The NHL enters its fifth week with a watchful eye on the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche racking up wins in the west, while teams in Alberta and the Atlantic continue to struggle.
Through all those happenings, another week means another set of games and teams to bet on. The five teams below are on a roll and may be able to continue on their hot streaks with some favorable scheduling.
Top Bet’s 5 best NHL teams to bet on this week:
1. Pittsburgh Penguins
Next games: vs. Columbus, @ Columbus, vs. NY Rangers
The Pittsburgh Penguins are finally back on the winning track after beating the ‘Canes and the Bruins. The Pens are riding a huge wave of confidence after getting sweet revenge in Boston and now, they get Columbus on a home-and-home series.
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2. Detroit Red Wings
Next games: @ Calgary, @ Edmonton, @ Winnipeg
The Red Wings stopped their four-game losing streak after beating the Canucks and this week should probably give them a breath of fresh air as they will go up against Canadian teams in the West that are either mediocre or just plain bad. It’s on to Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, where even a menial effort should be enough to win.
3. Minnesota Wild
Next games: vs. Montreal, vs. New Jersey, vs. Calgary
Josh Harding will be day-to-day, but whether he comes back or not, expect the 5th-ranked defense and the 4th-ranked power play team to pose a threat to Montreal, New Jersey and Calgary to complete their four-game home stand. By the way, the Wild have won three of their last 4.
4. Anaheim Ducks
Next games: @Boston, @Buffalo, @NY Rangers, vs. Phoenix
The Ducks are currently on an 8-game road trip to the Atlantic where they have won three straight games. They visit the Bruins on Halloween night, a team who will be on their second of a back-to-back. Then the Ducks will conclude their road trip with visits to two of the worst teams in the East.
Despite their very horrible power play conversions, they remain balanced on offense and defense. This should be an easy week for them.
5. St. Louis Bues
Next games: @Tampa Bay, @ Florida, @Montreal
Speaking of easy, the St. Louis Blues will have a cake-walk week building off their current two-game winning streak. What do you get when the 2nd-best offense, the 7th-best defense and the best power play team visits a set of inconsistent clubs? Let’s not forget that Alex Steen is on fire.
