Predators, Wild, Kings Are NHL’s Best Home Teams

The Predators have lost just once in regulation time so far this season at Bridgestone Arena. (Photo credit: stephenyeargin / Foter / CC BY-SA)


Home ice advantage can be a very big factor in NHL betting.

Home teams enjoy not having to travel, sleeping in their own beds, having last change and, of course, the support of a large crowd behind them.

Here are the top 3 home teams in the NHL this season, and our thoughts on how to approach them in future NHL betting.

1. Nashville Predators (8-1-0-1)

Bridgestone Arena has been very good to the Predators this season. Nashville’s lost just once in regulation on home ice, a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Penguins Oct. 25.

However, the Preds aren’t exactly dominating visitors. 7 of their 8 wins at home have come by 1 goal, and 3 came in a shootout, including the last 2.

This trend won’t last forever, and we can see value in betting against the Predators at home with some juicy odds on the visiting teams.

2. Minnesota Wild (7-1-0-0)

The Wild has been one of the NHL’s best home teams in recent years, and this season is no different.

Like Nashville, only a loss to Pittsburgh has prevented the Wild from putting up a perfect home slate this year.

But unlike the Predators, Minnesota has won most of its home games comfortably. Five of its seven victories at Xcel Energy Center were by 2 goals or more, including a 7-2 decision over Tampa Bay.

The Wild appears to be an excellent choice to take on the NHL betting puck line (-1.5) at home.

3. Los Angeles Kings (10-2-0-1)

Since coming out as flat as a pancake on opening night against San Jose, the Kings have won 10 of 12 games at Staples Centre.

That includes victories over the Ducks, Blues and Canucks, when L.A. allowed a grand total of 3 goals in the 3 games.

The Kings have also enjoyed their finest offensive nights at home this year, scoring 5-plus goals on 4 occasions.

You’ll have to lay heavy odds to bet on the Kings at home, however. L.A. has been a favourite of -190 or higher in 5 of its 13 home games. If you want to bet on the Kings at home against a weak opponent, we suggest parlaying them with another team to reduce your risk.