NHL Longshot Bet To Place Right Now

We have played through about one month of the NHL season so far, which has shown us some early hints as to what these teams will be. While most have only played 10-12 games at this point, and it can be hard to judge based on that small sample size, you can see some things starting to take shape for these teams. You can also tell if they are going to be better or worse than the team they were last season. With that, there are a couple of teams to be looking at right now at some large numbers on the futures market that could pay off big at the end of the season.

Let's take a look at one of my favorite NHL future bets on the board right now.

Philadelphia Flyers To Make The Playoffs (+700, DraftKings)

Yes, I know they just gave the woeful San Jose Sharks their first win of the season, but that just means that we are getting even more value here after losing to a team like that. Philly has started the season with a 5-7-1 record, which obviously isn't a good way to begin, but it also means we can get them to make the playoffs at this huge number before their comeback begins. From what I have seen from them so far, I think this is a team that could make a turnaround at some point in the near future, so I want to get in on them while we are still getting some large numbers on their futures.

I have the Flyers rated pretty highly at this point, and I have loved what I have seen despite the losses. For instance, let's look at that game against the Sharks. They lost the game, 2-1, but they totally dominated them the entire game. Philly outshot San Jose by a whopping 39-19 margin in the contest, a +20 differential. Nine times out of 10 they win that game, but Sharks starting goalie MacKenzie Blackwood was incredible, so you just have to tip your cap.

In fact, this has been happening a lot for the Flyers. The offense is getting 32 shots on opposing netminders per game on average, which is an above-average number, but they are only scoring 2.92 Goals Per Game (GPG). Perhaps what has been most impressive is their defense, which has allowed just 26 shots on their own net per game. That is one of the best figures in the NHL through the first month of the season. Overall, they own a +6 shot differential but have a losing record. I expect that to change soon, as regression to the mean is sure to kick in eventually.

Plus, they have been without starting goaltender Carter Hart, who has been out since Nov. 1 when he was pulled with an injury against Buffalo. Prior to his injury, he was playing quite well, allowing just a 2.52 GA/G and owning a .913 SV% in eight starts. He also has already notched a shutout, so the Flyers will need him to come back soon in order for this bet to really take shape. Backup Sam Ersson has not been nearly as good, with a poor 3.52 GA/G and .830 SV%. Once they get Hart back, I think they can be a sleeper team.

It's not always about talent level, it's how well you are actually playing. I think the Flyers have played well enough for me to place a small bet on them to make the playoffs at this huge number. This would be a great spot to use some bonus bets from the welcome offer below!