We are so excited that the NHL is back, and today there are a stack of games to choose from. With so much action, it is going to be an exciting day. There are still some teams that haven’t won any of their games yet, and also teams that haven’t lost any!
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 hand pick the best five games on today’s schedule and preview them below.
Vancouver Canucks @ Buffalo Sabres – 7.00PM EDT
One of the many games on today slated for 7pm (EDT), and the Vancouver Canucks are on the road when they take on the Buffalo Sabres. The Canucks have seen a bit of everything so far this season, and their record stands at 1-1-1, and last time out they lost, 1-3, to the Red Wings. The Sabres have only played twice so far this season, but are yet to lose a game, last time out they won in a shootout, 2-1, against the Coyotes.
Denis Kirilov
Buffalo Sabres welcomes to their home the Vancouver Canucks who still haven’t recorded a win after regular time. On the contrary, the Sabres have won its two opening games for the season against the Montreal Canadiens (5:1) and Arizona Coyotes (2:1 after penalties). Both teams will be happy if they somehow manage to reach the Playoffs, but even if they don’t, it wouldn’t be taken as a disappointment.
Buffalo Sabres have some troubles with injuries ahead of this game as Eichel, Samuelsson, Mittelstadt, and Jokiharju will most likely be sidelined. The situation is identical in Vancouver’s roster. They will miss Boeser, Ferland, Keeper, and Sutter. I am expecting this factor to play a significant role during today’s game as both teams are likely to play it safer and avoid taking risks in their offensive build-ups. Hence, I will go with the option for under 6.0 goals.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Under 6.0 (-105)
Tony Battalio
Nobody thought the Buffalo Sabres would be 2-0-0 this season let alone even have a single win at this point. They are facing a Vancouver Canucks team that is 1-1-1 in the young season. Buffalo is scoring an average of nearly 4 Goals a game while giving up only 1 per game. Meanwhile Vancouver is scoring an average of nearly 3 a game and giving up around 3 a game as well. This will be a home game for the Buffalo Sabres, in fact it is their third straight. Without top stars and quality supporting pieces, the Sabres luck will almost certainly run out soon.
What’s on the docket this week?@duffersabres has the updates. pic.twitter.com/qEssc0TAHl
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 18, 2021
This should be one of the better games of Tuesday’s slate as it features two young and hungry teams. Along with Buffalo being at home, this will be yet another game on the road for the Canucks. All that travel is poised to have an effect on them and that’s why I am picking the Buffalo Sabres in this one. Only time will tell if Buffalo can continue to surprise the National Hockey League during the 2021-22 season.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Buffalo Sabres (+118)
Michael Lantz
While many predicted the Buffalo Sabres to be among the worst teams in the NHL, they certainly haven’t shown it yet. They laid a beating on Stanley Cup runner ups the Montreal Canadiens, and then beat the Arizona Coyotes just two days later. Now they play host to a Vancouver Canucks team that’s been a tad unpredictable dating back to preseason. They played well enough against Edmonton and Philadelphia to earn points with an overtime loss and win, but then were blanked by an inferior Detroit Red Wings team, 3-1.
This one could go either way—sure, Vancouver has the better team on paper, but Buffalo has been a pleasant surprise and this is Vancouver’s fourth game on the road in under a week. A journey that has taken them from Edmonton to Philadelphia to Detroit, and finally, to Buffalo. Both sides have their fair share of injuries, Buffalo has been grinding out wins despite no Jack Eichel, and other injured prospects. Their defense has been tough, but for how much longer can they keep it up? Vancouver may be without the likes of Brock Boeser, but they still have hungry young players like Elias Pettersson and Quin Hughes who appear to be on the verge of breaking out into stardom. I’ll take Vancouver to pull out a close one.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Vancouver Canucks (-142)
Florida Panthers @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 7.00PM EDT
Another game on today slated for 7pm (EDT), and the Florida Panthers are on the road when they take on the defending champions the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Panthers are one of the few teams in the league that is still yet to lose a game, and last time out they completely dominated the Islanders, winning 5-1. The Lightning’s record so far this season stands at 2-1-0, and last time out they got an overtime win against the Capitals, 2-1.
Denis Kirilov
The back-to-back champions are struggling to be as dominant as expected from the NHL analysts. They still haven’t recorded a clean victory over their opponent as they had to go through overtime twice in order to get the two points. They looked in really bad shape against the Penguins in their opening game and people started doubting their chances of winning the trophy once again. However, they managed to clinch 4 points in their next two games against the Detroit Red Wings and the Washington Capitals.
Florida Panthers are looking sharp after their opening games against the Penguins and the Islanders. They scored 5 goals on both occasions and they are eager to build up even more on this great start of the season. However, Acciari, Nutivaara, Connauton, and Marchment are expected to miss the game against the Lightning. I think this might have a negative impact for them on the outcome of the fixture. Moreover, Tampa has defeated them twice in their pre-season games – both matches won by a margin. Hence, I would go with Tampa Bay here and choose their moneyline.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (-126)
Tony Battalio
Despite being two time Stanley Cup winners the Tampa Bay Lightning certainly have not looked like it. Both wins for Tampa Bay were decided in overtime and they let a depleted Pittsburgh Penguins team score 6 Goals on them at home on opening night. Detroit also put up 6 on Tampa Bay despite the Lightning finding a way to win that one. They enter this game at 2-1-0 but do not let their record fool you they have not looked that impressive. Meanwhile the Florida Panthers are 2-0-0 and looking more like Stanley Cup contenders as each game passes.
Stamkos leads the way for Tampa Bay with multiple goals for the season, he is also the team leader in points with 7, Hedman has led the way with 5 Assists as well. For the Florida Panthers, Bennett leads the way in Goals and Points while Forsling has 3 Assists for the year. Due to this being a home game for Tampa Bay it would be easy to give them the advantage here but based on their recent form I’m going with the Florida Panthers.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Florida Panthers (+108)
Michael Lantz
This Florida hockey rivalry has become one of the best in the NHL. To be short: these teams do not like each other. Tampa Bay has had the last laugh in recent memory, largely thanks to a 4-2 playoff series win in last year’s first round, but before that the Panthers won three straight and were starting to look like they had Tampa figured out. So far this season Tampa Bay looks like they have a bit of a back to back championship hangover.
Two consecutive seasons of playing the most games has maybe played a part in the Lightning losing to a depleted Pittsburgh Penguins team and then having grind out OT wins against the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals, in the former game allowing six goals to the opponent. Only giving up one goal to the Caps was a bit more like it, but they’re gonna have to pull it together on both sides of the puck as they play host to a Panthers team that’s hungry for revenge and just looked very good against a New York Islanders team that’s been predicted by some to win it all this year.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Florida Panthers (+108)
Colorado Avalanche @ Washington Capitals – 7.00PM EDT
The Colorado Avalanche travel to Washington to take on the Capitals. The Avalanche are the current favorites to win the Stanley Cup, with odds at +500, and they have a record of 1-1-0. Last time out, the Avalanche lost to the Blues, 3-5. The Capitals are in the top half of the league in terms of odds to win the Stanley Cup, and they currently have a season record of 1-0-1. Last time out, the Capitals lost 1-2 in overtime to the Lightning.
Denis Kirilov
The favorites for the Stanley Cup aren’t always performing well in the Regular Season. In Colorado’s case, this may be due to the fact that six players are missing from their roster or because they are still adapting to the new season. Whatever it is, they will need to pull themselves together in order to reserve their place in the Playoffs sooner than later. These games are “a must win” for them, although the unpredictability is on point as the Capitals are not a team who can be underestimated.
The Capitals on the other hand are looking to continue with their good performance in the beginning of the season. They defeated the New York Rangers at home (5:1), but they fell short against the current champions, Tampa Bay, losing 1:2 after overtime. However, the team seems to be in great shape as Ovechkin, Kuznetsov, and Oshie have made some incredible combinations in their previous games. This can only direct me towards picking a “total goals” bet. I would recommend over 6.0 goals as I am expecting an electrifying first period with at least 3 goals.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Over 6.5 (+100)
Tony Battalio
Make no mistake about it, both Washington and Colorado are right in the Stanley Cup title conversation. In fact it could very well be a Stanley Cup finals match up waiting to happen. Both of their 1-1 and 1-0-1 records are much better than they show. Colorado is also without their superstar Nathan Mackinnon as he is still sidelined because of COVID. Even without him they are scoring almost at will, with 7 Goals through two games so far this season.
📍 Washington, D.C.#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/VDwpIl0b3Z
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 18, 2021
Meanwhile as long as Alexander Ovechkin is one the ice, Washington will always have a chance to score at will as well and win any game they are involved in. He is well on his way to become the greatest scorer in NHL history and possibly the greatest player to ever put on a pair of skates. This will easily be the most competitive game on the Tuesday night slate. Both teams have also shown great defensive ability which leads me to taking the Under in this one.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Under 6.5 (-122)
Michael Lantz
The Colorado Avalanche are still waiting on the return of their superstar Nathan Mackinnon, who has stayed sidelined with COVID. Yet scoring hasn’t been the issue; they’ve still managed to score seven goals through two games. They face a Washington Capitals team that’s been a tale of two games. They provided the utter offensive dominance fans have come to expect in their first game against the New York Rangers, winning 5-1. They then were stifled against Tampa Bay, losing 2-1 in OT which, considering the opponent, was an impressive point earned.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Caps, as they face a Colorado team that even without MacKinnon, has had quality performances from its other lines. But this will also be their second game in a row without captain Gabriel Landeskog who was suspended for laying a dangerous hit on Chicago’s Kirby Dach last Wednesday. Missing both those guys will be rough for an Avs team who are facing a Washington team that’s been very impressive defensively and is always capable of putting on a show offensively. I expect Washington to take full advantage of a Colorado team that has a couple men down.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Washington Capitals -1.5 (+188)
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Detroit Red Wings – 7.30PM EDT
The Columbus Blue Jackets will face off against the Detroit Red Wings, which will be both teams’ third game of the season. The Blue Jackets are yet to lose a game, and last time out they won against the Kraken, 2-1, in overtime. The Red Wings have a season record of 1-0-1, and last time out they won, 3-1, against the Canucks.
Denis Kirilov
The Columbus Blue Jackets are traveling to Detroit to face off the Red Wings in their third game for the season. Surprisingly, the Jackets are one of the teams that still haven’t lost a game. They demolished the Arizona Coyotes in their opening round (8:2) and afterwards they took a 2:1 victory after overtime against the rookie, Seattle Kraken. However, they are yet to play an away game and this might change some things.
On the other hand, the Detroit Red Wings had to face the team from Tampa in their opening match. They came agonizingly close to the final victory, but they collapsed in the last 7 minutes of the last period and conceded a total of three goals and eventually lost in overtime. Afterwards, they defeated the Canucks (3:1). I believe that the Red Wings will continue with their good performance on home ice and will eventually claim the victory in the game against the Jackets.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Detroit Red Wings (-126)
Tony Battalio
Somehow the Columbus Blue Jackets along with the Buffalo Sabres are another undefeated team, albeit early on in the 2021-22 National Hockey League season. After knocking it in the net from every angle for a 8 Goal opening performance against Arizona, they followed it up by beating the Seattle Kraken in overtime. Meanwhile despite an impressive offensive performance the Detroit Red Wings have suffered one loss on the season. However they did follow that loss up by beating the Vancouver Canucks.
This is a home game for the Detroit Red Wings and this will also be the Columbus Blue Jackets first game away from Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Bjorkstrand leads the way for the Blue Jackets with 2 Goals and 2 Assists through two games. Bertuzzi leads the way for the Red Wings with an impressive 4 Goals already for the season, plus 1 Assist as well. Despite the Red Wings being at home I still like the Blue Jackets in this game even if they are the underdogs.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets (+108)
Michael Lantz
Before the season started I was high on Columbus to potentially be a dark horse. Maybe not playoff caliber, but a team that I thought could finish higher than expected. It’s too early to tell if that’s a sure thing, but after the first two games they’ve looked pretty good, tallying eight goals in their opener against the Coyotes and then grinding out a win against a Seattle Kraken team that just came off it’s first win in franchise history.
Ok, so neither opponent has been that impressive on paper, and before the season started the same would’ve maybe been said about their Tuesday night opponent the Detroit Red Wings. But so far Detroit has almost equaled Columbus’s impressive start. They racked up 6 goals against the defending champ Tampa Bay Lightning, gaining a point in an overtime loss and they followed that with a convincing win against the Vancouver Canucks. In the Tampa game Tyler Bertuzzi scored an incredible four goals and in both games forward Robby Fabbri has been active on the scoring front as well. In this season’s sample size showing, both these teams have had success finding the back of the net. I think that’ll continue on Tuesday night, so I look for them to hit the over.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Over 5.5 (-110)
Winnipeg Jets @ Minnesota Wild – 8.00PM EDT
The Jets are on the road when they travel to Minnesota to take on the Wild. It’s a tale of two very different starts to the season for these teams. Both teams have played two games so far this season, and the Jets are yet to win a game, while the Wild are yet to lose a game.
Denis Kirilov
The Minnesota Wild are one of the hidden favorites for great performance during this season in the NHL. They have kept its players on their roster and they got some good new additions. Apart from the Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild is the other team with clean victories in its first two games. They defeated the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings in close games where teams have been separated by the smallest of margins.
Winnipeg Jets are entering this NHL season with high hopes for reaching the Playoffs and hopefully the Stanley Cup Finals. However, they suffered two losses conceding 4 goals each time. The team didn’t impress the NHL experts during its pre-season games and are looking really unstable in the beginning of the season. That’s why I am likely to trust the Minnesota Wild in this fixture as they are the team that seems to be in better shape and will definitely enter the match with more confidence. Their 3 way moneyline feels like an attractive option.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Moneyline 3 Way – Minnesota Wild (+105)
Tony Battalio
While Columbus and Buffalo have looked like the early surprise stories thus far, the Winnipeg Jets have easily been the biggest disappointment after starting 0-2. Meanwhile the Minnesota Wild are sitting at 2-0 on the young season and looking to add to that against an out of character Jets team. They have both already played the Anaheim Ducks and while common opponents don’t really mean that much it’s clear that the Minnesota Wild looked a lot better against them than Winnipeg did.
buds pic.twitter.com/u37H4aZgOq
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) October 18, 2021
This game will be at home for the Wild, it is their first home game of the 2021-22 season. This will also be a Central Division clash and both teams will be more motivated to beat a fellow division rival, as inter-division games are usually more important than the rest of them. With the Winnipeg Jets looking nothing like they should as a team at the moment, this is the easiest pick of the night. Minnesota should continue their 2 game winning streak by easily defeating the Jets, so take the spread for better value.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Minnesota Wild -1.5 (+176)
Michael Lantz
The previous pick showcased two teams that have been surprises through their first two games. On the contrary, the Winnipeg Jets have undoubtedly been one of the league’s biggest disappointments. Going 0-2 isn’t that big of a deal, but when you go 0-2 against two teams that almost no one has picked to make the playoffs—that’s going to cause some red flags. Winnipeg was completely blanked against an Anaheim Ducks team they were highly favored against—losing 4-1. The offense was better in game two against the San Jose Sharks, but they once again allowed four goals to a team that no one was too high on before the season began.
A big part of the Jets offseason was to get bigger on D, but so far they’ve been anything but intimidating. Their next opponent is the Minnesota Wild, who were able to do what Winnipeg couldn’t and dominate the Anaheim Ducks. They then pulled out a close victory against the Los Angeles Kings. Even though I expect Winnipeg to start figuring it out, they also may be without captain Blake Wheeler (COVID). I think the Minnesota moneyline is the safe bet here.
Michael’s NHL Pick: Minnesota Wild (-154)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of writing, courtesy of FanDuel.
