NHL Metropolitan Division Odds: Rangers Attempting to Keep Lead

With the NHL All-Star break approaching, the division races are heating up.

The 2023-24 season has included plenty of surprises, but many teams have reached expectations, too. As we've seen in the Metropolitan Division, the race for the top spot is down to the two teams that everyone expected -- making for an exciting race in the second half.

Let's dive into the Metropolitan Division odds, per FanDuel Sportsbook.

NHL Metropolitan Division Odds

New York Rangers (-105)

The New York Rangers have led the Metropolitan Division for the majority of the season and will look to carry that into the break.

As it stands, the Rangers are 29-15-3 with 61 points, giving them a four-point lead but with one more game played. Diving into what the Rangers have done this season, their offensive numbers aren't nearly as impressive as you'd expect from a team that has been so good for much of the year.

New York ranks 13th with a Corsi For per 60 minutes (61.19) and 13th in Goals For per 60 minutes (3.18). Neither number is as high as you'd expect, but it's on the defensive end where they make up for it. The Rangers are holding their opponents for 2.8 Goals per 60 minutes (8th) with the 11th-best Corsi Against per 60 minutes (58.67).

Due to their defensive prowess with good goaltending, it's hard to side with anyone else in this division. They'll be trying to fend off a few teams from here on out, but as long as they can keep up their current play, they can lock up their first division win since the 2014-15 campaign.

Carolina Hurricanes (+155)

Can the Carolina Hurricanes get back to the top of the Metropolitan Division?

The Hurricanes sit at 26-15-5, good for 57 points thus far. They're four points back of the division lead with one game in hand on the Rangers, giving them room to climb throughout the rest of the season.

Carolina has won the Metropolitan Division in two straight seasons, so it's clear that they have the skill and track record to get it back. Their main problem, however, continues to be between the pipes. So far this season, the Hurricanes have started four different goalies due to their usual starter Frederik Andersen being out because of a blood clotting issue. Finding consistency has come with Pyotr Kochetkov -- but he's injured, as well.

They allow 2.97 Goals Against per 60 minutes, ranking 13th in that respect. The goaltending hasn't been outstanding, but their defense ranks as the best in the NHL. With a 46.75 Corsi Against, Carolina is top-ranked in that regard. They also have one of the best offenses with a league-leading 69.94 Corsi For per 60 minutes and 10th-ranked 3.35 Goals For per 60 minutes.

If the Hurricanes can continue to piece together their goaltending situation, they have a real chance to overcome the Rangers given the circumstances. They're going to make it close until the very end, so they're the team worth considering at +155.

Looking for more NHL betting opportunities? Check out all of the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.