The NHL is back and better than ever! Today there are three games for us fans to sink our teeth into. With only six teams taking the ice, it is going to ensure we can better focus on each and every game, so you don’t want to miss this.
What will today’s games bring? Which teams will have the ability to get the all important win on the board, and who will crack under the pressure? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain, we are in for some great games! So sit back, relax 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, as we preview the three games on today’s schedule.
Washington Capitals @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 7.00PM EDT
The first game of the night will see the Washington Capitals take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Capitals are still yet to lose a game in regular time, with their season record standing at 5-0-3, and in their previous game they won against the Coyotes, 2-0. The Lightning are starting to get their season moving in the right direction, with their record currently standing at 4-3-1, which includes a current two game winning streak.
Denis Kirilov
Both teams are coming into this game after victories against the Arizona Coyotes. The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated Arizona, 5:1, while the Capitals took the win, 2:0, the next day. Ovechkin continues to be a “one-man show” for Washington as he is breaking record after record at the age of 36. On the other hand, we have the 31-year-old, Steven Stamkos, the 32-year-old, Alexander Killorn, and the 30-year-old, Ondrej Palat who are doing pretty much the same for the Lightning.
Both the Capitals and the Lightning are off to a good start this season. It could have been a great one for Washington, if they hadn’t lost every single overtime they have played. It could have been better for the Lightning as well, if they hadn’t lost to their direct rivals like the Penguins, the Avalanche, and the Panthers. I am expecting a battle between some of the biggest giants in NHL history in this game and I would like to see a more open game with lots of opportunities on both ends. Hence, I will go with over 6 goals for the match.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Over 6 (-110)
Tony Battalio
This is certain to be one of the best games of the early season slate as two potential Stanley Cup winning teams go head to head on Monday night. The Washington Capitals are off to a fantastic start through 8 games, and still are yet to lose a game in regulation. Alexander Ovechkin is off to one of the best starts to his lengthy career and does not look to be slowing down anytime soon. If he can stay healthy and the rest of their core can continue to produce, this team has a real chance at winning another Stanley Cup this season.
Ovi on this week’s Florida road trip #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/7GC12vJ2C7
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 31, 2021
As for the two time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning this season has not started the way most people would have expected it to. Tampa Bay has limped out to a 4-3-1 start, but are currently on a two game winning streak, and it looks like things are starting to click for them again.
This game could very well be a back and forth affair or one of these teams could take over and dominate. It will likely all come down to whoever produces more between the Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin and the Lightning’s Steven Stamkos. Tampa Bay also has home ice advantage and it will help them even more. However, I am going with the Capitals to win this game, with a late winner from Ovechkin.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Washington Capitals (+125)
Michael Lantz
In an Eastern Conference showdown that has playoff implications, the high scoring Washington Capitals travel to Tampa Bay to take on the defending champions, the Lightning. After an embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay got back on track, outsourcing their next two opponents 10-2. Tampa hasn’t looked dominant until that two game run, but this team knows how to pace itself during the regular season, to make it payoff for the postseason. This matchup against the Capitals is the second meeting of the season—the last one being a nailbiter that they won in OT on October 16th.
The Capitals have continued to show they can compete with the best in the conference. Their three losses have all been in overtime, so they still got a point in each of those games. At 5-0-3 and with an Alexander Ovechkin who, surprise, surprise, leads the NHL in goals scored, the Capitals are as confident as ever and are trying to get Ovie another chance at lifting the Stanley Cup before time runs out. This showdown should be a great one, like the prior meeting and much like that meeting I expect it to be a lower scoring affair.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Under 6 (-110)
Ottawa Senators @ Chicago Blackhawks – 8.00PM EDT
The Ottawa Senators are in the middle of a three game road trip when they take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night. The Senators have a season record of 3-4-0, and in their previous game they got a nice 4-1 win against the Stars. The Blackhawks continue to struggle this season as they are still yet to register their first win, with their record standing at 0-7-2, and in their last time they lost, 0-1, to the Blues.
Denis Kirilov
The Ottawa Senators will have a difficult task to further prolong the suffering for the Chicago Blackhawks. The team from the Windy City is winless in its 9 opening games and will do their best to put an end to this awful start. It’s visible from their last games that they are getting closer and closer to doing so, but something is missing in the closing moments of the matches. The Blackhawks were on the verge of winning against the Maple Leafs, but a goal in the last 8 minutes of the game and one more in overtime put an end to their hopes. They eventually scored on three occasions against the Hurricanes, which is the most a team has scored against them this campaign so far. In addition to this, in their last game they lost by the slimmest of margins, 1:0, to the St. Louis Blues.
The Senators, on the other hand, are 3 wins and 4 losses from the start of the season as they have defeated just two teams – the Dallas Stars (twice) and the Toronto Maple Leafs. They are struggling away from home, although they found a way to defeat the Stars in their previous game. The team from Canada will have a tough match on the road against the Blackhawks as Colin White, Austin Watson, Shane Pinto, and Matt Murray will miss the game for the Senators. There are more missing players for the Blackhawks, but that’s how they have played during the opening games this season. Hence, I will choose the Chicago Blackhawks and I hope they will put an end to this miserable state they find themselves into.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Chicago Blackhawks – Moneyline Including Tie (+120)
Tony Battalio
This is a game between two of the National Hockey League’s most struggling teams early on in the season. Despite coming off a big win against the Dallas Stars, the Ottawa Senators have still struggled to find consistent form and currently sit at 3-4 through 7 games on the season. They are in the midst of a 3 game road trip and stringing some wins together against a less than impressive schedule over those 3 games could do a lot of good for their confidence this season.
As for the Chicago Blackhawks, they are still winless through 9 games on the season. They have looked outclassed and outmatched nearly every time they hit the ice. However, facing an average Ottawa Senators team may be the perfect opportunity to get their first victory of the season. As for the game, even with the Ottawa Senators struggles so far this season I believe they should have no problem handling the Chicago Blackhawks in this one. That is why to me this is the easiest lock bet of the Monday slate. You should not hesitate in taking the Ottawa Senators moneyline in this game.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Ottawa Senators (+105)
Michael Lantz
Aside from a 7-5 loss to the Washington Capitals, the Ottawa Senators defense has helped guide the team to a reasonable 3-4 record. They look to bolster that record with two points as they travel to Chicago on Monday to take on a Blackhawks team that’s struggling on every level.
A silver lining for this Blackhawks team: despite posting an 0-7-2 record, the team has only lost by one goal in two of the last three. Despite how ugly things have been on and off the ice, the team could give “The Windy City” fans something to cheer about with their first win of the year. I think they’ll get it, as their play has been trending in a positive direction; not to slander the Senators, who’ve been in every game they’ve played this year, but Chicago will have to win sometime. I think that could come against a Senators team that’s looked good, but not dominant. If they can take advantage of the defense when Artyom Zub and Thomas Chabot are off the blue line they’ll have a chance.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Chicago Blackhawks (-126)
Seattle Kraken @ Edmonton Oilers – 9.30PM EDT
The third and final game of the day takes place when the Seattle Kraken and Edmonton Oilers hit the ice. The Seattle Kraken are playing on back-to-back nights, have a season record of 3-5-1, and in their last game they lost, 1-3, to the Rangers. The Oilers are having a great start to the season, with their record at 6-1-0, and in their previous game they won against the Canucks, 2-1.
Denis Kirilov
The Seattle Kraken travel to Edmonton in an attempt to cause one of the biggest upsets so far in this season. The rookies managed to get a single win in their first five games away from home in their first season in the NHL. They defeated the Nashville Predators, 3:4, but lost to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the New Jersey Devils. They had a 50% win-rate in their run of 4 matches at home, winning against tough opponents like the Montreal Canadiens and the Minnesota Wild.
The Edmonton Oilers are surely a title contender this year. They kicked off the 2021/22 NHL campaign with 5 straight wins, before they got beaten by the Flyers at home. In their last game, the Oilers managed to somehow outsmart the Canucks on the road and took a 2:1 win. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are all in the top 12 in terms of scoring stars from the beginning of the season. McDavid is even leading the table with 16 points (7 goals and 9 assists), while Draisaitl is fourth with 5 goals and 8 assists to his name. I believe that the Oilers’ offense is pretty decent which will make the game a nightmare for Seattle’s defense. I am expecting a demanding win for the Oilers who will put the Kraken to sleep long before the end of the match.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Edmonton Oilers -1.5 (-102)
Tony Battalio
Coming off yet another tough loss, the Seattle Kraken have still struggled to find footing in their first National Hockey League season. They currently sit at a record of 3-5-1 after 9 games and it will not get any easier for them on Monday night against the Edmonton Oilers.
6-1-0 baby. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/xAfXNY3t80
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 31, 2021
Edmonton is off to a blazing start led by superstar Connor McDavid who some consider to be the best player in the NHL for the last few seasons. Outside of a loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, the Oilers have looked nearly unstoppable. This may be the easiest pick of the night, as Edmonton should have no problem handling the upstart Seattle Kraken, taking the goal difference in this one would maximize your winning potential.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Edmonton Oilers -1.5 (-102)
Michael Lantz
The Seattle Kraken looked a lot better during their inaugural homestand, the team went 2-2. Despite the communication and execution getting stronger, the Kraken will face a massive test against an Edmonton Oilers team that’s full of offensive juggernauts.
The Oilers are 6-1 this season, with their lone loss coming against the Philadelphia Flyers where they just fell flat in the third period. Conor McDavid is already on a path to repeat as the Hart Trophy winner as he leads the NHL with 16 points through the first seven games. He should continue his scoring spree against this Kraken team that’s still figuring out its best lines and new ways to strengthen communication.
It also doesn’t help that the Kraken had a late game against the New York Rangers Sunday night. Having to travel to Edmonton and play less than 24 hours later against one of the league’s best teams, might not end well for the young Kraken franchise. I expect the Oilers to win this one with ease.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Edmonton Oilers -1.5 (-102)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of writing, courtesy of FanDuel.
