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.
Boston Bruins @ Carolina Hurricanes – 7.00PM EDT
The Boston Bruins end their two game road trip in Carolina when they take on the Hurricanes. The Bruins are playing in back to back days, and last time out they lost to the Panthers, 1-4. The Hurricanes are one of the few teams that are still undefeated in the NHL, and last time out they won against the Maple Leafs, 4-1.
Denis Kirilov
After a tough game against the Florida Panthers, the Boston Bruins are flying to Carolina for yet another hard matchup. Both teams are amongst the best in the NHL, but the Hurricanes’ performance has been exceptional so far. They are 5 out of 5 and they are conceding 1.6 goals per game on average. On the other end, they are clinical in front of goal and occasionally score between 4 and 5 goals themselves. The team is out of this world in the beginning of the season and will definitely look to transfer this game into the Playoffs, if they reach them, of course.
The Bruins are entering their 3rd week of the NHL with mixed emotions as they have a 60% win-rate. They lost to two of their direct opponents for a Playoffs spot – the Florida Panthers and the Philadelphia Flyers. The team will miss Anton Blidh, Nick Foligno, and Craig Smith and with such a tight schedule this might have a negative impact on the Bruins. However, I still believe they will fight until the end, but this doesn’t mean that they can stop the Hurricanes’ progress. I am going all the way with the Carolina Hurricanes’ moneyline.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-138)
Tony Battalio
The Bruins come into this game with a record of 3-2-0 after losing to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night by a score of 4-1. It will not get any easier for them when they hit the ice on Thursday night because they will travel to Carolina to play another undefeated team in the 5-0-0 Hurricanes. Boston looked like a deer in the headlights against the Florida Panthers and will need to find a quick fix to have a chance to win this game against the Hurricanes.
Final from Florida. pic.twitter.com/XPRad6dmMC
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 28, 2021
Boston will again have to find a way to rely on Brad Marchand to contribute if they want to have the slightest of chances to hand the Hurricanes their first loss of the 2021-22 National Hockey League season. However, I do not believe that will happen as I think the Carolina Hurricanes will continue their impressive start to the season and remain as one of the last 4 undefeated teams in the NHL early on this season.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (+190)
Michael Lantz
The Boston Bruins are coming off a 4-1 loss to the undefeated Florida Panthers. Things don’t get any easier for the Bruins as they go north to Raleigh, where they’ll meet another undefeated team in the Carolina Hurricanes. After a 3-2 start, Boston is looking to prove they can still hang with the best in the Eastern Conference, but thus far they’ve had issues against their strongest opponents.
The Carolina Hurricanes have looked like the entire package. Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho have been phenomenal up front; Jacob Slavin and Tony DeAngelo have held down the blue line and have contributed nicely on offense; for goaltending Frederik Andersen has looked like an early Vezina candidate. It’ll be tough for Boston to go into PNC Arena just 24 hours after getting beat on by the Panthers and unless they were saving up for this game, I’d say advantage goes to Carolina.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-138)
Calgary Flames @ Pittsburgh Penguins – 7.00PM EDT
This will be the last of a five game road trip for the Calgary Flames, when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Considering the Flames have played the majority of their games on the road so far this season, they have a pretty good record, at 4-1-1, and last time out they won, 5-3, against the Devils. The Penguins have had a little bit of a mixed bag to start the season, with a record of 3-1-2, and in their last game they lost to the Lightning, 1-5.
Denis Kirilov
The Calgary Flames are going up against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night. Both are one of the highest scoring teams in the League as Elias Lindholm and Johnny Gaudreau are on fire for the Flames, while Pittsburgh’s forwards cannot be stopped either with 24 goals in just 6 games. The Penguins failed their mission against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday and gave them their first win in regular time.
Calgary is looking hot as they are on a 4-game winning streak. The team from Canada will try to extend this streak against a tough opponent who won’t give up without a fight. Although the Penguins are far away from their highest level of play mainly due to injuries of key players, they will definitely seek redemption through a better performance against the Flames. Therefore, I am expecting a thundering game with lots of lead changes and an unpredictable winner. That’s why I’ll switch my focus to the number of goals in the match and pick the over.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Over 5.5 (-120)
Tony Battalio
After opening up the 2021-22 National Hockey League season by demolishing the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Pittsburgh Penguins got a taste of their own medicine in their last game as they were defeated handily by Tampa Bay by a score of 5-1. Now they are looking to bounce back against the Calgary Flames who are on the finale of their 5 game road trip. It will not be an easy task as the Flames have proven to be a tough road team this season compiling a record of 4-1-1 through 6 games played away from home.
Meanwhile the Pittsburgh Penguins have had an average start to the season with highs and lows alike and their record reflects that as they sit at 3-1-2 through 6 games this season. The Calgary Flames are led in scoring by Lindholm and in Assists by Gaudreau. As for the Penguins, Heinen leads the way in scoring while Kapanen leads in total Assists. As far as this game is concerned, I believe the Pittsburgh Penguins will find a way to bounceback with a much needed victory over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins (-124)
Michael Lantz
The Calgary Flames offense stayed hot on Tuesday night, scoring five goals for their second straight game on the road. Now Calgary heads from the NYC/NJ region over to Western Pennsylvania where they take on a PIttsburgh Penguins team that’s been full of surprises early on. Pittsburgh has been depleted with injuries to start the season, but you’d never guess. Despite missing future hall-of-famers Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin, the Pens have had other players step up and lead them to a 3-1-2 record.
Only question is: how long can Pittsburgh keep it up? The Tampa Bay Lightning got pay back last night winning 5-1 after the Pens embarrassed them 6-2 on opening night. They now face a Calgary team that sits at 4-1-1 and have the NHL leaders in goals (Andrew Mangiapane/Elias Lindholm) and assists (Johnny Gaudreau). I think the Pens will keep it close at home—they have the confidence—but Calgary has the talent performing at ten right now.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Calgary Flames (+106)
Arizona Coyotes @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 7.00PM EDT
The winless Arizona Coyotes will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning who are playing at home on Thursday night. The Coyotes are struggling this season so far, and things do not get any easier tonight. Their record stands at 0-5-1, and last time out they lost, 3-5, to the Panthers. The Lightning got a win last time out against the Penguins (5-1), which helped snap a three game losing streak, and this victory brings their record to 3-3-1.
Denis Kirilov
The game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins was crucial for the Lightning’s performance in their upcoming games. They managed to stay focused throughout the whole match and went home with a 5:1 victory. The team looked better on the counter-attacks and this was certainly their biggest advantage against the Penguins. Brayden Point, Ondrej Palat, and Ryan McDonagh came up clutch in the 2nd Period to secure a 3:0 lead.
On the other hand, the Arizona Coyotes are still looking for their first win of their campaign. They are on the bottom of the table with 1 point and an 11:30 goals difference which is the worst amongst the NHL. On top of that, the Coyotes cannot rely on Alex Galchenyuk, Carter Hutton, and Connor Timmins, who are still battling injuries. Keeping all that in mind, I have no other choice but to follow the herd and pick Tampa Bay Lightning covering their spread. I would also highly recommend looking at a higher spread as I am expecting at least 3-4 goals margin in this game.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (-126)
Tony Battalio
Arizona is winless and by far the worst team in the National Hockey League. Things will not be getting better anytime soon, because when they hit the ice on Thursday it will be on the road. Not only will it be far from home for them, they will also face the two time defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning. It will certainly not fare well for the Arizona Coyotes as Tampa Bay has been waiting on a game to beat up on someone and jump start their season after what can be considered an underwhelming start by their standards.
Come on home, boys! ⚡️#TBLvsPIT | #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/N9V5kFG8HE
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 27, 2021
Things certainly look to be finally heading in the correct direction after Tampa Bay snapped a three game losing streak when playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and evened their season series with Pittsburgh at 1-1 after the Penguins beat them on opening night. Adding to the already overwhelming favorite in this game is the fact that the Lightning play at home. This one should be no problem for the Tampa Bay Lightning to handle as they should very easily cover the one and half goal spread that they were given. Do not expect this hockey game to be close at any point on Thursday Night.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (-126)
Michael Lantz
Through six games, the Arizona Coyotes have been borderline useless. They’re 0-5-1 and seem to be looking ahead to better days. At least young forward Clayton Keller has had some bright spots, so as Arizona builds for the future, they can silver lining the season seeing his potential arise. As for the Tampa Bay Lightning, They’ve been a bit inconsistent throughout the regular season. The defending, back-to-back, champs haven’t always looked their best this year, but they are coming off a nice revenge win against the Pittsburgh Penguins who shocked them on opening night.
Sure, Tampa has been without Nikita Kucherov since 10/16, but they also, with great controversy, missed him last year during the regular season as well and were just fine. It seems a bigger issue that they are missing some of the depth they’ve had in recent years. Still, when it comes to a Thursday night matchup against the Coyotes, the Lightning shouldn’t have anything to worry about. To mix it up from the prior two bets, I’ll put Tampa Bay to score over 3.5 goals in 60 minutes.
Michael’s NHL Pick: 60 Min Total Tampa Bay Goals Over 3.5 (-128)
Colorado Avalanche @ St. Louis Blues – 8.00PM EDT
The Colorado Avalanche are on the road when they take on one of the four teams that have not lost so far this season, in the St. Louis Blues. The Avalanche really need to start getting their season back on track, as their record currently stands at 2-4-0, and in their last game they lost to the Golden Knights, 1-3. The Blues have already won against the Avalanche this season, in a game that was played a few days ago, with the scoreline finishing at 5-3, and last time out the Blues won against the Kings, 3-0.
Denis Kirilov
The Colorado Avalanche travels to St. Louis in an attempt to get revenge for the 3:5 loss at home on October 17. Although being put as a favorite to win the Stanley Cup, the Avalanche are struggling in the beginning of the campaign. They are entering this game with 33% win-rate and with 4 losses against direct rivals – the St. Louis Blues, the Washington Capitals, the Florida Panthers, and the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Blues, on the other hand, are experiencing the best starts to a season in their franchise history. They are on top of the League with 5 wins out of 5 games and a 25:11 goals differential. They scored 7 goals twice – against the LA Kings at home and the Arizona Coyotes on the road. The sheer consistency and the great depth in the team are the main factors for their progress. David Perron, Jordan Kyrou, Ryan O’Reilly, Vladimir Tarasenko, Brayden Schenn, and Colton Parayko are contributing for the wins each single game. Therefore, I would go with a bit riskier prediction here as I will choose a win for the St. Louis Blues by at least 2 goals in regular time.
Denis’ NHL Pick: St. Louis Blues -1.5 (+260)
Tony Battalio
Colorado hits the road to the midwestern United States to face off with one of the last 4 undefeated teams in the National Hockey League for the 2021-22 season. During the preseason this Colorado Avalanche team was viewed as a potential favorite to not only make the Stanley Cup Finals but dethrone the two time champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Thankfully for the Colorado Avalanche it is early enough in the campaign that they have plenty of time to right the ship and turn their slow start around to become the dominant team we all expected them to be this season.
As for the St. Louis Blues, they were expected to compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. However nobody could have expected this kind of electric start which has been powered by a high scoring offense. They already claimed one victory over the Colorado Avalanche this season, as they beat them by a score of 5-3 only a few short days ago. In this one I expect more of the same, and I look for the St. Louis Blues to continue lighting up the scoreboard as they keep their winning streak and undefeated season alive on Thursday night.
Tony’s NHL Pick: St. Louis Blues (+106)
Michael Lantz
In what should be quite the fun matchup, the Colorado Avalanche will have a chance to avenge an earlier loss against the St. Louis Blues, who beat them 5-3. This time Colorado has a couple faces that they didn’t have for that loss: Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. Right now, the Avs need Mackinnon to play like the Hart Trophy candidate we’ve come to know. While he has had 5 assists, MacKinnon has only scored a lone goal so far. Even after missing the first three games, he needs to start heating up to help out a Colorado team that sits at 2-4.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues have been playing first-class hockey; at 5-0, they’ve excelled on both offense and defense. The only thing is, they haven’t exactly had the toughest of competition. They played an Avs team without Nathan Mackinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, a Vegas team without Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty and then beat up on teams that were either predicted in the preseason to barely slip into the playoffs or not make it at all. This game is a big deal for both clubs, the Avs need a big away win to get back on track and the Blues need a “prove-it” win to show critics that they’re for real. I’m looking to the Avalanches to have a little chip on their shoulder and pull off an impressive road win.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Colorado Avalanche (-124)
Minnesota Wild @ Seattle Kraken – 10.00PM EDT
The Minnesota Wild are in the middle of a road trip when they take on the Seattle Kraken. The Wild are having a great season so far, having lost only one game, and last time out they won, 3-2, against the Canucks. The Kraken on the other hand, are struggling in their first season, which was to be expected, as their record currently stands at 2-4-1, but last time out they won against the Canadiens, 5-1.
Denis Kirilov
The Minnesota Wild are going to Seattle in an attempt to continue building up on their good performance since the start of the season. They have 5 wins out of 6 matches, but all of them came after harsh battles. Minnesota hasn’t got a win with more than 1 goal difference which speaks volumes about their clutch plays, but asks questions about their overall dominance. However, the team is relying much on its defense and that’s the main reason for these low margins.
On the other side, the rookies from Seattle started off their campaign with 5 away games. They’ve managed to grab the final victory only against the Nashville Predators, while they were a spectator in most of the other matches. They got their 2nd win for the season and 1st at home in Climate Pledge Arena in their previous fixture against the Montreal Canadiens. Yanni Gourde, Brandon Tanev, and Jamie Oleksiak took off with 2 points in this match and contributed to the final result, 5:1. However, I believe that the Minnesota Wild will be a bit tougher opponent compared to Montreal and I will be backing the Wild here.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Minnesota Wild (-108)
Tony Battalio
Minnesota has got off to a fantastic start with only one loss so far this season. Meanwhile the Seattle Kraken have struggled in their rookie season in the National Hockey League. However it could be worse as they have played much better than their 2-4-1 record will reflect. In their last game, they defeated the Stanley Cup runner ups, the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 5-1, in their second ever home game at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. On paper this game heavily favors the Minnesota Wild, but I think Seattle has a better chance than most people will give them in this game.
62 seconds into Tuesday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, forward Jordan Eberle set the tone by scoring his first goal as a member of the #SeaKraken.
Read more → https://t.co/n7SGs0AgeE pic.twitter.com/ZcXHp9sMWz
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 28, 2021
After the way the Vegas Golden Knights burst onto the scene with a Stanley Cup Finals run in their inaugural season, I think some people set the bar too high for the Kraken so this slow start is better for them in my opinion, no matter how crazy that seems to say. It has allowed them to not get too big headed and kept them grounded as their roster is still a bunch of contributing parts from other teams thrown together and forced to make it work. It will take some time, but I believe this team can still come together later on in the year and still put together a solid playoff run in 2021-22. As for this game, despite having a fighting chance, I think the Minnesota Wild defeat the Seattle Kraken in the end.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Minnesota Wild (-108)
Michael Lantz
There are some rumblings of Minnesota having an internal COVID problem—they had to stop practice 30 minutes early on Wednesday due to fear of a breakout within. But, in the meantime I’ll call this one hoping it goes on as planned. The Seattle Kraken are coming off their first win in Climate Pledge Arena, roughing up the already battered Montreal Canadiens 5-1. Even in a Saturday night loss against the Vancouver Canucks, the Kraken look like a much more communicative and confident team than they did through their first week on the road. Now they have one of if not their biggest tests of the year so far: the 5-1 Minnesota Wild.
Minnesota has excelled thanks to the well-rounded offense headed by Mats Zuccarello and some solid defense thanks to Matt Dumba who leads the team with a +5 +/- rating. After a loss against the Nashville Predators on Sunday, they bounced back on the road taking out the Vancouver Canucks. They look to continue a Pacific Northwest path of destruction against the expansion Kraken, who are starting to click. Still, Minnesota’s moneyline is too solid to pass up.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Minnesota Wild (-108)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of writing, courtesy of FanDuel.
