We are basically at the midway point of the NHL season, give or take a game or two, so it is the perfect time to look back to see which teams have been worth wagering on, and which should be avoided like the plague.
For the most part, we are going to put the focus on the teams that have failed to deliver the goods from a betting standpoint, but we will also start each category by taking a very quick look at the teams who have been a good bet.
NHL Regular Season Betting Analysis
While there are certainly plenty of other things to consider when betting on hockey, the overall trends for each team over the course of the season to this point certainly cannot be ignored.
We are going to look at the straight up, spread, and totals trends here, so let’s go ahead and dive right in.
The first Super 16 rankings of 2025. 🤩
— NHL (@NHL) January 2, 2025
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NHL Regular Season Betting Analysis: Moneyline (Straight Up)
There isn’t a lot of research required here, as you can simply look at the standings and get a quick handle on the best and worst teams in the league. Sitting at the top of the heap is the Vegas Golden Knights and the Winnipeg Jets, both of whom have won 27 games. The Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs are right behind them with 26 wins.
Like we said, though, the goal here is to look at the teams that have been the most disappointing, so let’s get to the bottom 5 teams in terms of straight up wins this season. The San Jose Sharks have played 2 more games than the other 2 team with 13 wins this season, so that makes them the worst. The Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators also have just 13 wins, so it does not seem like a good idea to throw a lot of money in their direction.
We can break this down a little further by looking at home and road wins, as that also has to be a factor when wagering. The team that has the worst home record to this point is the Utah Hockey Club, who have managed just 5 wins on home ice. Given that they are an expansion team, their record is not totally surprising. The Vancouver Canucks are a little surprising at home with just 7 wins, the same number as the New York Islanders. It just goes to show that while home ice advantage is a thing, it is not something that can be totally relied upon.
^NHL Regular Season Betting Analysis provided by MyBookie
NHL Regular Season Betting Analysis: Puckline (Spread)
Unlike other sports, the spread in hockey remains pretty much consistent, as it is generally always set at 1 ½. In short, the favorite has to win by 2 or more goals to cover the spread, while the underdog has to win or lose by a goal, which happens on a pretty regular basis. The Anaheim Ducks ae not having a particularly good season, but they have been fantastic against the spread going 27-12 ATS. The bad news is that it means they have probably lost a lot of close games. The Vegas Golden Knights are next best, so they are good in the moneyline and against the spread.
Moving down to the worst teams against the spread, there are some surprises to be found at the bottom of the heap. The Boston Bruins are at the very bottom, going 13-29 ATS to this point in the season. The New York Rangers are 13-26 ATS, while the Edmonton Oilers, who were in the Stanley Cup Final last season, are also wallowing near the bottom of the pack with a record of 15-24 ATS. Both the Bruins and Oilers are currently in playoff spots, so this is more a matter of them winning close games.
There is a very clear worst team against the spread in home games, with that record going to the New York Rangers, who are 4-14 in their own building. There must be something in the water in that part of the nation, as the New York Islanders have also struggled at home, going 6-12 ATS. The Minnesota Wild has also been poor on home ice, going 6-13 ATS, so once again, we are seeing that some teams are a better bet away from home than in their own backyard.
In road games, we have another clear bottom team, with the Dallas Stars a very poor spread bet when playing on the road. They are a pathetic 4-12 ATS away from the cozy confines of home ice. They are far and away the worst in that regard, with the Boston Bruins at 6-15 ATS away from also close to the bottom. The Columbus Blue Jackets round out the bottom 3 with a 7-12 ATS record away from home.
^NHL Regular Season Betting Analysis: Goal Total
In hockey, the total is usually set between 5 and 6 ½ goals, and while we are not going to break it down by each individual total, there is still plenty to learn from the overall totals of each team. If you are looking for a lot of goals, the Columbus Blue Jackets are the team to watch, as they are 28-11-1 OU this season. They are followed by the Pittsburgh Penguins at 23-16-2 and the Philadelphia Flyers at 22-17-1.
It’s tough to say that a team is bad here, so let’s look at it from the perspective of a bettor who likes to regularly play the OVER. In that situation, the Anaheim Ducks are the team to avoid, as they are 12-25-2 O/U to this point in the season. You then have the Ottawa Senators (13-19-6), the LA Kings (13-23-2), and the Dallas Stars (13-19-6) sitting among the bottom teams in terms of failing to hit the OVER.
In home games, the Anaheim Ducks are again at the bottom in terms of failing to go OVER the goal total with a record of 6-14-1. The Dallas Stars are also there at 7-12-3. It is all the same teams who are at the bottom in road games, with 6 teams (Anaheim, Ottawa, LA, Dallas, Nashville, and New Jersey) in this category seeing the total go OVER just 6 times on the road.
^Lane Hutson is a defenseman… pic.twitter.com/VUvJLaQtDG
— NHL (@NHL) January 7, 2025
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2024 Most Disappointing Teams
As the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds, Stanley Cup top favorites are beginning to separate themselves from the disappointing teams, which creates unique opportunities for bettors to assess the future odds of underperforming franchises.
Picking Out NHL Disappointing Teams Before Betting on Hockey Futures
NHL’s Underperforming Teams: Your Guide to Avoiding Bad Bets
2024 NHL | 108th season of the National Hockey League
Regular Season concludes on 17 April, 2025
Betting the 2024 NHL Season
The 2024-25 NHL season has reached its early stages, but some teams are already facing significant struggles.
For bettors and fans, these disappointments not only shape the playoff picture but also create unique betting angles as the season progresses.
Whether it’s underperforming stars, questionable coaching decisions, or an overall lack of cohesion, several franchises have failed to meet expectations.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the most disappointing teams so far this season, breaking down what has gone wrong and how bettors can capitalize on their struggles.
Writer’s Picks before the Regular Season Ends
Boston Bruins: A Coaching Change and Uncertainty
After a record-breaking regular season in 2023-24, the Boston Bruins entered this season with heightened expectations.
However, a poor start led to the dismissal of head coach Jim Montgomery.
Despite his accolades, including the Jack Adams Award, the team’s lackluster 8-9-3 record forced management’s hand.
The Bruins’ early-season struggles have created uncertainty about their playoff chances.
Bettors should monitor how the coaching change impacts Boston’s performance.
The Bruins won their first two games after the transition, suggesting a potential bounce-back.
However, such shifts are often temporary, leaving questions about consistency.
Matchup-specific bets and live betting may be more prudent than outright futures at this stage.
Another key factor is the performance of goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who has yet to regain his elite form.
If Boston’s defense tightens under new leadership, unders on total goals could offer value in certain matchups.
Not a Stanley Cup Pick: Bruins
Ottawa Senators: A Promising Start Gone Wrong
The Ottawa Senators began the season with playoff aspirations from years of rebuilding and a promising young core.
However, a five-game losing streak has dropped them to the bottom of the standings.
Their defensive lapses and inability to close out close games have been glaring issues, raising doubts about their postseason hopes.
For bettors, Ottawa’s volatility presents opportunities in individual game markets.
The Senators often show flashes of being amazing, particularly against top-tier opponents, making them intriguing as underdogs in certain spots.
However, their inconsistency makes them a risky pick for futures or long-term wagers.
Key players like Thomas Chabot and Tim Stützle have struggled to carry the team during critical moments, highlighting the lack of depth.
Props involving their star players, such as point totals or power-play contributions, may be worth exploring if they face weaker defenses.
Until the Senators find their footing, cautious betting is advised.
Not a Stanley Cup Pick: Senators
Pittsburgh Penguins: Crosby Shines While the Team Flounders
Despite the continued dominance of Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in freefall.
Their 7-12-4 record is a far cry from the playoffs contender many expected, and their lack of intensity has been evident in recent blowout losses.
Crosby’s milestones, including his 600th career goal, have been overshadowed by the team’s overall struggles.
Bettors should focus on isolating individual performances within Pittsburgh’s games.
Crosby remains a consistent bright spot, making him a reliable choice for player props like goals or assists.
However, the Penguins’ team metrics, particularly on defense, suggest caution when backing them to win outright.
One area to watch is the Penguins’ goaltending situation.
With inconsistent performances in net, overs on total goals could be profitable in matchups against high-scoring opponents.
Until Pittsburgh addresses its defensive woes, they are best approached as a source of prop bets rather than a team to back in moneyline markets.
Not a Stanley Cup Pick: Penguins
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Why Picking Out NHL Disappointing Teams is Important?
Picking out NHL disappointing teams is crucial for making informed betting decisions.
By identifying teams that are underperforming or facing challenges, you can avoid placing bets on teams that are likely to underachieve.
This helps you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of winning.
Here are some factors to consider when identifying potential disappointments:
- Injuries:
Key injuries can significantly impact a team’s performance. - Coaching Changes:
New coaches may take time to implement their systems and strategies. - Roster Turnover:
Significant roster changes can disrupt team chemistry and performance. - Off-Ice Issues:
Off-ice distractions, such as contract disputes or legal troubles, can negatively impact a team’s focus. - Team Dynamics:
Issues within the team, such as conflicts between players or coaches, can affect performance.
By carefully analyzing these factors, you can make more informed betting decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.
For more information on NHL odds, lines, and betting tips, check out our NHL News section.
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2021 Most Disappointing Teams in the League
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2021 NHL Season Review – The Most Disappointing Teams in the League
While a handful of teams have exceeded expectations this season, at the opposite end of the spectrum, several teams have come up well short of their Stanley Cup championship hopes. This look at those clubs will both, inform and entertain. Let’s get started so you can continue making your bets against their NHL odds.
Philadelphia
The Flyers went 41-21-7 a year ago while reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals. This season though, Philly has far underachieved while getting left on the outside looking in come playoff time. After finishing seventh in scoring and goals allowed a year ago, the Flyers rank 15th in scoring (2.8 GPG) and a pitiful 31st in goals allowed (3.6 GPG). Goalie Carter Hart was supposed to be the future in net in Philadelphia, but right now, the future looks dim at best.
Dallas
The Stars went 37-24-8 a year ago while making a fantastic run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Despite coming up short against Tampa Bay, Dallas entered the 2020-21 campaign as one of the top favorites to get back to the finals. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened. Dallas is currently 21-18-14 while ranking 19th in scoring (2.7 GPG) and ninth in goals allowed (2.6 GPG). It’s back to the drawing board for the Stars as we get set for the end of the regular season.
St. Louis
The Blues recorded the top record in the Western Conference last season, one year after winning the Stanley Cup title. This season though, St. Louis is 24-19-5 while ranking 13th in scoring (3.0 GPG) and 22nd in goals allowed (3.1 GPG). St. Louis ranks in the bottom third in almost every meaningful defensive statistical category and that just won’t be good enough to get it done this season, even though the Blues are set to reach the playoffs.
Vancouver
The Canucks went 36-27-6 a year ago while finishing third in the Pacific Division. This season though, Vancouver is 20-25-3 and sitting in last place in the North Division standings. The Canucks rank 27th in scoring (2.6 GPG) and an identical 27th in goals allowed (3.3 GPG) while ranking 24th or worse in every meaningful defensive statistical category.
Nashville
The Predators went 35-26-8 a year ago while finishing fourth in the Central Division standings. This season though, Nashville is 29-23-2 and in fourth place in the Central Division. The Predators aren’t the biggest disappointment in the league, but they’ve also failed to improve on either side of the puck while ranking 22nd in scoring (2.6 GPG) and 16th in goals allowed (2.8 GPG).
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