Islanders Given Better Odds Than Surging Capitals to Win NHL’s Metro Division
- The Metro Division is still a four-team race, according to oddsmakers
- The Islanders and Capitals are neck and neck, while the Blue Jackets and Penguins are within striking distance
- Should the red-hot Hurricanes be written off?
Aside from their crowd’s surly reception for John Tavares, the biggest story out of Brooklyn this year has been the rise of the Isles. The team that was given horrifying Stanley Cup odds (+8800) at the start of the year is now at the top of the table.
Odds to Win the 2019 NHL Metropolitan Division
| Team | Games Played | Points | Odds to Win the Metropolitan Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Islanders | 65 | 81 | +155 |
| Washington Capitals | 66 | 83 | +190 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 65 | 77 | +410 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 65 | 75 | +450 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 65 | 78 | +750 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 66 | 72 | +10000 |
| New York Rangers | 65 | 65 | +20000 |
| New Jersey Devils | 66 | 58 | +50000 |
The metro division is one of the few where the odds really don’t represent the actual standings. The Islanders have been the hottest team at most points throughout the season, let alone the new year, but have been slipping as of late.
Your metro division best bet
It’d still be hard to argue that the Islanders are not the top pick out of the stack. With that said, though, the Washington Capitals just ripped off four consecutive wins, while the Carolina Hurricanes have done them one better with five straight. Not to mention, every Canes win comes with one of these…
ICYMI: The Carolina Hurricane took their victory celebration to a whole new level with the help of Evander Holyfield. ?pic.twitter.com/kP7DSWCDPb
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 2, 2019
So, while they may not be the ideal bet for most, betting on the Canes to win has been pretty enjoyable this season. New York’s impressive 2019 has not been forgotten though and this is why they still lead the way despite their recent stumbles.
What happened to Pittsburgh?
We haven’t seen this too often throughout the last decade or so, but the Pens have been falling from grace. Initially, we were able to blame it on injuries as Matt Murray just couldn’t stay healthy. Now, though, the Pens have pretty much run out of excuses.
2018-2019 Pittsburgh Penguins. pic.twitter.com/LiHpIEZrrD
— Chris Crowell ?? (@chriscrowell87) February 25, 2019
They had a nice start to 2019 entering the year with an eight game win streak, but could only muster a 6-5-2 record through the month of February. With a virtually assured wild cart spot in-hand, the Pens can pretty much raise the white flag on the div at this point.
Best Metropolitan value bets
As mentioned, money on Carolina comes with a Storm Surge celebration when they win at home and that’s hard to beat. Obviously, there’s more to them than just that. The Canes are 8-2-0 through their last ten and are still paying nicely at +750. They’re also only five points back of first place Washington with a game in-hand.
The Canes are 8-2-0 in their last ten and are still paying nicely at +750.
Outside of Raleigh, NC, the money won’t be great with the Caps, but they’re still paying better than the NYI. The Capitals have been finding their groove in 2019 and have also received some decent production from their new faces in Carl Hagelin and Nick Jensen. Through their small handful of games, they’ve combined for one goal and 18-shots. The team also hasn’t lost with them donning the DC red.
Ryan is what you call a seasoned vet. It's been nearly 13 years and he has hosted three sports radio talk shows, two football television shows, two sports podcasts, released his first book in 2012, had his own ESPN E:60 documentary shot, and was the first inductee to ESPN's Hall of Fans.
