Stanley Cup Disappointments? Picking NHL Teams Before Betting

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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5. matched his career-high (8) goals and became the first player to reach the 30-point mark in the 2023–24 nhl regular season. this also made him the third defenseman in nhl history to reach (30) points through the first 17 games of the season. (11/20/2023) pic.twitter.com/Eph66Ig86L
— Tommy (@tommykippes2) November 26, 2024

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MyBookie offers the current NHL betting lines for the season to win.

Updated Odds to Win 2024 Stanley Cup

NHL Teams	Odds
Top Tier
Edmonton Oilers	+820
Florida Panthers	+890
Carolina Hurricanes	+890
Dallas Stars	+920
Toronto Maple Leafs	+1075
New York Rangers	+1125
New Jersey Devils	+1250
Colorado Avalanche	+1300
Winnipeg Jets	+1325
Vegas Golden Knights	+1625
Vancouver Canucks	+1800
Tampa Bay Lightning	+1850
Minnesota Wild	+2000
Los Angeles Kings	+2900
Boston Bruins	+3000
Nashville Predators	+3300
Washington Capitals	+3700
Ottawa Senators	+5600
New York Islanders	+5800
Utah Hockey Club	+7500
Buffalo Sabres	+8000
Seattle Kraken	+9000
Detroit Red Wings	+10000
St. Louis Blues	+11000
Pittsburgh Penguins	+11000
Calgary Flames	+12000
Philadelphia Flyers	+14000
Chicago Blackhawks	+24000
Montreal Canadiens	+24000
Columbus Blue Jackets	+36000
Anaheim Ducks	+40000
San Jose Sharks	+70000

Current Stanley Cup Odds

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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).