Written by Graeme on Thursday, September 22nd, 2016
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The Pacific Division of the NHL is currently host to the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, calgary Flames, Edmonton OIlers, LA Kings, San Jose Sharks and the Vancouver Canucks.
Next season they will all be joined by the Las Vegas expansion team.
The Ducks have had a firm grip on the Pacific Division for the last 4 years, winning it every time. Since 1993 and its formation, no team has won it 5 times in a row. The Sharks came close with 4 wins in a row, but in 2011-2012 the Coyotes ousted them by a point to take it.
Can the Ducks make it five years in a row before the Las Vegas franchise comes in and kicks all their asses? The bookies think it’s going to be tight with them joint favourites.
Let’s look at the odds:
Pacific Division Betting Odds:
Anaheim Ducks: +225
Los Angeles Kings: +225
San Jose Sharks: +260
Edmonton Oilers: +850
Calgary Flames: +950
Vancouver Canucks: +1500
Arizona Coyotes: +1800
If you want to bet the Pacific Division winners, the best overall books are:
USA: Bovada.
Canada: Sports Interaction.
Everyone Else: Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv. (No odds up yet but the best overall book for NHL)
Pacific Division Winners Betting Tips:
I am predicting the LA Kings win the Pacific Division.
There’s a real split here with the top 3 teams and then 4 teams who really shouldn’t stand a chance. Out of the three, I like the Kings the most.
I’ll explain my reasoning against the Ducks and Sharks later in the article. However I highly rate the Kings. During the off season I don’t feel they really lost anyone – I mean Lecavalier retired but – all due respect – I don’t think that’s too big a loss for the current Kings team. Teddy Purcell is a decent pick up and considering the money Kopitar is making, he’s got a lot to prove.
What’s really attractive to me is the 3.60 odds at 888 Sports. and that’s the reason I’m betting them. Elsewhere they’re as low as 3.25. The cut off for me would be 3.40 I think. 3.60 is the value.
I’m taking the Kings to win the Pacific Division for the first time this season.
Best Odds for the Kings to win the Central Division:
Canada: 3.60 Odds at 888 Sports..
USA: +225 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 3.60 Odds at 888 Sports.
Pacific Division Winners Betting Analysis:
Anaheim Ducks: Not to base everything on one little thing – but the Ducks brought in Randy Caryle to help them in the post regular season. That’s what his focus is going to be and the rang in the changes after that loss to the Predators. A coaching change is always a big factor and Carlyle knows the reason he’s brought in. With such a strong focus on the playoffs I just don’t feel comfortable betting on them at those odds during the regular season. I also don’t trust their goalies.
Best Odds for the Ducks to win the Central Division:
Canada: 3.40 Odds at 888 Sports.
USA: +225 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 3.40 Odds at 888 Sports.
San Jose Sharks: The Sharks came so close to the cup last season, and this is going to be an interesting year. Thorton and Marleau are one year older and their contracts are up at the end of the season. Could be very interesting.
I’m just not convinced by the Sharks this season. It’s one of those things where it’s hard to really justify. They do have a quality team and they will make the playoffs I expect. The odds for them at +260 on average are good too. I just like the Kings more – but I can’t fully write off the Sharks.
Best Odds for the Sharks to win the Central Division:
Canada: 3.60 Odds at Sports Interaction.
USA: +260 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 3.25 Odds at 888 Sports.
Edmonton Oilers: Hey who knows – maybe this is the year the Oilers finally click. I mean they’ve brought in a few solid players, and maybe Eberle can get back to rocking it again? The Oilers are so frustrating because you look at them and you think man – you guys could actually be doing something. Then they let you down time and time again. So to go along with that I’ll make them my outside pick to make the playoffs. Because hey they certainly have the potential and maybe the Lucic line will take off. But I know I’m better off burning my money.
Best Odds for the Oilers to win the Central Division:
Canada: 9.50 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 9.00 Odds at 888 Sports.
Calgary Flames: Poor Bob Hartley – to go from the heights he reached two years ago to being axed the year later – and that was after winning the Jack Adams! Glen Gulutzan has a lot to prove and in the NHL he’s never really showed his coaching abilitites. Brian Elliott might be a good pickup for them but I see nothing to suggest the Flames challenge this year.
Best Odds for the Flames to win the Central Division:
Canada: 11.00 Odds at Sports Interaction.
USA: +950 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 11.00 Odds at 888 Sports.
Vancouver Canucks: It’s tough enough predicting Canucks games during the regular season never mind predicting the entire season in one get-go. However they’ve did nothing in the off-season to suggest they’ll be contenders. Maybe they will if Sutter stays healthy – but I’d be very surprised to see them contending for the division.
Best Odds for the Canucks to win the Central Division:
Canada: 16.00 Odds at Sports Interaction.
USA: +1500 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 16.00 Odds at 888 Sports.
Arizona Coyotes: This is one of those teams where you could actually see them pull off some surprises. The bookies expect them to finish last but what if Mike Smith plays his “A” game all season? What if Dylan Strome steps up? I’ve watched him in the OHL and he’s clearly ready for the NHL. Coyotes had some great runs last season. I can’t see them winning the division – but they’re one of those teams where if things go their way, they may just squeak into the playoffs.
Best Odds for the Coyotes to win the Central Division:
Canada: 21.00 Odds at 888 Sports.
USA: +1800 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 21.00 Odds at 888 Sports.
