The NHL realigned its divisions in 2021 to reduce the amount of travel due to concerns with the coronavirus. The new NHL East Division will be extremely competitive with the top teams in the Metropolitan Division competing with the powerful Boston Bruins.
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The Boston Bruins have finished first or second in the Atlantic Division in each of the past four seasons. In last year’s COVID-19 shortened season, the Bruins led the NHL in points with 100. That is why they are a +200 favorite to win the East.
But, can Boston pull it off against a division full of playoff contenders?
Boston “D” Party
Bettors should watch the Bruins early to see if their defense suffers from the loss of Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara. Boston will have to count on young defensemen like Charlie McAvoy if they are going to win the division this year.
The Bruins definitely have the offense with David Pastrnak (95 pts last year), Brad Marchand (87), and Patrice Bergeron (56), but bettors should be aware that Pastrnak and Marchand both had offseason surgeries. Marchand should be ready to go at the season’s start, but Pastrnak isn’t expected back until mid-February.
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The Door Is Open
One can never count out a Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin Pittsburgh Penguin team. The Penguins have pretty much the same roster they have had for the last five years. They did trade goalie Matt Murray and much of their 2021 success will rest on the shoulders of G Tristan Jarry. Pittsburgh is an intriguing bet to win the East at +475.
The New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers played an epic seven-game series in the second round of last year’s playoffs. They get to rekindle the battle eight times this season. The Islanders are outstanding defensively and have owned series with Pittsburgh and rival the New York Rangers for the past few years.
The Islanders are listed at +450 to win while the Flyers check in at +425. The core of the Flyers – Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, and Jakub Voracek remains intact, but the question mark for Philadelphia will be goaltending.
Longshots?
If you’re looking to jump on Buffalo at +1200, you might want to rethink it. One would think the Sabres would be primed for a playoff run with all the young talent they have acquired in recent years. They just aren’t there yet.
They added Eric Staal to an already gifted lineup that includes former No. 1 pick Jack Eichel. Don’t forget first-round pick Rasmus Dahlin on the blue line. The problem for Buffalo is in net, which is why the Sabres are not worthy of a longshot bet.
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The same holds true for New Jersey, which is listed at +1800 to win the East. Whether or not you consider them a longshot at +450, the Washington Capitals could be a surprise in the East. The Caps have won the last five straight Metropolitan Division titles.
With perennial All-Star and future Hall of Famer Alexander Ovechkin leading the charge and solid goaltending from Ilya Samsonov and Henrik Lundqvist, the Caps are worthy of consideration at +450.
Odds to Win NHL East Division 2021
If you’re in the USA/Canada, bet on the NHL with BetOnline this season.
Boston Bruins +200
Philadelphia Flyers +425
New York Islanders +450
Washington Capitals +450
Pittsburgh Penguins +475
New York Rangers +750
Buffalo Sabres +1200
New Jersey Devils +1800
