The NHL party continues on and today there are three great games for fans to watch. We have a mixture of teams playing their first games, while some teams are hitting the ice for the first time this regular season. While there are only three games, it’s going to be a great day of NHL action!
What will today’s games bring? Who will be able to get their first win on the board and start their season off the right way? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain, we are in for a fantastic day! So gear up, sit back, relax and watch. And if you like to have a bet, then you have certainly come to the right place.
Look below to find our free NHL picks for the three games on today’s schedule!
Chicago Blackhawks @ New Jersey Devils – 7.00PM EDT
The Chicago Blackhawks are hopeful not to start the season 0-2, while the New Jersey Devils kick off their season at home, starting at 7pm (EDT). The Blackhawks lost their opening game to the Avalanche 2-4 and the Devils finished last season with a record of 19–30–7.
Denis Kirilov
The Blackhawks lost their opening game against the favorites for the Stanley Cup, the Colorado Avalanche, and now they will be looking to make things right. However, their performance from the 1st Period suggests that the team will be struggling in the beginning of the season. They conceded 20 shots towards their goal which resulted in a 3-goal advantage for the Avalanche after just 10 minutes. They will have a tough task facing the New Jersey Devils in their home in Prudential Center.
On the other hand, the New Jersey Devils enjoyed great pre-season games, winning 4 out of 5. They defeated the Washington Capitals twice and demolished the New York Rangers (7:1). The Blackhawks’ defense and the Devils’ offense makes me pick a bet about a certain number of goals for the host. This time I will go for over 2.5 goals in the game for the New Jersey Devils. Over 3.5 goals is also an attractive option for those who are more risk-loving.
Denis’ NHL Pick: New Jersey Devils – Over 2.5
so great to C our guy out there last night pic.twitter.com/L5soREyUIk
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 14, 2021
Tony Battalio
After a season opening loss to one of the best teams in the National Hockey League Chicago will look to rebound in a big away against the New Jersey Devils. Meanwhile New Jersey will be opening their season with a home game. Marc-Andre Fleury should be able to bounce back from giving up 4 goals in the season opener and have an improved performance in net. His performance this season will be directly linked to the Blackhawks success.
I also expect Patrick Kane to record his first points of the young 2021-22 campaign. New Jersey should still put up a competitive game led by Jack Hughes and goalie Jonathan Bernier. If we get the matchup in goal that we are expected to get this game will be a great one, filled with several great saves and two teams clawing to see who scores first. However with the home ice advantage and the fresh skaters I think New Jersey pulls this one out late.
Tony’s NHL Pick: New Jersey Devils (-126)
Vancouver Canucks @ Philadelphia Flyers – 7.00PM EDT
The Vancouver Canucks lost their first game to the Oilers in a shootout, 2-3, and will be looking for a bounce back in their second game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers will open their account playing in front of a home crowd, and last season they had a record of 25-23-8.
Denis Kirilov
The Vancouver Canucks played well in their opening game against the Oilers, but they fell short in the overtime. However, the comeback they have made in the 3rd Period suggests that the team is ready to give it all on the ice. Although, such comebacks might be two-edged swords, because the Canucks might find it hard to get back at 100% for their next game. I believe that will be the case with at least some of their players.
Philadelphia Flyers are definitely contenders for the Playoffs and they will be looking to start the season on a positive note. They have played some close games in the pre-season, facing teams like Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins. They managed to pick up two wins out of three matches at home which is a good perspective for the upcoming game. I think that the difference between those two teams is big enough and I would choose Philadelphia Flyers as the winner of the match.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Philadelphia Flyers (-162)
Tony Battalio
Vancouver will be looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking shootout loss to the Connor McDavid led Oilers. Philadelphia will be opening their 2021-22 campaign up on the first official Friday of the National Hockey League season. Eyes will be on Vancouver Left Winger Nils Hoglander as he looks to add to his 2 Assist performance in the Edmonton game. It will still be a tough game for the Canucks, last season they finished with a losing record away from their home rink. However it was not easy for the Flyers at home last year as they finished 12-12 in games that ended in regulation.
One thing is for certain, during the hockey season there is no love for opposing teams in the city of brotherly love. Anytime Philadelphia steps onto their home ice they already enter with an advantage. Especially against teams that struggle on the road like the Canucks. For that reason alone I have to go with the Philadelphia Flyers in this one.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Philadelphia Flyers (-162)
Minnesota Wild @ Anaheim Ducks – 10.00PM EDT
The late night match on Friday will feature the Minnesota Wild as they take on the Anaheim Ducks, who are playing at home. The Wild will kick off their season with this game, and the Ducks are playing their second game of the season, after winning their opening game against the Jets 4-1.
Denis Kirilov
The Minnesota Wild will play their first game of the 2021/22 NHL season away at Honda Center, Anaheim. Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, and Cam Talbot are ready to lead their team to the Playoffs and such games must be won in order to get an easier draw for the first rounds. The team did good pre-season training and there are almost no injuries that have been reported.
On the other hand, the Anaheim Ducks are flying now. After causing the upset in their opening game against the Winnipeg Jets, the Ducks are ready to strike twice. Their defense did a fantastic job during the first match and I am expecting things to be the same again. Moreover, the Minnesota Wild are also struggling to be a high-scoring team as they have scored 2.5 goals on average in their pre-season games. Back the under for this one.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Under 5.5 (-100)
What an opener it was!
We take you through our day. #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/DKjXbN5Br8— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) October 14, 2021
Tony Battalio
The Ducks are coming off of a surprising blow out win vs the Winnipeg Jets where they cruised to a 4-1 victory at home. Minnesota looks set to open their 2021-22 season on the road in Anaheim. At home last season the Ducks finished 6-18 in games that ended in regulation. Meanwhile Minnesota finished with a plus .500 winning percentage on the road. After the Ducks shocking win on opening night they look like they might be a much improved team this season.
However do not let one good performance fool you, this team was one of the worst in the league last year and lacked a true game changing superstar. Despite Mason McTavish scoring in his National Hockey League debut there is still going to be a learning curve for the 18 year old. Him scoring goals is not something that will happen night in and night out, not yet at least. I do not believe the Ducks will be able to have a repeat performance in their second game, the smart bet here is on the favorites, the Minnesota Wild.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Minnesota Wild (-162)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
