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- San Jose is a -150 favorite to finish with the worst record in the National Hockey League
- Chicago (+325) could place dead last for the second consecutive season
- Anaheim (+1200) is a strong value after losing nine straight games
After earning just one more point than the Chicago Blackhawks last season and missing out on generational prospect Connor Bedard, the San Jose Sharks are handicapped for last place in 2023-24. But should David Quinn’s club really be a -150 favorite to finish with the worst record in the NHL?
Before we examine all the ugliest teams in hockey and place our bets, here’s where you can find the best Stanley Cup betting sites and the top betting sites for NHL hockey in 2023-24.
Worst Record 2023/24 Regular Season
| Team |  |  |  |
| San Jose Sharks | -150 | -150 | -150 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +325 | +325 | +325 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +650 | +650 | +650 |
| Anaheim Ducks | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Montreal Canadiens | +1600 | +1600 | +1600 |
| Ottawa Senators | +3300 | +3300 | +3300 |
| Minnesota Wild | +4000 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | +5000 | +5000 | +5000 |
| Arizona Coyotes | +6600 | +6600 | +6600 |
| Buffalo Sabres | +10000 | +10000 | +10000 |
Sharks stink yet again
San Jose (-150) started the season 3-15-2 and sit dead last in goals per game (1.75) and goals allowed per game (3.92). However, there is some sun peaking behind those clouds. David Quinn’s squad has won three of their past four games with victories over the Devils, Capitals and Canucks. Two of which are currently playoff teams.
While there’s no doubt the Sharks will be picking near the top of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, there’s no reason to bet them to finish with the worst record at -150 odds just a quarter into the season.
Sharks beat the Devils tonight as +355 underdogs…
+ The 7th-largest NHL upset since 2015 & largest this season
+ Sharks get their 1st road win of the year (1-10-0)
+ San Jose becomes the 2nd team listed +350 or higher to win before the New Year in the last 20 years (’22 ARI). pic.twitter.com/XgV4X34psN— Evan Abrams (@EvanHAbrams) December 2, 2023
Poor Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard is on pace to snipe 50 goals in his rookie season. That’s where the good news ends. In addition to those nasty Corey Perry rumors, the 18-year-old prodigy has to play on a Blackhawks team bereft of talent. Chicago (+325) has the second-worst goal differential (-24) in the league, although that’s still 30+ goals better than the Sharks.
The Blue Jackets’ year got off to an embarrassing note when Mike Babcock resigned before ever coaching a game for the franchise. And then it somehow got worse. But, Columbus (+650) has now won four of their past six games. One of which was a 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.
Looking for a longshot
In the midst of a rebuild, Montreal (+1600) was supposed to be bad this season. However, Senators fans expected much more from their young roster. After picking up three straight W’s, Ottawa (+3300) has now dropped three in a row, including a 4-2 loss to Columbus on Friday. The days of head coach D. J. Smith have to be numbered. Although, with a handful of games in hand on their competition, they should avoid last place.
The @EdmontonOilers put up an 8-spot against the @AnaheimDucks ✅
Have the Oilers turned a corner? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Wj9FTQMpuX
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 27, 2023
Best Bet
With Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale on IR, Anaheim (+1200) has dropped nine games in a row following their loss to Colorado on Saturday night. In two of those contests, their opponents scored eight goals against them.
The Ducks are using a load management strategy with Leo Carlsson, their 2nd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, and don’t seem all that interested in winning hockey games. Given they’re only a few wins ahead of San Jose in the standings with three quarters of the season left to play, Anaheim is worth a wager to secure the NHL’s worst record.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
