Las Vegas expects the Avalanche to make the playoffs in 2014-15, but regress in the regular-season standings. The Avs amassed 112 points last season, finishing atop the Central Division and second to the Anaheim Ducks in the Western Conference. But Las Vegas sportsbook Bovada has Colorado’s over/under at 98.5 regular-season points — more than six fewer wins (including shootouts) than last season. Still, that over/under number is tied for sixth in the West and eighth in the 30-team NHL.
I think 98.5 is a fair number for what most of us expect to be an improved team. Matching their 112 points in coach Patrick Roy’s dreamy rookie NHL season will be extremely tough to do, mostly because the Central Division is so good. Better team on paper, most agree, but fewer fortunate bounces going their way. The Avs led the NHL with 15 overtime/shootout wins last season.
Over/under regular-season points for 2014-15, courtesy of Bovada (www.Bovada.lv, Twitter: @BovadaLV):
Boston Bruins 112½
Chicago Blackhawks 111½
Los Angeles Kings 106½
Anaheim Ducks 105½
Pittsburgh Penguins 105½
St Louis Blues 105½
San Jose Sharks 102½
Colorado Avalanche 98½
Minnesota Wild 98½
New York Rangers 95½
Tampa Bay Lightning 94½
Montreal Canadiens 93½
Detroit Red Wings 91½
Columbus Blue Jackets 90½
Philadelphia Flyers 90½
Dallas Stars 89½
Toronto Maple Leafs 88½
Vancouver Canucks 88½
Washington Capitals 88½
New Jersey Devils 83½
Carolina Hurricanes 81½
New York Islanders 81½
Arizona Coyotes 80½
Edmonton Oilers 80½
Winnipeg Jets 80½
Ottawa Senators 78½
Nashville Predators 76½
Calgary Flames 71½
Florida Panthers 70½
Buffalo Sabres 65½
