Central Division Betting Preview: PointsBet Canada Overs & Unders
By: Aleem Kanji
Arizona Coyotes:
Over 67.5 -130
Under 67.5 +100
2021 82-game pace = 79.07 points
The Arizona Coyotes are bottoming out this year. We may have not seen an NHL roster this bad since the 2014-15 Buffalo Sabres were trying to land Connor McDavid. With goalies such as journeyman Carter Hutton and youngster Josef Korenar (who had a .898 Save Percentage with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda last year), Arizona will be down a goal early and often. This will not translate to a lot of wins.
I would not be surprised to see the Coyotes selling parts throughout the season. Phil Kessel is already rumored to be on the way out. They were busy in the offseason selling off Oliver Ekman-Larsson for draft picks and shedding salary anywhere they could. They have seven draft picks in the 2022 NHL Draft and seem to be very focused on the future, rather than the present. The Coyotes are really hoping for a next step from Clayton Keller, but do not have a number one center to pass him the puck. Their defense starts with Jakob Chychrun, who was a standout last year. Victor Soderstrom has some promise, but is only 20 years old and struggled last year.
The Coyotes’ roster has been gutted, and I love getting plus money here. They will be one of the worst teams in the league and their offseason turmoil will spill into the season. Take the under 67.5 points for the Coyotes.
Colorado Avalanche
Over 110.5 -139
Under 110.5 +110
2021 82 game pace = 120.07 points
Colorado is a team that should be in talks as the top team of the NHL. Last year, they lost to the Golden Knights, 4-2, in the second round of the playoffs. In goal, they acquired Darcy Kuemper after Philipp Grubauer went to Seattle. Kuemper had a .907 save percentage with Arizona last year, but the team in front of him gets significantly better. He could be in talks to be a Vezina candidate at the end of the year. Pavel Francouz is a good backup and will lighten the load for him, although he is injured to start the season.
Colorado is laden with stars throughout the lineup. Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar are all top 10 players in their position and play a possession game. The Avalanche have the depth and talent to give any team in the league fits. The depth pieces will be important here, too. They will be there to assist the stars where need be. Colorado has some younger pieces that could help, with Alex Newhook and Bowen Byram leading the way.
Much of the Avalanche focus will be on building towards gearing up for the playoff race. They remind me of the Lightning two years ago. An exciting team who is trying to get over the hump, with a very real chance to be lifting the cup. I think this team is exceptional and could even challenge the 128 point total that the Lightning achieved in 2018-19. We do have to lay some money here, but this team is ready for the next step. Take the over 110.5 points for the Avalanche.
Minnesota Wild
Over 97.5 -115
Under 97.5 -115
2021 82 game pace =109.82 points
The Wild are all-in this year. After buying out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, they have an astronomical cap hit in 2022 and beyond. Both players were stunting the growth of this exciting team and the torch has been passed to a new leadership core. The Wild also re-signed Joel Erikkson Ek and Kirill Kaprizov long term, signifying a changing of the guard for this team.
Outside of these two, there are some interesting pieces. Marco Rossi is a flashy rookie who missed all last year with COVID-19 and Matthew Boldy was taken 12th overall in 2019. Kevin Fiala has settled in as a solid second liner and Mats Zuccarello had a strong year last season as well. The D-core is solid if unspectacular. There are similarities to how the Carolina Hurricanes used to build their defense. Lots of second pairing defensemen, but no true No. 1.
The Wild are a team that looks built to take advantage of the regular season. I think they will make the playoffs, but the makeup of the team does not seem like one that can compete with the alpha teams in the league. Their points pace last year indicates a very good team and made them appointment viewing. I think that will continue this year. Take the over 97.5 points for the Wild.
Winnipeg Jets
Over 92.5 -130
Under 92.5 +100
2021 82 game pace =92.25 points
Ever since the Jets traded Jacob Trouba, they have been looking for a way to shore up their defense. This year, they signed Brenden Dillon and the always underrated Nate Schmidt. In goal, Connor Hellebuyck is a top-five goalie in the NHL and will always keep the Jets in any game. He finally has some help in front as he faced the most shots against in the league last year. After the departure of Laurent Brossoit, Winnipeg also needs Eric Comrie to be a decent backup to give Hellebuyck some rest. Hellebuyck played 45 out of 58 games last year.
The Jets have a great group of talent on their top two lines. Ehlers is ready to be a top line player and Kyle Connor may be the most underrated player in the league. Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler dominate every power-play opportunity and are amongst the leaders every year. But, both players focus a lot on offense and their defense is lacking somewhat. Neal Pionk was a lone bright spot on defense last year and had some standout performances on offense and defense. He should take a further step in his development too. Morrissey is dependable if unspectacular. The added defensive depth will help both players with their ice time and steady the blue line.
Paul Maurice has been the coach for this team for seven years; second to Jon Cooper. The market thinks the Jets are going to be better this year as indicated by shading their points total up here. I disagree. I think Blake Wheeler really starts to show his age and Paul Maurice will not be quick to make the change here. Take the under 92.5 points for the Jets.
