The Western Conference playoff picture is taking its final form as the Winnipeg Jets take to the ice versus the Minnesota Wild later tonight. Things have fallen into place quite nicely for teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers, who were both on the brink of the projected playoff picture as All-Star weekend came along.
Other teams like the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights have been consistent in their play and certainly pose a threat to other cup contenders.
Dallas Stars
The Stars are powered by Jason Robertson on the front end and Jake Oettinger on the back end. The team’s core is young but the front office added veterans like Mason Marchment over the offseason.
The Stars also added new head coach Peter DeBoer in the offseason, and the team has certainly played with more grit and energy this year. It still remains to be seen how the new look Dallas Stars will perform come playoff time.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have looked better this year under new head coach Bruce Cassidy. The Knights, however, have looked like a deflated team post All-Star break. The Knights have the depth and skill needed to hit another level and cause some disruption in the playoffs.
Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets
Teams like the Seattle Kraken and the Winnipeg Jets have had less successful results post-All-Star break.
The Jets have endured one of the worst collapses in NHL history since the all-star break, and the team is now fighting for their playoff lives tonight against the Minnesota Wild.
The Kraken have looked less dominant since the break, but will be looking to regroup before heading into the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Betting Odds To Win the West (odds via Draftkings Sportsbook)
Best Bet To Win the Conference Title
The best bet to win the Western Conference is the Edmonton Oilers at +300. The Oilers made it to the Conference Finals last season only to lose to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche.
While there is seemingly little value on a +300 future bet, I think the Oilers get the job done this time around, even if they are pinned up against the Avalanche, who dashed McDavid’s dreams for a cup run last season.
