but they also have 3 games in hand to the Capitals. While winning those games would not get them to the top, it would certainly tighten things up a great deal. The Bruins have been absolutely brilliant on the defensive end of the ice, surrendering just 73 goals, but they have struggled on offense, scoring 83. Games in hand or not, they look like a bit of a longshot at this point.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins are also still very much in the hunt, sitting 2 points back of the Capitals. It also helps that they are in a good run of form at the moment, winning 3 in a row and going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Like the Islanders, the Penguins need to be better on the road if they are to make a serious run at winning the division. They are just 7-8-1 in games played away from home, which is not going to be good enough to get the job done.
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