NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
All NHL Teams to Bet on in 2024-25
Hockey fans and betting enthusiasts alike, welcome to your ultimate NHL hub for the 2024-25 season!
This page provides an overview of all NHL teams, breaking them down by conference and division, to make it easy to find the teams you’re interested in betting on.
From the best team records of the past 20 years to historical highlights, we also share tips to help you maximize your betting strategy.
Explore the links to individual team pages to dive deeper into stats, insights, and odds. Let’s get started!
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.
Atlantic Division
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.
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the Bruins compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Known for their tough, defensive play, they remain a top contender with stars like David Pastrňák and Charlie McAvoy leading the charge.
Despite having one of the longest active playoff droughts, the Sabres are building a formidable team with rising stars like Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson. With a passionate fan base in Buffalo, they are pushing for a return to contention.
A franchise rich in history with 11 Stanley Cups, the Red Wings are in a new era of rebuilding, centered around captain Dylan Larkin and young standout Moritz Seider. With a mix of youth and experience, they aim to bring “Hockeytown” back to the top.
The Panthers have transformed into one of the league’s most dangerous teams, with stars like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk leading their aggressive, high-powered offense.
The winningest franchise in NHL history with 24 Stanley Cups, the Canadiens are rebuilding around young stars like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. With a devoted fan base and a legacy of excellence, they aim to return to championship form.
With an exciting young core featuring Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk, the Senators are a team on the rise. Their aggressive playstyle and offensive firepower make them a dangerous opponent. Can they break through and become playoff contenders?
A modern dynasty with multiple recent Stanley Cup wins, the Lightning remain a serious contender with elite talents like Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy. Their playoff experience and offensive depth make them a tough team to beat
One of the NHL’s most iconic teams, the Leafs have a star-studded lineup with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner leading the way. With a passionate fan base eager for a Stanley Cup, the pressure is always high in Toronto.
Metropolitan Division
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.
Known for their fast-paced, relentless forechecking, the Hurricanes have been a top contender in recent years. Led by Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, they remain a threat in the Eastern Conference.
A team in rebuild mode, Columbus is developing a young, talented core including Adam Fantilli and Zach Werenski. Can they turn things around and become a playoff threat?
With a dynamic offense powered by Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, the Devils have become a must-watch team. After a strong 2024 season, can they take the next step toward the Cup?
Built around strong defense and elite goaltending from Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders thrive in grinding, low-scoring games. Can they find the offense needed for a deeper playoff run?
A star-studded roster featuring Artemi Panarin, Igor Shesterkin, and Adam Fox keeps the Rangers in Stanley Cup contention. With an electric offense and elite goaltending, will this be their year?
A team known for its grit, the Flyers are rebuilding with young stars like Cutter Gauthier and Travis Konecny. Can they return to playoff form soon?
Led by future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby, the Penguins are looking to squeeze another playoff run out of their veteran core. Will their experience be enough?
With Alexander Ovechkin chasing NHL history, the Capitals remain a team to watch. Can they stay competitive while transitioning to a younger core?
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.
Central Division
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.
With rookie sensation Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks are entering a new era. While still rebuilding, the excitement around the team is undeniable.
A recent Stanley Cup champion, the Avs boast a high-powered lineup featuring Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Can they reclaim the title?
With a mix of experienced veterans and young stars like Jason Robertson, the Stars are a serious contender. Can their strong two-way play lead to a deep playoff run?
Led by Kirill Kaprizov, the Wild have an explosive offense and a physical playing style. Can they break through in the loaded Western Conference?
Known for their elite defense and goaltending, the Predators rely on players like Juuse Saros and Roman Josi to stay competitive. Can their offense step up to make them a contender?
A recent Stanley Cup champion, the Blues are rebuilding while staying competitive. Can Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas lead the next wave of success?
With elite goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck and firepower from Kyle Connor, the Jets remain a dangerous team. Can they make a deep playoff push?
The NHL’s newest team, set to debut in 2025, brings hockey to Salt Lake City. With an exciting expansion draft ahead, Utah is looking to build a competitive team from day one. Stay tuned for roster updates, betting odds, and expert predictions on their inaugural season!
Pacific Division
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.
Featuring a young core led by Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson, the Ducks are in rebuild mode but have exciting talent. Can they surprise the league?
A team known for its physicality, the Flames are transitioning under new leadership. Can Jonathan Huberdeau and their young prospects bring them back to playoff contention?
With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have one of the most electric offenses in the NHL. Will this be the year they lift the Stanley Cup?
The Kings, led by Anže Kopitar and emerging star Quinton Byfield, balance strong defense with an improving offense. Can they make another deep playoff run?
The Sharks are deep into a rebuild, but with prospects like Will Smith developing, the future is bright. Can they accelerate their turnaround?
The NHL’s newest franchise has quickly become a playoff threat thanks to a balanced lineup and solid goaltending. Can they take the next step in 2025?
With star players like Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, the Canucks have the talent to be a playoff force. Can they put it all together for a deep run?
The defending Stanley Cup champs remain a powerhouse with elite depth and goaltending. Will they repeat their success in 2025?
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.
Ice-Cold Profits Await – Get NHL Betting Picks
Handicapping Membership
NHL Teams FAQ
What is the oldest team in the NHL?
The Montreal Canadiens, founded in 1909, are the oldest team in the NHL and one of the oldest professional ice hockey teams in the world.
Which team has the most Stanley Cup wins?
The Montreal Canadiens lead the league with 24 Stanley Cup victories, making them the most successful team in NHL history in terms of championships won.
Has any city lost an NHL team to relocation?
Yes, several cities have lost NHL teams through relocation. For instance, the Atlanta Flames moved to Calgary in 1980, and the Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas in 1993.
What was the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history?
The New York Rangers experienced the longest Stanley Cup drought, lasting 54 years from 1940 to 1994, when they finally clinched the championship again.
Who was the first player to score 50 goals in a single season?
Maurice “Rocket” Richard of the Montreal Canadiens was the first NHL player to score 50 goals in a single season, achieving this milestone during the 1944-1945 season.
