NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (10/19)
Hockey season is back, and things are already getting exciting at the start of the NHL season. There are a few intriguing matchups early on, so let’s look at the games to target.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Tampa Bay Lightning (-115) at Ottawa Senators (-105) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)
The Lightning have started the season well by winning their first three games. They have a great group of offensive playmakers and everything is clicking on that side, as they’ve scored four goals in each game. Even with the loss of Steven Stamkos, they are still one of the top offenses because of Nikita Kucherov, who already has six goals in three games.
Last year, they didn’t have AndreiVasilevskiy to start the year, and even when he came back midway, he was slow to start. He’s looking like his old self with a 1.00 GAA and a .932 save percentage.
The Senators’ 3.25 goals scored per game looks nice, but then you see it’s mainly due to scoring seven goals in one of those games. They’ve scored just once in two matchups. They’re getting production from their top guys like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle, but the lack of depth is not helping.
They also have goalie problems. Linus Ullmark is dealing with an injury, and Anton Forberg and Mads Sogaard have not performed well.
Ullmark is a game-time decision, but even if he returns, the Bolts are a great pick to back with that offense.
Pick: Lightning Moneyline (-115)
New York Rangers (+110) at Toronto Maple Leafs (-130) | O/U 6 (-122/+102)
The Rangers won the President’s Trophy but didn’t win the Stanley Cup, as they continue the lineage of the curse.
This was one of the best offenses last year, as they finished seventh in goals and are currently the only team scoring five goals per game. Artemi Panarin is leading the league with 11 points, coming off a hat trick and having multiple points in each game.
Igor Shesterkin said no to the largest deal ever for a goalie and is betting on himself. It’s going well as he has a 2.29 GAA and a .921 save percentage.
After being shut out in the first game, the Maple Leafs have won three straight, scoring at least four goals in each. William Nylander scored three goals in his last two games, and Max Domi played a large role with five assists.
The Rangers are the better team right now, but it’s difficult to beat the Leafs on their ice. You should feel safe taking this over because this could cash, or at worse, you push for no loss.
Pick: Over 6 Goals (-122)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday: