Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Who's In It to Win It: The Top Teams in the 2021 NHL

05/05/2021 at 2:10pm EDT

With the clock ticking down to only a month away from the 2021 National Hockey League (NHL) season, the teams have already begun their training regimens to see who will take the top spots as one of the Stanley Cup contenders.

Because of this, you may have heard of some of the dominating teams such as the Tampa Bay Lightning or Boston Bruins. But, there are also other teams making moves in the current rankings and showcasing their power. Additionally, knowing about other teams allows you to pinpoint where to stand in the season, which Sportsbook odds to choose for, and maybe even who to place your bets on.

Thus, if you’re a complete beginner and want to get more out of this season, do not worry, as we have got you covered. By reading below, you learn the ways to read team standings, the prized Stanley Cup, and the fresh batch of 2021 NHL teams:

A Guide to Reading Team Standings

The variety of numbers thrown at you when first watching the NHL game may rather be confusing, but you’ll ultimately get the hang of it. The most important thing to account for is the three scores besides the team’s name or logo.

Additionally, these three scores dictate the team's performance as a whole - which comprises the team’s wins - losses - overtime losses. By taking note of these scores, we can calculate the team's points in the entire season and where they place in the standings.

If you’re eager to calculate your team’s standings, the point breakdown system works as such:

multiplying two points for every win, zero points for every loss, one point for overtime losses, and adding all of these together. With this, you can quickly determine your team’s record in the season.

Fresh Batch of 2021 Teams in the NHL

Knowing the teams is another part of the NHL experience. This is where the excitement intensifies as you tackle the capabilities and strengths of each team. Thus, read below and discover who are the top teams in this season:

Tampa Bay Lightning (9-2-1)

With their last seven games, the Tampa Bay Lightning proves to be on a roll with their six wins. It’s no joke to say that this team is one of the most talented teams in the league - especially with Andrei Vasilevsky as their goalie. This 26-year-old player has a .936 save percentage and 2.00 goals-against average, which is the number of goals a goalie permits within 60 minutes of playing time.

Additionally, the Lightnings are also expecting Nikita Kucherov to make his appearance after undergoing hip surgery in December. This fiery player will prove to be a great addition to the team as he scored 33 goals in the 2019-2020 regular season and seven in the playoffs.

Boston Bruins (9-1-2)

The Boston Bruins come in second with their four straight wins. This team awes and overpowers the ice rink with their six power play, penalty kills, and a nine-game point streak: which are consecutive games without a regulation loss.

Additionally, the Boston Bruins stand out with their goalie, Tuukka Rask, who powers the team with his 2.40 goals-against average. And although Ondrej Kase is injured, Patrice Bergeron makes up for that with his three goals in a game against Washington Capitals in January 2021. In the rink, look for the #37 jersey as Bergeron has 11 points, along with five goals - all in the span of eight games.

Vegas Golden Knights (8-2-1)

When it comes to a team’s record at home, the Vegas Golden Knights know how to push the pedal to victory. This team makes moves in the rankings with a 7-1-1 record at the T-Mobile Arena and with defenseman Shea Theodore. This 25-year-old veteran has dominated the ice rink with his excellent defense and the blue line with 10 points (composed of three goals and seven assists).

Toronto Maple Leafs (11-2-1)

With a four-game win streak, the Toronto Maple Leafs are on fire and fourth among these top teams. The Leafs have got intense offensive power - especially with Austin Matthews in their arsenal. Matthews has 181 goals in his career and league-leading 11 goals, which will surely make a big difference in the upcoming month.

Philadelphia Flyers (8-3-2)

The Philadelphia Flyers are going to soar high with their impressive scoring from James van Riemsdyk. This veteran winger surprises as he guides the team with 18 points (seven goals and 11 assists). Additionally, ever since 2018, this 31-year-old player is progressing to a 50-point season.

In Conclusion

Although the pandemic is ongoing and the standings may change, there is no denying that the NHL's month-long wait will be exciting. And what more so when it comes to betting. Thus, in the power-filled event of the NHL, be ready to buckle up and enjoy the rollercoaster ride brought by the top teams of the season.

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About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

Email Paul anytime at [email protected]

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