Ricky Dimon
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The Pacific Division is powerful at the top (the Vegas Golden Knights are the defending Western Conference champions), about as bad as it gets at the bottom (the Arizona Coyotes were the worst in the West last season), and features plenty of intrigue in between (the Edmonton Oilers, for example, boast 2016-17 NHL MVP Connor McDavid). Let’s take a look at each team’s projected NHL Betting point totals for 2018-19 and make over/under picks.
San Jose Sharks: 97.5
The Sharks reached the playoffs for the 13th time in the last 14 seasons after compiling 100 points last season. They took care of Anaheim in round one before succumbing to another division foe, Vegas, in the conference semis. San Jose should only get better with perhaps the best blue line in the league, which includes Brent Burns and prized newcomer Erik Karlsson, supporting veteran goalie Martin Jones.
Pick: Over
Vegas Golden Knights: 96.5
The Golden Knights were the talk of the hockey world in 2017-18, compiling 109 points during their inaugural season. They went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals before falling to Washington. A regression to some extent would only be natural, but this team still looks great on paper. Vegas added Max Pacioretty and Paul Stastny to the second line, and veteran Marc-Andre Fleury is back to mind the net.
Pick: Over
Anaheim Ducks: 96.5
Anaheim took a step back after advancing to the Western Conference Finals in 2016-17, suffering a four-game sweep in the first round against San Jose after accruing 101 points during the regular season. The Ducks return basically the same veteran roster than was on display last year, and their players certainly aren’t getting any younger. Goalie John Gibson should keep the team afloat, but another 100-point performance is unlikely.
Pick: Under
Los Angeles Kings: 93.5
A well-known, veteran all-star has arrived in Los Angeles. No, not LeBron James; Ilya Kovalchuk! How much of a difference will the Russian make? Maybe a lot, but at the same time he is 35 years old and last played in the NHL during the 2012-13 campaign. Even if Kovalchuk excels, this is still a mediocre offense that has shown recent signs of wear and tear. But the net is no doubt in good hands with goalie Jonathan Quick.
Pick: Under
Calgary Flames: 93.5
Bill Peters is Calgary’s new head coach, but the jury is out on his chances of taking the team to a new level. In four seasons at Carolina’s helm, Peters never made a playoff appearance or finished better than sixth in the Metropolitan Division. The Flames, meanwhile, have missed the playoffs seven of the last nine years. Newcomers James Neal and Elias Lindholm may help the offense, but a 10-point improvement seems ambitious.
Pick: Under
Edmonton Oilers: 91.5
The Oilers finished with a mere 78 points last season. So how are they going to get more than 91? Well, 78 is likely an aberration as opposed to the rule. McDavid and company soared to 103 points in 2016-17 and the top line of McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Ty Rattie should be able to restore order to the proceedings in Edmonton. If the defense improves just a little bit in front of goalie Cam Talbot, watch out.
Pick: Over
Arizona Coyotes: 80.5
Arizona was last in the Pacific in 2017-18, and it’s not hard to figure out why. The Coyotes scored only 208 goals, more than Buffalo but no one else. There is no reason to think the offense is going to be much better, as Max Domi was traded to Montreal this summer. Incoming centers Derek Stepan and Christian Dvorak will help fill the void, but this roster is also underwhelming on both defense and with its goaltending.
Pick: Under
Vancouver Canucks: 77.5
There’s a two-horse race for last place in the Pacific Division, and it involves the Coyotes and Canucks. In the era-ending season of twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Vancouver placed second to last in the Western Conference (73 points). With the Sedins retiring, the torch has been passed to 22-year-old Bo Horvat and 20-year-old Brock Boeser. If Horvat and Boeser manage to stay healthy this time around, the rebuilding process should begin.
Pick: Over
