Bold Betting Predictions For The Rest Of 2016-17 NHL Season

Each of the team in the NHL are down to about 6 or 7 games left on their schedule, which is to say that the regular season is winding down to a predictably exciting finish. The Western Conference looks as though it has all its playoff teams set, but there is a lot of jockeying for position still to come in the final few weeks. Things are a little less clear over in the Eastern Conference, where there is still one Wild Card spot very much up for grabs. We will take a look at how the playoffs might play out in another post, but for now, let’s take a closer look at what might happen the rest of the way in the regular season. Find the updated NHL betting spreads here.

A Closer Look At The Bold Betting Predictions For The Rest Of 2016-17 NHL Season

   

Who Will Be the NHL Division Winners?

The Atlantic Division appears to be the Montreal Canadiens to lose, and since they have been able to keep Ottawa at bay all season long, you have to believe that they will win it. The Metropolitan Division could go one of three ways, but it’s beginning to look as though the Washington Capitals are going to hold on. They are on a nice little winning streak right now, and have opened up a 3-point gap. The Chicago Blackhawks have all but wrapped up the Central Division, and with the Minnesota Wild on the slide, the Blackhawks should clinch this week. The Pacific Division is another one with a great race going. The Anaheim Ducks have the lead, but keep an eye on the Calgary Flames. Their last 7 games are all divisional, including a pair versus the Ducks. The Flames creep up and win it.

And the President’s Trophy Goes To…

The Washington Capitals, for the second straight year. They have the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Chicago Blackhawks hot on their heels, but it is the Caps who are in the best form of the bunch right now. The bad news here is that the team with the best record in the league very seldom goes on to win the Stanley Cup, so hoisting this trophy may not be all it’s cracked up to be.

Who Gets the Final Wild Card Spot in the Eastern Conference?

The Boston Bruins are in possession of the final Wild Card spot in the East right now, but have no less than 3 teams below the playoff line within 4 points of them. Of that group, it is only the Tampa Bay Lightning that are on a winning run, as they have won each of their last three games, including an OT stunner versus the Blackhawks in their last outing. Tampa Bay are a better team that their current standing suggests, and I think they will find a way to sneak into the last playoff spot. They are also going to be a very tough opponent for whichever team, most likely the Washington Capitals, ends up taking the #1 seed.