2022-23 NHL Metropolitan Division Odds: Is Carolina Starting A New Division Dynasty

I believed at the start of the NHL season that the Carolina Hurricanes were, on paper, the best bet to win the Metropolitan Division. And I was right.

Carolina took the Metropolitan Division with a 113-point season. It's the second time in two seasons that the Canes have won the Metro.

2022-23 Metropolitan Division odds

2023 Metropolitan Division Champions: Carolina Hurricanes

Two years in a row now Rod Brind'Amour has guided his side to the top of the Metropolitan Division. With a 52-21-9 record and 113 points, the Canes edged out the Devils and their 112-point season.

Carolina was the easy favorite to win the division with +195 odds as of October 7. 

Odds from October 7

Their domination in the Metro wasn't just in the standings. It was on the ice as well. Carolina held a 19-6-1 against the other seven Metro teams. Particularly against those two Pennsylvania (Flyers and Penguins) teams with a clean 8-0-0 record. 

We don't have the odds for next season, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Carolina at the top of the oddsboard for 23-24. And with no expected losses on the roster, I'd bet the Hurricanes do it for a third year.

With back-to-back banners, the Hurricanes seem to be starting their own dynasty in the Metropolitan Division. 

2023 Metropolitan Division Bet Dog

I like to look back over the year and see where we were all wrong. What team was given no chance and surprised?

New Jersey Devils (+1200)

The Devils were always going to get better than they were in 2021-22 when they finished seventh in the eight-team Metropolitan Division. But to nearly double the number of points on the board from 63 to 112? Wildly impressive. 

And they almost took the division. A single positive result would have netted them a banner. Going 2-2-0 against the Hurricanes was their downfall when it comes to winning the Division.

This is a young team trending up. Look for their 23-24 odds to be much better than in 22-23.

Last 8 Metropolitan Division Champs

Note the 2020-21 season is not listed as divisions were realigned due to COVID-19.

The Metropolitan Division has only existed since 2013-14. I know, it feels like the division has been around for much longer, but it hasn’t.

But in those eight years, the Washington Capitals have dominated, winning the division five times and finishing as the runner-up once (2015). 

How To Bet On NHL Metropolitan Division Odds:

Oddsmakers set and move lines during the NHL season for all divisions, awards and the Stanley Cup. You can bet on these odds using one of our top NHL sportsbooks, and use our Odds Calculator to figure out how much you’d win.

At Odds Shark, we use American odds, meaning the top-ranked team in Metropolitan Division odds might be +300 odds to win. That means you would earn $300 for every $100 wagered if that team goes on to win the division.

However, a long-shot team may be +12000 to win the division, meaning you win $12,000 for every $100 bet. It’s a better payout, but the line is set like that for a reason. If you’re betting on Metropolitan Division odds, or any hockey bets, it’s important to weigh that big payout with the probability of the team actually winning.