The National Hockey League is unpredictable. Fans, media pundits, and bettors all expect one thing going into the season, and oftentimes, their expectations are dashed. This has certainly been the case for the 2024-25 season.
There were many teams that entered the year as betting favourites to make a strong playoff push that have fallen off, and many who have unexpectedly surged into the discussion. Let’s look at some teams that have defied expectations from fans and sportsbooks this year, for better or worse.
For Better:
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have consistently been a solid playoff squad over the past couple of seasons. However, this season, they look like something else entirely: a real Stanley Cup contender. The Jets have been absolutely dominant this year. They are tied for the best record in the NHL and look like one of the most complete teams in the league. Connor Hellebuyck is making noise in the Hart Trophy and Vezina discussion. Their usual stars have put forth great seasons, with Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Nikolaj Ehlers all performing at all-star levels. They are one of the betting favourites to win this year.
Washington Capitals
If you had checked the Stanley Cup favourite list on sports betting sites before the season began, it was not likely you would have seen the Washington Capitals anywhere close to the top.That has certainly changed. Three-quarters of the way through the season, the Capitals are tied for the league lead in points. They have been sensational. Alexander Ovechkin continues to score at an incredible clip and is closing in on the all-time record. But this team has seen a number of players step up, including Logan Thompson, Dylan Strome, Jakob Chychrun, and more.
Calgary Flames
If you had checked sports betting sites before the year, you would have found the Calgary Flames with one of the lowest odds of any team to make the playoffs. However, if the season were to end today, you’d find the Flames in the playoffs. They have shocked expectations by being a sturdy, competitive team. Behind unexpectedly excellent goaltending from rookie Dustin Wolf, this is a team that has shown themselves to be far scrappier than expected. Despite not appearing to be a real Stanley Cup threat, this has been a positive year.
Columbus Blue Jackets
If you were referring to another player, replace the name with the correct one. Otherwise, this entire sentence needs to be rewritten. The team seems to have rallied around that emotional turmoil. They were not expected to make any noise in a highly competitive Eastern Conference, but they are currently in the mix for a playoff spot. They have had two massive breakout performances this year, with both Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko establishing themselves as superstars. It has been a markedly positive season on the ice for the franchise, and they seem to be taking a step forward.
For Worse:
New York Rangers
The Presidents Trophy winners last year were one of the clear favourites once again this year, bringing back much of the same core that spurred them to success. Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, and the other key pieces were all in place, which is what has made this season so disappointing for Rangers fans. The team is currently outside of the playoffs, which is a shocking result for a roster that is talented and expensive. However, the team made a big trade for J.T. Miller and has seen its play improve in recent weeks. If they sneak into the playoffs, watch out.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins were one of the best teams in the league last year, finishing second in their division and making it to the second round of the playoffs. This year, they currently sit seventh in their division and seem likely to miss out on the playoffs. They are shockingly one of the bottom teams in their conference, a result no one seemed to see coming, particularly after they got off to a strong start this year. They have an aging roster that lacks the firepower it once had, and goaltender Jeremy Swayman has been a letdown.
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators made a huge splash in free agency this year, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. With these three talented players added to a core that made the playoffs last season, the Predators were seen by many as a real Stanley Cup threat. That has certainly not been the case. The Predators are seventh in their division and have performed like one of the worst teams in the NHL. It is a shocking result for a group that many saw as veteran-laden and ready to compete at the highest level. But that is the nature of the league.
