Friday’s NHL slate features just two evening games, and I’ve got a prop pick from both.
The pregame narrative: Alex Ovechkin is one goal away from a huge milestone in his career, and his matchup against the New York Islanders has my attention. Elsewhere, I’m targeting Detroit Red Wings defenceman Moritz Seider to find the stat sheet.
Check out my NHL prop picks for Oct. 31.
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NHL prop picks
Best Bet: Seider to record a point (+110)
Detroit has been one of the early surprises this season, compiling a stellar 8-3-0 record through 11 games.
Now, the Red Wings head west to take on a defensively suspect Anaheim Ducks squad.
- Anaheim allowed the most chances (66.73) and shots (31.86), and the second-most xG (3.46) on a 60-minute basis last season, per Natural Stat Trick.
- The squad ranks 29th in xGA per 60 this season (3.65).
Seider only has four points — all assists — so far, but he has found the stat sheet in back-to-back games. He’s leading the team in ice time (25:17) and is a member of the squad’s top power play.
-> Bet on Seider and the Red Wings tonight
Getting that much playing time is a boon for this market, especially against the Ducks.
Key stat: Seider cashed this bet in both games against Anaheim last season.
NHL predictions
Ovechkin to score 1+ goals (+106): Ovechkin made history last year against the Islanders by netting goal No. 895, passing Wayne Gretzky for the all-time record.
Now, he has a chance to score his 900th goal against the same team.
The Great 8 has only scored twice through 10 games. But he is still receiving first-line minutes and ranks among the top of Washington’s forwards in several key offensive categories:
- 1st in shot attempts (67)
- 1st in scoring chances (35)
- 2nd in shots (22)
Ovechkin’s 9.8% shooting percentage is well below his career baseline. I think he’s due for some positive regression tonight.
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New York has a crisis between the pipes with Ilya Sorokin sporting an ugly 3.75 GAA and .868 SV%. Both of those marks rank outside of the top 40 for all NHL netminders.
NHL anytime goal picks made at 2:40 p.m. ET on 10/31/2025.
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Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.