Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (10/16)

The NHL season is underway! Today we have a solid slate of games, so let’s highlight them and see which way to wager.

Monday’s Best NHL Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Florida Panthers (+154) vs. New Jersey Devils (-185) | O/U 7.0 (+110/-130)

The defending Eastern Conference champions are off to a tough start by losing their first two games. This team will possess one of the better offenses, but some of their other parts are still in question. Sergei Bobrovsky was spectacular in the playoffs last year but struggled in the regular season, and this year is starting the same with two losses and a .879 save percentage.

The Devils are coming off a disappointing home defeat to the Coyotes. You could tell they were less aggressive, which had them playing down to their competition, and they needed a 3-0 run just to get back in this game.

Having the Panthers being this big of an underdog is strange. They will be competitive in this matchup. Florida’s offense looked much better in their last game, and they can pull off the upset.

Pick: Panthers Moneyline (+154)


Detroit Red Wings (-120) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (+100) | O/U 7.0 (+120/-142)

The Red Wings are coming off an impressive victory against the Lightning. This team showed optimism towards the end of last season, and it’s paying off now. The additions of Alex DeBrincat and J.T. Compher are already working, as they have four and three points, respectively, and Dylan Larkin has two assists.

There is so much turmoil within the Blue Jackets organization, stemming from the disappointment of last season and then Mike Babcock’s sudden resignation during training camp. Yet, they’re coming off a win at home against the Rangers. The offense is playing well, with Boone Jenner getting a hat trick last game, and Kirill Marchenko, who had just four assists in his rookie season, already has three.

Columbus being down Zach Werenski, one of their better defensemen, will impact this lineup. They also may start backup goalie, Spencer Martin, with Elvis Merzlikins being day-to-day. Still, their offense has done well, and they’ll light the lamp a few times against Vile Husso. I like the over in this matchup.

Pick: Over 7.0 (+120)


Calgary Flames (-115) vs. Washington Capitals (-105) | O/U 6.5 (-110/-110)

The first game for the Capitals was disappointing as they could only get 19 shots and were blanked by the Penguins. The mainstays of this team are getting older, and you wonder if they can sustain the level that has made them a playoff contender for decades.

The Flames are also coming off a loss to the Penguins but have a win under their belt. You have to like how their players on the top lines are performing early on, with Andrew Mangiapane, Elias Lindholm and Jonathan Huberdeau all coming in with multiple points. The goaltending has been a problem because the normally reliable Jacob Markstrom has struggled, with a .892 save percentage.

I don’t think the Caps will get blanked, but I’m not sure they’ll be much better. With Darcy Kuemper possibly not in the net, I like the Flames to come away with the win.

Pick: Flames Moneyline (-120)


Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:


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