The NHL is back and better than ever! Today there are heaps of games for us fans to sink our teeth into. With so many teams taking the ice, it is going to be an exciting day of NHL action, 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? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain, we are in for some great games! 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, as we preview the best five games on today’s schedule.
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Buffalo Sabres – 7.00PM EDT
The Tampa Bay Lightning are on the road for their first of two games, when they take on the Buffalo Sabres. The Lightning have a season record so far of 2-2-1, and last time out they lost in a shootout to the Avalanche, 2-3. The Sabres are currently sitting on a record of 3-1-1, and last time out they lost in overtime to the Devils, 1-2.
Denis Kirilov
The Tampa Bay Lightning still haven’t found their game since the beginning of the season. Although they played matches against some of the best teams in the League, this shouldn’t serve as an excuse for the bad results. They still haven’t recorded a clean victory with their 2 wins coming after overtime. This is definitely not the Tampa Bay their fans want to see throughout the season, so they need to focus and play better.
On the other hand, the Buffalo Sabres have surprised many experts in this field with their 3-game winning streak in the beginning of the season. However, in the next two games they lost against the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils. Boston might be the only team from the aforementioned ones that comes close to Tampa’s expected level of play. With several key players injured for the hosts (Eakin, Eichel, Jokiharju, Mittelstadt, and Samuelsson), I believe that it’s a good opportunity to look for Tampa’s first win in regular time. I would risk a bit more with my prediction as I am picking Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+118)
Tony Battalio
After 5 games, these two teams are in the exact opposite positions of where everyone would have predicted them to be. Tampa Bay was expected to be nearly perfect at this point. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres were expected by most everybody to be winless after 5 games or maybe more depending on who you ask. However the Tampa Bay Lightning have struggled and Buffalo, despite a few recent losses, have raced out to a 3-1-1 record through 5 games this year.
Quick trip up north. ✈️
👀 the road ahead with @AAAFlorida. pic.twitter.com/Gy73aD1KRw
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 25, 2021
Even without superstar Jack Eichel the Buffalo Sabres looked to show the National Hockey League that they are not just a doormat for the other 31 teams that will hit the ice during the 2021-22 season. However do not expect their miraculous run to continue in this game as the 2 time defending Stanley Cup champions should handle this one easily at home. This may finally be the moment that the Sabres get snapped back to reality and start to freefall down the standings. Look for Tampa Bay to not only win but cover the spread of 1.5 Goals in this one.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+118)
Michael Lantz
After a surprising 3-0 start, the Sabres have looked a bit more like the team we expected them to be. They’ve recently dropped games to the Bruins and Devils and now have to face the defending Stanley Cup champions in the Tampa Bay Lightning. That being said, Tampa Bay has been anything but a sure thing thus far.
Aside from a 2-1 win against the Capitals, the Lightning are surrendering an average of over five goals a game in their other contests. On the other hand, the Sabres have only scored one goal in each of their last two games. A weak offense against a struggling defense, but I have to give the advantage to the back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champs to figure it out first. Still, with the total being six goals straight up, I think these two teams find a way to make it to the over.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Over 6 (-115)
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Carolina Hurricanes – 7.00PM EDT
The Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the undefeated Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night. The Maple Leafs have had a bit of a mixed bag so far this season, with their record currently standing at 2-3-1, and last time out they were demolished by the Penguins, 1-7. The Hurricanes on the other hand have won all four of their games so far this season, and last time out they won against the Blue Jackets, 5-1.
Denis Kirilov
The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Raleigh, North Carolina to face the Hurricanes in their match number 7, since the start of the season. While Carolina finds themselves in an amazing top position with 4 wins out of 4 games, the Maple Leafs are off to a bad start of their campaign. They lost 4 out of their 6 opening fixtures, most of them coming up against tough opponents like the Pittsburgh Penguins, the San Jose Sharks, and the Ottawa Senators. They were even humiliated in their last game against the Penguins conceding 7 goals and scoring just 1.
The Carolina Hurricanes are probably having their best start to a season for the last decade. They registered 4 clean victories against teams that definitely know how to put pressure on their opponent. The Hurricanes were clinical in front of goal and displayed amazing understanding between their defensemen. Having in mind that Toronto is mostly a home-ice team and that they are having troubles against teams with good offensive lines, I would certainly suggest picking the Carolina Hurricanes as the winner of the upcoming game.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-112)
Tony Battalio
Through 6 games the Toronto Maple Leafs have been as confusing as a rubix cube. Meaning that no matter which way you try to twist and turn and put all the pieces together something always comes out wrong. Sitting just below .500 on the season at 2-3-1 they will need to pull it together fast to keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race. As for the Carolina Hurricanes, they come off an absolute thrashing of the Columbus Blue Jackets and are currently still undefeated on the season.
This will be a home game for the Carolina Hurricanes, as the added home ice advantage should be enough to get them over the top against a Toronto Maple Leafs team that has struggled thus far. However, do not let the record reflect the play of the Maple Leafs as they are still a team who can pile up Goals in a hurry. Due to Toronto’s ability to score in a hurry, I think it will stop the Carolina Hurricanes from covering the spread but they should still be good enough to win and cover the moneyline.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-112)
Michael Lantz
So far, so good for the Carolina Hurricanes as they started out the season with a dominant victory over the New York Islanders and then won all three of their following games including two more triumphant wins against the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets. On Monday night they face their toughest test since that first game against the New York Islanders as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs have had a frustrating past week. After starting the first three games of the season without star player Auston Matthews, they finally got him back—proceeding to lose the next three games. This included an ugly 7-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Matthews has yet to find the back of the net and this was the second straight game where Toronto let in five or more goals. It seems some major adjustments are needed on both sides of the puck, as this team is starting to feel the pressure of not being able to make deep runs despite having otherworldly talent. If they were to beat an undefeated Hurricanes team that could be a momentum shift, but with Carolina playing lights out and being at home, I expect them to cover and further Toronto’s rough start to their 2021-22 campaign.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (+205)
Arizona Coyotes @ Florida Panthers – 7.00PM EDT
The Arizona Coyotes begin their road trip in Florida when they take on the Panthers. The Coyotes are struggling this year, and their season record currently stands at 0-4-1. Last time out the Coyotes lost to the Islanders, 0-3. The Panthers are one of the few teams left in the NHL that are still yet to lose a game, and last time out, they won against the Flyers, 4-2.
Denis Kirilov
The worst team in the NHL so far, the Arizona Coyotes, comes up against one of the top teams in the League, the Florida Panthers. With their first 5 games, Arizona showed us that they will be in the League this year mainly for participation purposes. They conceded at least 5 goals on three separate occasions. The Columbus Blue Jackets scored 8 goals, the St. Louis Blues put up another 7, and the Edmonton Oilers netted 5 goals.
The Florida Panthers, on the other hand, have only played against the top teams in the League and came out with the final victory each time. Reinhart, Bennet, Duclair, Barkov are players who have set their eyes on the Stanley Cup and won’t show mercy until they reach their promised land. The Panthers are huge favorites to prolong their winning streak, but I’d rather suggest an option with slightly better odds. Covering the spread shouldn’t be such a hard task for them as I am expecting them to do so in the 1st period.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Florida Panthers -1.5 (-120)
Tony Battalio
The more things change the more things stay the same, the Arizona Coyotes through 5 games are still winless and viewed as the National Hockey League doormat, a spot they seem to have firmly taken over from the Buffalo Sabres, at least so far this season. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are unbeaten and have mowed down everyone in their path. The truth is you should see much more of the same in this game as Arizona has not looked anywhere close to a team that belongs in the NHL this season.
A winfographic for your Sunday. pic.twitter.com/g8xQ7009lG
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 24, 2021
They look more like an American Hockey League developmental team. Arizona has given up a multitude of Goals this season and it will only get worse and truthfully it may not get better at any point this year unless they start to make some changes. Take the Florida Panthers with the spread in this one, you will not regret it one bit because this game will not even resemble anything close to a competitive hockey game. Look for whoever is in net for the Florida Panthers to record a clean sheet as well.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Florida Panthers -1.5 (-120)
Michael Lantz
The Coyotes are yet to tally a win, currently sitting at 0-4-1. During this flat five game start, they’ve been outscored 25-8. So far they’ve definitely looked like the NHL’s biggest dumpster fire and things won’t get easier as they face a thriving Florida Panthers team. After a season opener, where the Pittsburgh Penguins took them to overtime, the Florida Panthers have been playing pretty flawless hockey against some prime opponents.
They won against four Stanley Cup favorites (Islanders, Lightning, Avalanche, and the Flyers), outsourcing those four teams 17-5. Florida is showing they’re on the same pedestal as the other preseason favorites across the league. Don’t expect that to slow down against the Arizona Coyotes, especially with the game in Miami. If all goes accordingly to plan there’s no way Florida shouldn’t be able to cover the spread.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Florida Panthers -1.5 (-120)
Washington Capitals @ Ottawa Senators – 7.00PM EDT
The Washington Capitals are on the road for one game when they take on the Ottawa Senators. The Capitals have a season record of 3-0-2, and last time out they lost in overtime to the Flames, 3-4. The Senators currently have a season record of 2-3-0, and last time out they lost, 2-3, to the Rangers.
Denis Kirilov
The Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators face each other on Monday night in Canada. The Capitals started off the season with some great games against the Rangers, the Avalanche, and the Devils. However, they lost two matches that came down the wire against Tampa Bay and Calgary. Ottawa, on the other hand, are focusing mostly on temporary build-ups and at the same time keeping their defensive line where it needs to be. They played 5 close games, winning 2 and losing 3 of them.
The Senators are one of the most defensive teams in the League with 4.4 goals on average per their match. Washington can also play good defense, if they need to. Although some games finished with huge results (6:3 against Colorado Avalanche, 5:1 against New York Rangers and 3:4 against Calgary Flames), I’d rather believe that this match-up will be low-scoring. Hence, I will pick under 6 goals as a safer option, thus protecting myself from a goal in an empty net in the dying seconds of the game.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Under 6 (+100)
Tony Battalio
The Washington Capitals are yet to lose a game in regulation thus far in the 2021-22 National Hockey League season. One of the big reasons why is because superstar Alexander Ovechkin has been on an absolute offensive tear through 5 games. The league’s best player has already netted 5 Goals to go along with 5 Assists as well. Tom Wilson has also been a dependable player contributing 6 Assists of his own.
As for the Ottawa Senators they seem to be on a dead sprint to finish as the National Hockey League’s worst team that resides north of the United States of America. However Canadian magic could strike again, as the last time on the ice, Washington suffered a shocking defeat to the Calgary Flames in Overtime. This game will be a home game for the Ottawa Senators, but not even home ice advantage will save them in this one as not only do I look for the Capitals to win, I expect Ovechkin to add a few more points to his season total.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Washington Capitals -1.5 (+152)
Michael Lantz
As expected, the Washington Capitals have been absolute tyrants on offense. Aside from a one goal performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they’ve been averaging around five goals per game. Like clockwork, the Caps are once again amongst the league’s most feared. On Monday evening they face an Ottawa Senators team that sits at 2-3, but seem to be a lot better than their record shows.
Aside from a 3-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Senators two other losses have each only been by one goal. This Ottawa team is already showing massive improvements over their past two seasons in which they failed to make the postseason. A win against the Capitals at home could give them the proper boost they need to be taken more seriously as a possible playoff contender. I’m going to go for the upset pick here and take them as the outright winners, in which I think will be, once again, a close win for the Senators.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Ottawa Senators (+132)
Los Angeles Kings @ St. Louis Blues – 8.00PM EDT
The Los Angeles Kings and the St. Louis Blues face off against each other for the second time in a row. In their first game against each other, the Blues came out victorious, winning 7-3. Can the Kings get revenue against the Blues, or will the Blues be good enough to get the win again?
Denis Kirilov
The Los Angeles Kings and the St. Louis Blues will wrap up the upcoming Monday night in the NHL. Both teams are finding themselves on the opposite poles, as the Blues are one of the top performers of the first week, while the Kings are on a 4-game losing streak. St. Louis fought off against direct rivals for the title like the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights. Although both teams aren’t looking good at the moment, Blues’ victories over them shouldn’t be disregarded.
The Los Angeles Kings had a nice opening game against the Golden Knights winning it 6:2. However, what followed after that feels like a nightmare for every Kings’ fan. They lost three tight games against Minnesota, Nashville, and Dallas. The last match, played on Saturday night, was actually against the St. Louis Blues who broke their defense on seven different occasions and the game ended with a 7:3 loss for LA. With some of the Kings players sidelined for this game, I would once again go with the St. Louis Blues as they seem to be playing ice-hockey on a very high level at the moment.
Denis’ NHL Pick: St. Louis Blues (-188)
Tony Battalio
This will be the second game of a back to back for these two franchises. When the two teams met the other night the St. Louis Blues came out victorious with an impressive 7-3 victory. This game may very well end up being a revenge game for the Los Angeles Kings or it could be another blowout or close win for the St. Louis Blues, it could really go either way. I say that because these teams’ seasons have been up and down so far, so no one really knows what to expect when this Los Angeles team hits the ice.
Fistbumps after your first career goal are the best kind. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/7aeMElROeE
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 24, 2021
One thing is for certain they will need to find a way to stop the Blues high powered offensive attack the second time around. That will not be an easy task at all as through 4 games the St. Louis Blues have netted 22 Goals, including hitting the lucky number 7 twice in their last 3 games. The one area of improvement for the Blues would be on the defensive end as they have allowed 11 Goals thus far. However, as far as this game is concerned while I do like the St. Louis Blues to win, I feel safer going with the over in this one, this will be another high scoring affair.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Over 5.5 (-118)
Michael Lantz
The Los Angeles Kings started the season by racking up six goals against Pacific Division favorites, the Vegas Golden Knights. Since then they’ve been unable to find the same magic, going winless in their following four games and never scoring more than three goals in any of them. This includes a poor performance Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues where they lost 7-3.
Luckily (or maybe not), the Kings get another crack at the Blues. St. Louis has been off to a great start this season, going 4-0 and winning every game by at least two goals. On top of that they’ve been averaging over five goals a game with veteran forward David Perron being a big contributor along the way. The Kings have had some offensive firepower from their veterans as well, as Anze Kopitar is currently the league leader in goals scored (6). Unfortunately Los Angeles hasn’t been able to fully put it together like the Blues, who are hungry to show their 2019 Stanley Cup win wasn’t just a fluke run. I’ll pick the Blues to go out there and win again, but I think Los Angeles makes some adjustments and at least covers the spread.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Los Angeles Kings +1.5 (-156)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of writing, courtesy of FanDuel.
