Play in the NHL, as with the vast majority of sports around the world, is currently on hold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The regular NHL season was edging towards a dramatic climax with all the playoff places still at stake when the pandemic struck and brought things to a standstill.
There are hopes that the league could return to action relatively soon once the number of Covid-19 cases start to drop substantially. These are good news for both fans and punters who anticipate betting on the League games. Resuming the games will definitely bring hockey betting back to life. Whoever wants to get prepared in advance should check the hottest hockey bets on bestsportsbooks.ca.
When the season resumes from here is as yet unclear, with several options available depending on how quickly the spread of the virus is brought under control. At the time of the league being suspended, there were mixed fortunes for the seven Canadian franchises in terms of their respective playoff aspirations.
Maple Leafs & Oilers Contenders
In the Stanley Cup outright winner betting odds, none of the Canadian franchises are among the leading half a dozen or so market leaders at present, but the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs are both priced at odds that suggest they are seen as definite contenders and the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets are all regarded as lively outsiders.
In the Eastern Conference, the Maple Leafs have plenty to do if they are to finish in top spot and there are a handful of teams ahead of them in the betting market.
Likewise, the NHL betting odds to win the Western Conference see the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights leading the way, but with the Oilers, Flames, Canucks and Jets all seen to have chances to win through and top the Conference.
In the Atlantic Division, the only realistic threat to the Maple Leafs securing an automatic playoff place would appear to be the Florida Panthers.
Miracle Needed for The Habs
The Montreal Canadiens are all but out of contention for automatic qualification from the Atlantic Division and are in need of a minor miracle if they are to secure a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Only the Detroit Red Wings, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention, have a worse record than the Ottawa Senators in the NHL this season. Realistically, whenever the NHL returns to action, the season is already effectively over for the Senators.
It’s looking encouraging for the Oilers to claim an automatic playoff place in the Pacific Division, with the Flames also clinging on to a place at the time of the NHL shutdown.
Top 3 for Jets?
The Winnipeg Jets still retain very realistic hopes of a top three finish in the Central Division and currently hold the first Wild Card position in the Western Conference, while the Vancouver Canucks are still very much in contention for the NHL playoffs either via automatic qualification from the Pacific Division or with a Wild Card.
As things stand, five Canadian teams retain realistic playoff hopes. It’s now a waiting game until we know when and how the NHL season will resume.