The Atlantic division is not the most exciting division in the NHL, but there is some top-level talent that cannot be denied. Last season, Florida won the division with 122 points and were followed close behind from the other three Atlantic playoff participants. Toronto finished second with 115 points, Tampa third with 110, and Boston fourth with 107. Thanks to Tampa Bay, the Atlantic division has been represented in the Stanley Cup for the past four seasons.
Atlantic Division Betting Odds
The Big Three Atlantic Division Contenders
It’s a three-horse race in the Atlantic division as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning are all expected to fight it out.
Toronto is the slight favorite, and it seems they relish being the regular season champs. I still don’t see a team ready to win big games, but they have superior talent to win a division over 82 games.
Florida added Matthew Tkachuk and have one of the best goaltending duos in the NHL. Like Toronto, this is a team that flourishes in the regular season and capitulates in the postseason. It should be a good battle between these two teams.
Rounding out the trio is the back-to-back-to-back Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lighting. At some point all these games have to put a toll of the Lightning, right? I am thinking this is the season the Lightening take a back seat, especially in the regular season, and maybe get in the playoffs thanks to a Wild Card spot.
This should be a fun division race all season long.
The Rest Of the Division
Boston is the only other team under 28/1 and you can never count out the Bruins. From the start, it does not appear the Bruins have the talent they have had in the past, but they still could sneak into that third spot over Tampa Bay.
Ottawa is a year away, but they still should be fun to watch this season.
Detroit, Buffalo, and Montreal will be hoping they find young gems to build the future around.
