Today’s NHL Picks

List of NHL Teams

The NHL consists of 32 teams divided into two conferences: the Eastern and Western. Each conference is further broken into two divisions, making it easy to track teams based on geographic rivalries and playoff alignment. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a new fan, understanding these divisions is key to staying on top of the action.

Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference has been a cornerstone of the NHL since the league adopted its modern structure in 1993. However, its roots go much deeper, stemming from the original Eastern Division created during the NHL’s 1967 expansion. Known for its powerhouse franchises, thrilling rivalries, and high-scoring games, the Eastern Conference boasts some of the league’s most storied teams and intense playoff battles. The conference includes 16 teams split into two divisions: the Atlantic and Metropolitan.

Over the years, the Eastern Conference has showcased some of hockey’s greatest talents, from goal-scoring phenoms to elite goaltenders. It has been home to Stanley Cup dynasties like the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning, making it a focal point for hockey fans and bettors alike.

The Atlantic Division is known for its blend of historical teams and rising powerhouses. With fierce rivalries like Bruins vs. Canadiens, this division delivers excitement year-round.

The Metropolitan Division is packed with competitive teams and fast-paced action. This division is notorious for close playoff races and historic rivalries like Penguins vs. Capitals.

Western Conference

The Western Conference, established alongside the Eastern Conference in 1993, embodies the grit and intensity of NHL hockey. With its origins in the NHL’s Western Division, the conference has produced some of the most thrilling playoff runs and iconic Stanley Cup moments. Comprising 16 teams, the Western Conference is divided into the Central and Pacific Divisions.

From high-flying offenses to lockdown defensive squads, the Western Conference offers a wide variety of betting opportunities. Its teams are known for traveling vast distances during the season, which adds a unique challenge to the schedule that bettors should keep in mind.

The Central Division is known for its mix of established franchises and consistent contenders. Teams in this division are often lauded for their defensive prowess and physical play.

The Pacific Division features dynamic teams with explosive offenses and rich histories. It’s a division where young talent often shines, and rivalries like Oilers vs. Flames dominate the narrative.

Best NHL Team Records

Plenty of NHL teams have had their run of greatness, but there are a few that stand out:

• Tampa Bay Lightning (2018-19) – The 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning achieved an unprecedented level of regular-season dominance, tying the NHL record for most wins (62) and finishing with 128 points. They had a +103 goal differential, thanks to stars like Nikita Kucherov, who won the Hart Trophy with 128 points. While their playoff failure was shocking—a first-round sweep by the Columbus Blue Jackets—it doesn’t diminish their historic regular season.
• Detroit Red Wings (1995-96) – The Red Wings set the NHL record for most wins in a season at the time, with 62 victories and 131 points. Despite their postseason disappointment, losing to Colorado in the Conference Finals, this team showcased an elite roster featuring Sergei Fedorov and Steve Yzerman.
• Chicago Blackhawks (2012-13) – The lockout-shortened 2012-13 season gave rise to one of the most remarkable streaks in NHL history. The Blackhawks started the season with a 24-game point streak (21-0-3), finishing with 77 points in just 48 games. They capped it off with a Stanley Cup win, solidifying their legacy.
• Boston Bruins (2022-23) – The Bruins shattered the NHL’s single-season records for wins (65) and points (135). Their roster featured depth and consistency, with players like David Pastrnak and Linus Ullmark leading the way. Despite a shocking first-round playoff exit, their regular-season dominance was unparalleled.

Best NHL Teams of All Time

Any true ice hockey fan can agree that these are the best NHL teams of all time:

• 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens – Arguably the greatest NHL team ever, the 1976-77 Canadiens dominated with a record of 60-8-12, tallying 132 points. They led the league in both offense and defense, with Guy Lafleur leading the charge. Their playoff run was equally dominant, as they swept two series and dropped just two games en route to the Stanley Cup.
• 1984-85 Edmonton Oilers – Featuring Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Paul Coffey, this Oilers team was an offensive juggernaut. They scored 401 goals in the regular season and went 15-3 in the playoffs to capture the Stanley Cup. Their combination of skill, speed, and scoring defined an era of hockey.
• 1991-92 Pittsburgh Penguins – Led by Mario Lemieux, this Penguins team showcased unparalleled skill and resilience. They won their second consecutive Stanley Cup, thanks to contributions from Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, and Ron Francis. They excelled in every facet of the game, making them a joy to watch.

Worst NHL Teams of All Time

Where there’s a best, there’s a worst. Here are some teams we never want to see play again:

• 1974-75 Washington Capitals – The Capitals’ inaugural season was nothing short of disastrous. Their 8-67-5 record remains the worst in NHL history, as they managed just 21 points over 80 games. The team allowed a staggering 446 goals, highlighting their inability to compete at the NHL level.
• 1992-93 Ottawa Senators – Another expansion team disaster, the Senators won just 10 games in their first season. Their 24 points in 84 games made them one of the most uncompetitive teams in modern NHL history.
• 1980-81 Winnipeg Jets – The Jets endured an 80-game campaign that included just nine wins and 57 losses. Their defensive struggles were glaring, and they ended the season with a goal differential of -173.

Making Money Betting on NHL Teams

When you’re thinking about betting on the NHL, don’t just bet on the best teams. Even the worst team in the league can present opportunities for profit if you know what to look for. Here are a few tips to help you identify which NHL teams are worth putting money on:

Monitor Line Movement – Understanding betting line movement is critical in NHL betting. Early odds can shift based on public money or insider insights, offering opportunities to identify value. For example, if a team’s odds improve significantly, it may indicate key injuries or other factors influencing the game.

Leverage Advanced Analytics – Dive deeper into stats like Corsi (shot attempts for vs. against) and Fenwick (unblocked shot attempts) to gauge puck possession and team efficiency. These metrics often correlate with long-term success and can reveal undervalued teams.

Pay Attention to Backup Goalies – Starting goaltenders are usually announced on game day, and the difference between a team’s starter and backup can significantly impact performance. Betting on a team with a shaky backup goalie in net can be risky, while fading them may offer great value.

Watch for Key Matchups – Certain teams excel against specific opponents due to style mismatches. For instance, teams with strong forechecking systems can exploit weak defensive units. Researching past head-to-head matchups can help identify profitable trends.

Exploit Early Season Lines – Bookmakers often take time to adjust to early-season form. Undervalued teams that start hot or favorites that struggle early can offer lucrative betting opportunities before the odds normalize.

Let’s Get You Some Picks…

If you’re a dedicated hockey fan, you probably have a good grasp on which teams and players present good betting opportunities. But, if you want to up your game, consider using a handicapping service to make more NHL picks. 

The team at ScoresandStats.com put out picks and predictions for the NHL all through the season, and consistently win money doing it. 

So let us start picking for you, and all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the game. Sign up for ScoresandStats.com today. 

NHL Teams FAQ