Evaluating Strength of Schedule and Power Ratings through the Raymond Report lens
Welcome to the ATS Stats NHL Strength of Schedule (SOS) breakdown, where we separate teams winning with substance from those skating on borrowed time. This is where sharp money lives. Casual bettors stare at standings; professionals study schedule context, performance cycles, and market value.
Today’s snapshot highlights which clubs have battled legitimate contenders, who benefited from softer slates, and where the sportsbooks will misprice teams going into Week 4 of the season.
Battle-Hardened and Bankable
These teams have faced real competition and maintain winning form. They pass both the eye test and the math test.
| Team | Record | SOS% | Power Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | 9-3 | 44.83 | 0.60 |
| Detroit | 9-4 | 45.82 | 0.58 |
| New Jersey | 9-4 | 47.71 | 0.58 |
| Winnipeg | 9-3 | 42.99 | 0.59 |
| Pittsburgh | 8-5 | 46.96 | 0.54 |
Market Read:
These clubs have delivered results and survived legitimate opponents. Bettors should watch for value on short-price home spots and bounce-back situations. Montreal and Detroit look like early-season market darlings for a reason. They have earned it.
High SOS, Low Return (Still in Evaluation Mode)
Tough opponents, mixed results, potential upside if execution improves.
| Team | Record | SOS% | PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 7-6 | 54.56 | 0.54 |
| Tampa Bay | 6-6 | 54.83 | 0.52 |
| Florida | 6-6 | 53.97 | 0.52 |
| NY Islanders | 6-6 | 54.23 | 0.52 |
| Seattle | 5-6 | 57.42 | 0.51 |
| Edmonton | 6-7 | 51.49 | 0.49 |
Market Read:
These teams have eaten a steady diet of contenders and survived in patches. Edmonton and Seattle are primed for runs when schedule relief hits. Tampa and Florida are calibrated correctly by the books right now, but offers upside in motivated bounce-back home games.
Balanced Schedule, True Identity Revealed
No big SOS inflation or deflation. What you see is who they are.
| Team | Record | SOS% | PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | 7-4 | 51.82 | 0.58 |
| Columbus | 7-5 | 47.54 | 0.53 |
| Dallas | 6-6 | 48.31 | 0.49 |
| Philadelphia | 6-6 | 48.54 | 0.49 |
| Vegas | 6-5 | 44.42 | 0.49 |
| Toronto | 6-6 | 52.15 | 0.51 |
| Washington | 6-6 | 47.06 | 0.49 |
| Boston | 7-7 | 51.95 | 0.51 |
Market Read:
Stable, predictable market teams. Not much surprise risk here. Anaheim emerging as a sneaky market-respect team, but bettors should temper enthusiasm until they clear tougher stretches.
SOS-Friendly Records, Proceed with Caution
No strength-of-schedule excuse here; results should be stronger.
| Team | Record | SOS% | PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY Rangers | 6-7 | 46.66 | 0.46 |
| Ottawa | 6-7 | 46.91 | 0.47 |
| Vancouver | 6-7 | 42.87 | 0.45 |
| Los Angeles | 5-8 | 51.05 | 0.45 |
| Buffalo | 5-7 | 54.06 | 0.48 |
| Chicago | 5-7 | 52.69 | 0.47 |
Market Read:
These teams have not been fed to wolves, yet they still struggle to find rhythm. These clubs can upset favorites in spots, but consistency remains questionable. Be selective.
Underwater With No Lifeline Yet
Tough schedule or not, these teams are not giving bettors reasons to trust them.
| Team | Record | SOS% | PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | 5-8 | 53.14 | 0.46 |
| Minnesota | 4-9 | 51.33 | 0.41 |
| Calgary | 3-11 | 53.49 | 0.37 |
| St. Louis | 3-9 | 49.97 | 0.37 |
| San Jose | 4-9 | 56.69 | 0.44 |
Market Read:
San Jose’s SOS helps explain effort, but bettors still need selective spots. Calgary and St. Louis remain fade-first systems until proven otherwise. Minnesota shows flashes, but flashes do not cash tickets.
On-Watch: Expansion Utah Grinders
| Team | Record | SOS% | PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 8-4 | 43.08 | 0.55 |
Market Read:
New franchise fighting, disciplined, beating who they should. Do not overpay if books get aggressive. Best used in even-money or short chalk roles.
Betting Recommendations for the Week
Potential Buy Teams:
- Colorado (schedule relief upside)
- Edmonton (confidence swings incoming)
- Montreal, Detroit, New Jersey (sustainable profiles)
- Utah (until price inflates too far)
Cautions:
- Anaheim (nice start, tough road remains)
- Columbus (improving, keep price sensitivity)
Fade Candidates:
- Calgary, St. Louis, Minnesota (market respect not earned)
- Rangers in overpriced spots
Final Word
Strength of schedule is not a trophy, it is context.
Winning bettors do not bet with emotion; they bet with information.
This SOS model shows which teams are the real deal, who is overvalued, and who is quietly improving under the radar. Want this edge every morning with actionable plays and historical systems behind it?
Visit ATSStats.com and plug into the Raymond Report engine.
Smart bettors study the market.
Winning bettors beat it.
