There are streaks aplenty as the NHL season starts heating up during the wintertime. The Pacific division is well-represented with a trio of terrific teams, with the two giants of the East sandwiched in between this week’s list.
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NHL Betting Power Rankings as of December 18
TEAMS
TRENDS
Anaheim Ducks
6-0 SU in last 6 games
Pittsburgh Penguins
9-1 SU in last 10 games
Boston Bruins
7-2 SU in last 9 games
Vancouver Canucks
7-1 SU in last 8 games
Los Angeles Kings
7-1 SU in last 8 games
1. Anaheim Ducks
Next Games: at NJ, at NYI, at WAS
The Anaheim Ducks are heading toward the opposite of south this winter. Owners of the longest active winning streak in the NHL, the Ducks are soaring upwards. Anaheim has shot up to the 2nd best record in the league with a six-game winning streak, which began with a shootout win over the NHL-leading Blackhawks.
The Ducks can further extend that streak during their East coast road trip this week, which begins with the bottom-feeding Devils and Isles.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
Next Games: at NYR, vs MIN, vs CGY, at OTT
The Pittsburgh Penguins are the hottest team on the ice at the moment. The Pens are 9-1 SU since losing back-to-back games in the last week of November. The goaltending has been excellent, conceding just one goal or less in six of their last ten games.
It could get much better for the Pens this week, as they face the Rangers, Flames and Sens –all teams with losing records.
3. Boston Bruins
Next Games: at BUF, vs BUF, at NSH
Close behind the Pens – both in recent form and in the Eastern standings – are the Boston Bruins, who’ve won 7 of their last 9 games. The B’s have especially liked playing in the Garden, where they’ve won their last six home games, including one against Pittsburgh.
Boston has a very easy schedule up ahead, with three games against the last-placed Sabres and Predators. [sc:NHL250 ]
4. Vancouver Canucks
Next Games: at DAL, at CHI, vs WPG
The previous owners of the league’s longest winning streak, the Canucks had their seven-game unbeaten run end recently, but are eager to start a new one this week.
Vancouver visits the defending champs in Chicago, but they also have games against the fading Stars and fuel-less Jets to look forward to.
5. Los Angeles Kings
Next Games: vs SJ, vs COL, vs DAL
The loss of Jonathan Quick was supposed to be a big blow, but LA has coped without their star goalie just fine, thank you. The Kings are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games, which included a recently snapped six-game winning streak. Rookie netminder Martin Jones has recorded three shutouts and six wins in his first six games as a King.
Even with tough tests coming in the Sharks and Avalanche, their all-home schedule this week will suit LA just fine.
