The marathon of the NHL season is getting set to begin and with that in mind, sportsbooks have started to launch lines on season-long props. One of my favorites to bet on is if a team will make the playoffs. Below are my favorite value bets and a few teams to prevent entirely for the time being because their scenarios are not yet very clear.
\nRangers to Make Playoffs +215
\nThis is my bet on the plank. New York’s roster is a complete mess and their cost to make the playoffs is super inflated due to the marketplace they play . There are a number of teams on the upswing in the Eastern Conference and I believe this is the year the Rangers finally fall off the cliff they’ve been clinging to the previous couple of years.
\nI believe this group gets off to a terrible beginning and becomes a seller in the deadline. Henrik Lundqvist is still without a Stanley Cup ring he could be dealt to a team like the Stars that are in desperate need of a legit No. 1 goalie. If that were to happen, the Rangers will be dead in the water.
\nAvalanche to make the playoffs +150
\nColorado finished out of the playoffs with 82 points under the advice of Patrick Roy, who had been a less than desirable pioneer. They have hired Jared Bednar to take over head coaching duties instead of the explosive former Vezina Trophy winner and so are now in a much better place to compete with the former NHLer accountable for Jets to make the playoffs -115
\nAlthough they completed nine points from the playoffs this past year, the Jets should be correct on the bubble this season. Prospective celebrity Connor Hellebuyck is going to have an opportunity to prove his case for being the team’s No. 1 goalie and the young stars on Winnipeg like Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers are set up to have big seasons.
\nAvoid this Red Wings
\nDetroit is among the groups that’s about the fringe but isn’t offering enough value on each side of the line to create for an attractive wager. They have significant salary cap issues as they’re over $4 million over the limit, are far too weak in the rear end and have a lot of skilled forward for them all to acquire substantial ice time.
\nThis could be a rough time in Detroit unless they make any serious moves to clear up a few of the problems they’re facing.
\nHere’s the full list of odds for groups to make the playoffs or not on BetOnline<\/p>\n