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NHL best bets Nov. 3: Back Flames as underdogs, fade offence in Blackhawks vs. Ducks

One total and an underdog moneyline pick make up my NHL best bets for Sunday.

The pregame narrative: A pair of promising young goalies meet in Anaheim which is a huge reason why I’m backing the under. I’m also taking a shot on the Calgary Flames at plus-money over the Edmonton Oilers.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 3 below.

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Best Bet: Blackhawks/Ducks under 6 goals (+106)

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It is hard to put into words how good Lukas Dostal has been in goal for the Anaheim Ducks so let’s take a look at some stats.

His 1.99 GAA and .945 SV% both rank top two in the NHL and he leads the league in goals saved above expected (13.6), according to MoneyPuck.

For context, Igor Shesterkin (10.4) and Frederik Anderson (7.1) rank second and third showing truly how dominant Dostal has been.

Arvid Soderblom starts across from him for the Chicago Blackhawks and he was solid in his first two starts of the season.

He allowed three goals against the Buffalo Sabres and two goals against the Winnipeg Jets – both games finished on six total goals or less.

Neither of these teams provides much of a threat on offence and I expect shutdown goaltending when required.

Key stat: Chicago and Anaheim combine to score 4.9 goals per game.

Quick pick

Flames moneyline (+128): Connor McDavid is out for a few weeks and the results have been mixed through two games.

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The Oilers’ captain got injured on his first shift against the Columbus Blue Jackets in a game that they ended up losing 6-1.

His team rebounded and beat the Nashville Predators, 5-1, on the road but this is a good spot to fade it.

Edmonton closes out a four-game road trip in Calgary before returning home and playing the New Jersey Devils tomorrow night on a quick turnaround.

I can’t see the already poor offence improving in McDavid’s absence and that leaves me worried for the upcoming weeks.

The Oilers scored the third-fewest goals per game (2.45) while allowing the 11th most (3.27). They also have the league’s worst penalty kill (62.5%).

Calgary isn’t a world-beater by any means but it’s been solid at home (4-2-0) and is riding the momentum of a 3-0 win over the Devils on Friday.

NHL picks made at 10:39 a.m. ET 11/03/2024.

Maple Leafs props vs. Wild Nov. 3: Expect Marner and Kaprizov to carry offensive load

The Toronto Maple Leafs play their second game in as many nights against the surging Minnesota Wild.

The pregame narrative: The offensive firepower is abundant on both sides so I am backing two plus-money picks on star players Mitch Marner and Kirill Kaprizov.

Check out our Maple Leafs props vs. Wild for the game on Nov. 3.

Maple Leafs props vs. Wild

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Best Bet: Marner over 2.5 shots (+125)

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The winger leads all Leafs’ forwards in average ice time with 21:29 which includes 3:44 of powerplay time.

When a player as skilled as Marner is out there for that long, he is bound to find himself in good positions to get shots off.

As good as Minnesota has been this year, it can be susceptible to giving up shots. The team ranks in the middle of the league, giving up 28.7 per contest (16th).

Marner tallied three or more shots in just one of his six first contests. However, he appears to be putting more focus on getting pucks on net.

The Leafs are on a back-to-back and will need their big names to show up if they want a shot at beating the red-hot Wild.

Key stat: Marner has cleared this line in four of his last six games, averaging 3.7 shots on goal over that span.

Quick pick

Kaprizov to score 2+ points (+125): Kirill “The Thrill” has taken the league by storm this season, scoring 21 points in the Wild’s first 10 games.

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This would be a hefty line for most players but Kaprizov has shown he can clear it with ease regularly.

The electric winger recorded multiple points in seven straight games and eight of 10 on the season.

As mentioned a couple of times already, Toronto played last night and will be fighting the fatigue with the overnight travel into Minnesota.

The Leafs have allowed four or more goals in five of their last six games and if the Wild replicate that production, Kaprizov is surely to be in the mix.

Minnesota scores the fourth most goals per game (3.9) in the NHL.

Picks made at 9:20 a.m. ET on 11/03/24.

Best NHL prop picks Nov. 2: Bet on Golden Knights’ Barbashev, Dorofeyev to notch points

Betting on some of the NHL’s top offences is how I’m positioning my picks for Saturday night.

The pregame narrative: The Vegas Golden Knights get production from all over their lineup. Ivan Barbashev and Pavel Dorofeyev are excelling and are solid picks to register a point. Elsewhere, Cale Makar’s hot start is worth tailing as the Colorado Avalanche battle the Nashville Predators.

Find my NHL prop picks for Nov. 2 below.

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Best Bet: Barbashev to score 1+ points (-112)

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Bettors should be looking for ways to bet on the Golden Knights tonight. This is a pretty nice option at a palatable price point.

Barbashev has been a very productive player for his team this season. The versatile forward is tied for third on his team in points (12).

He is pointless in his last two games, but that isn’t enough to dissuade me from making this pick. Barbashev has been a key contributor, registering a trio of multi-point efforts in 11 games.

What makes Barbashev an attractive pick to notch a point is his spot on Vegas’ first line. He plays alongside Mark Stone (19 points) and Jack Eichel (16), and both are having marvellous starts to the 2024-25 campaign.

Vegas’ matchup against the Utah Hockey Club adds to my interest. The Hockey Club is exceeding expectations, but allowing the ninth-most goals per game (3.45).

The Golden Knights’ top stars should deliver, making Barbashev a quality selection.

Key stat: Barbashev has registered a point in seven of 11 games this season.

Quick picks

Dorofeyev to score 1+ points (-104): Looking to back the Golden Knights and pay a little less juice? This is the prop bet for you.

Dorofeyev is also enjoying a solid start to the campaign. He has nine points in 11 games and is coming off his best performance of the year. He scored a pair of goals in a losing effort to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night.

Dorofeyev skates on the Golden Knights’ second line and top power play unit. The latter is where Dorofeyev has done a healthy amount of damage.

He has three power play points — all goals — this year. Vegas has the fourth-best power play (33.3%) in the league.

Makar to score 2+ points (+128): Typically, betting a defenceman to score two-plus points at this price doesn’t make much sense. But Makar isn’t a typical defenceman.

The blueliner has a point in all 11 games this season, with 19 total. He has six multi-point efforts in 2024-25, including three in his last six contests.

His Avalanche enter a mouthwatering matchup against the Nashville Predators on Saturday. Nashville is ceding the eighth-most goals per game (3.60).

That’s bad news with a lethal Avs offence coming to town. Despite their inconsistent start to the year, the Avalanche are 12th in goals per game (3.45) and have the third-best power play percentage (35.1%) in the NHL.

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Maple Leafs props vs. Blues Nov. 2: Bet on Toronto’s Knies, Pacioretty to score a point

The Toronto Maple Leafs visit a St. Louis Blues team struggling at both ends of the ice.

The pregame narrative: St. Louis beat Toronto, 5-1, just over a week ago at Scotiabank Arena. I expect a different result the second time, however, and like the Maple Leafs to score plenty of goals. A busy offensive night makes Max Pacioretty and Matthew Knies great picks to notch a point.

Check out our Maple Leafs props vs. Blues for the game on Nov. 2.

Maple Leafs props vs. Blues

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Best Bet: Pacioretty to score 1+ points (-103)

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Injuries have plagued the late stages of Pacioretty’s career but he has been productive when healthy.

The veteran forward has played just 99 games over the last four seasons for four teams. Despite this, he has remained an effective player, registering 69 points.

He is off to a strong start with Toronto, too. Pacioretty has six points in eight games for the Maple Leafs and is heating up ahead of this contest.

The winger has four points in his last two contests, including a three-assist effort in his team’s win over the Winnipeg Jets.

The Maple Leafs appear to be catching the Blues at the right time. The latter has lost all three games since beating Toronto, ceding 15 goals in that span.

What makes Pacioretty an intriguing wager is his deployment in Toronto’s lineup. He skates on the squad’s second line and top power play. All six of Pacioretty’s points have come at even strength but there’s room for more production on the man advantage.

Key stat: The Blues are tied for the sixth-worst penalty kill (73.3%) in the NHL.

Quick pick

Knies to score 1+ points (-118): Knies is a great candidate to record a point if Toronto has a strong offensive performance.

The Maple Leafs youngster is on quite the run. He has a goal in three consecutive games and a point in six of seven contests.

His spot on Toronto’s first line piques my interest. He’s playing with two elite talents in Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

Additionally, Knies is on the Maple Leafs’ top power play, which is walking into a juicy matchup against the Blues.

None of Knies’ seven points this season have come on the man advantage, so he has even greater production potential.

Picks made at 10:20 a.m. ET on 11/02/24.

NHL best bets Nov. 1: Bet on the Wild and Blue Jackets to win on home ice

One moneyline favourite and an underdog pick make up my NHL best bets for Nov. 1.

The pregame narrative: On Friday, I’m backing the Minnesota Wild on home ice over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Elsewhere, I’m taking the Columbus Blue Jackets at plus money against the red-hot Winnipeg Jets.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 1 below.

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Best Bet: Wild moneyline (-112)

Minnesota came away from an early seven-game road trip with a 5-1-1 record, which is awfully impressive.

The offence, led by Kirill Kaprizov (18 points in nine games), has scored an average of 3.78 goals per game and has barely played on home ice.

Backing a team fresh off a lengthy road trip isn’t usually a smart idea. But the Wild haven’t played since Tuesday, meaning they’ve had two off-days to settle in.

Tampa Bay, on the other hand, is in the middle of the gruelling part of its schedule. This will be the Lightning’s 10th game in 18 days.

Additionally, the Wild have the eighth most efficient power play in the league (25.8%), which will be a handy tool to have against Tampa’s 27th-ranked penalty kill (72.2%).

Key stat: Minnesota has a +10 goal differential this season despite only playing two games at home.

Quick pick

Blue Jackets moneyline (+137): You can’t cash on underdogs if you don’t take them, and this is a great spot to back Columbus.

Winnipeg is 9-1-0 this season, which is an intimidating record, but Columbus has a few advantages tonight.

Much like the Lightning, the Jets have also been busy over the last couple of weeks. This will be their eighth game in 15 nights with five of the final six coming on the road.

If they were looking ahead to their upcoming three-game homestand, I wouldn’t blame them.

Additionally, the Blue Jackets are a much better team this season than last. They are 4-2-0 at home (5-3-1 overall) and are seventh in the league in scoring (3.89 goals/game) while also allowing the seventh-fewest goals per game (2.78).

It would be understandable to look at the records and not think twice about backing the Jets, but when I consider all the factors, it’s clear the value lies with Columbus.

NHL picks made at 1:15 p.m. ET 11/01/2024.

NHL best bets Nov. 1: Bet on the Wild and Blue Jackets to win on home ice

One moneyline favourite and an underdog pick make up my NHL best bets for Nov. 1.

The pregame narrative: On Friday, I’m backing the Minnesota Wild on home ice over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Elsewhere, I’m taking the Columbus Blue Jackets at plus money against the red-hot Winnipeg Jets.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 1 below.

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Best Bet: Wild moneyline (-113)

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Minnesota came away from an early seven-game road trip with a 5-1-1 record, which is awfully impressive.

The offence, led by Kirill Kaprizov (18 points in nine games), has scored an average of 3.78 goals per game and has barely played on home ice.

Backing a team fresh off a lengthy road trip isn’t usually a smart idea. But the Wild haven’t played since Tuesday, meaning they’ve had two off-days to settle in.

Tampa Bay, on the other hand, is in the middle of the gruelling part of its schedule. This will be the Lightning’s 10th game in 18 days.

Additionally, the Wild have the eighth most efficient power play in the league (25.8%), which will be a handy tool to have against Tampa’s 27th-ranked penalty kill (72.2%).

Key stat: Minnesota has a +10 goal differential this season despite only playing two games at home.

Quick pick

Blue Jackets moneyline (+150): You can’t cash on underdogs if you don’t take them, and this is a great spot to back Columbus.

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Winnipeg is 9-1-0 this season, which is an intimidating record, but Columbus has a few advantages tonight.

Much like the Lightning, the Jets have also been busy over the last couple of weeks. This will be their eighth game in 15 nights with five of the final six coming on the road.

If they were looking ahead to their upcoming three-game homestand, I wouldn’t blame them.

Additionally, the Blue Jackets are a much better team this season than last. They are 4-2-0 at home (5-3-1 overall) and are seventh in the league in scoring (3.89 goals/game) while also allowing the seventh-fewest goals per game (2.78).

It would be understandable to look at the records and not think twice about backing the Jets, but when I consider all the factors, it’s clear the value lies with Columbus.

NHL picks made at 11:39 a.m. ET 11/01/2024.

NHL best bets Oct. 31: Bet on the Capitals, back the under in the Ducks vs. Penguins game

One under on a game total and one puck line contribute to today’s best NHL bets.

The pregame narrative: The Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins struggle to score so I’m backing the under in that matchup. Elsewhere, I’m taking the Washington Capitals to win comfortably over the Montreal Canadiens.

Find my NHL best bets for Oct. 31 below.

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Best Bet: Ducks/Penguins under 6.5 goals (-113)

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Anaheim scores the third-fewest goals (2.33) and records the fourth-fewest shots (26.8) per game.

Goalie Lukas Dostal has emerged as the Ducks’ No. 1 option while John Gibson recovers from surgery and he’s been nothing short of spectacular.

In seven starts, Dostal has a .943 SV% and 2.00 GAA and he leads the NHL with 10.8 goals saved above expected, per MoneyPuck.

And it’s not like the Penguins are an elite offence. They rank 19th in goals per game (3.0) and have been shut out twice in 11 games.

Key stat: Dostal held his last four opponents to two goals or less while stopping 27-plus shots in each contest. All of those games stayed under this total.

Quick pick

Capitals -1.5 (+130): Washington has surprised the league as one of the best teams out of the gate and it’s no fluke.

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The offence scores the seventh-most goals per game (3.88) while allowing the fewest shots against (25.1).

Montreal has been somewhat of the opposite. The Habs score just 2.9 goals per game (21st) while allowing 4.0 (28th)

All five of their regulation losses have come by at least two goals with a -18 goal differential in those games.

Cayden Primeau gets the start for Montreal and he has allowed 3-plus goals in all five of his appearances this season despite only making three starts.

The Habs’ defence and goaltending have been poor in the early portion of the season and I expect that to continue against the Capitals on the road.

NHL picks made at 10:45 a.m. ET 10/31/2024.

Maple Leafs props vs. Kraken Oct. 31: Target Matthews and Tavares on Thursday

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Seattle Kraken on Halloween night.

The pregame narrative: The Leafs have been inconsistent this season so it’s hard to pick a side. However, I can back the over in a matchup between two shaky goalies. I’m also taking Auston Matthews to score and John Tavares to record a point.

Check out our Maple Leafs props vs. Kraken for the game on Oct. 31.

Maple Leafs props vs. Kraken

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Best Bet: Matthews to score (-134): There is a fair amount of juice on this play but Matthews is one player who deserves it.

Toronto’s newest captain led the league with 69 goals last season. In six career games vs. the Kraken, Matthews has six goals and 11 points.

He hasn’t had the same start to the season that he had last year, but his 8.5% shooting percentage would be the worst of his career, by far (career 16.0% shooting percentage).

Because of that, I’m looking to buy in on Matthews before he gets hot and his price becomes unplayable.

Key stat: Matthews leads the NHL in shots (47) and is second in expected goals (7.5) per MoneyPuck.

Tavares to score 1+ point (-154): If the last play carried too much juice then look away, but I think the price is worth it here.

Tavares has a point in seven of nine games this season and is coming into tonight on a five-game point streak.

The former captain has the benefit of skating on the first powerplay unit with Toronto’s top offensive players. Despite that, he only has two PP points this season so there’s still room for improvement.

He continues to be on a line with William Nylander which is excellent for his production and newcomer Max Pacioretty is another veteran winger who scored close to a PPG in his last healthy season.

NHL picks made at 10:36 a.m. ET on 10/31/24.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Kraken Oct. 31: Target Matthews and Tavares on Thursday

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Seattle Kraken on Halloween night.

The pregame narrative: The Leafs have been inconsistent this season so it’s hard to pick a side. However, I can back the over in a matchup between two shaky goalies. I’m also taking Auston Matthews to score and John Tavares to record a point.

Check out our Maple Leafs picks vs. Kraken for the game on Oct. 31.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Kraken

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Best Bet: Over 6 goals (-121)

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Both sides turn to their secondary goalies, which is the main reason for this pick.

Joseph Woll was expected to be the starter for Toronto this season but injuries have limited his production in October.

In his first start against the St. Louis Blues, Woll gave up four goals on 26 shots. It usually takes some time for a goalie to get into game shape and fans are seeing that currently.

Philipp Grubauer starts for Seattle and his results this season have been underwhelming. The veteran goaltender has allowed multiple goals in each of his four starts and his starts equating to a .881 SV%.

The Kraken are 10th in the league in goals scored per game (3.5) while the Leafs are 15th (3.2). However, they record the fifth most shots on goal (32.1) with a 10% shooting percentage.

Toronto should arguably have a lot more goals and I expect the loaded offence to continue to grow as the year continues.

Key stat: The Leafs are 4-0-1 against this line across their last five games.

Quick picks

Matthews to score (-130): There is a fair amount of juice on this play but Matthews is one player who deserves it.

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Toronto’s newest captain led the league with 69 goals last season. In six career games vs. the Kraken, Matthews has six goals and 11 points.

He hasn’t had the same start to the season that he had last year, but his 8.5% shooting percentage would be the worst of his career, by far (career 16.0% shooting percentage).

Because of that, I’m looking to buy in on Matthews before he gets hot and his price becomes unplayable.

Matthews leads the NHL in shots (47) and is second in expected goals (7.5) per MoneyPuck.

Tavares to score 1+ point (-150): If the last play carried too much juice then look away, but I think the price is worth it here.

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Tavares has a point in seven of nine games this season and is coming into tonight on a five-game point streak.

The former captain has the benefit of skating on the first powerplay unit with Toronto’s top offensive players. Despite that, he only has two PP points this season so there’s still room for improvement.

He continues to be on a line with William Nylander which is excellent for his production and newcomer Max Pacioretty is another veteran winger who scored close to a PPG in his last healthy season.

NHL picks made at 9:30 a.m. ET on 10/31/24.

NHL best bets Oct. 30: Bet on Canucks, Golden Knights to pick up wins

Two West Coast NHL games have my attention tonight.

The pregame narrative: The Vancouver Canucks wrap up their homestand with the New Jersey Devils in town and I expect them to win. Elsewhere, back the Vegas Golden Knights to beat the Los Angeles Kings.

Find my NHL best bets for Oct. 30 below.

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Best Bet: Canucks moneyline (-120)

Vancouver has impressed to start the season with a 4-1-3 record.

Rick Tocchet’s team has won four of its last five games with an overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes mixed in. During that stretch, the Canucks have scored three-plus goals in every contest while averaging 3.8 goals per game.

The Devils are still trying to find their way under new head coach Sheldon Keefe and have been a mess defensively so far.

New Jersey’s 6-4-2 record isn’t terrible but it has dropped four of the last five games while allowing an average of 5.0 goals per game.

Jacob Markstrom hasn’t been anything special in goal, either, with a 3.01 GAA (26th in NHL) and .895 SV% (27th).

He ranks 66th out of 70 goaltenders in Money Puck’s goals saved above expected.

Kevin Lankinen seems the likely candidate to start for Vancouver tonight and he’s been great, posting a 2.29 GAA and .920 SV%. The Finn is 20th in goals saved above expected.

Both teams can score, with the Hughes brothers leading the charge for each side. But Vancouver has been much better defensively and that should be the difference.

Key stat: Vancouver has at least gone to overtime in all four of its home games this season (2-0-2).

Quick pick

Golden Knights moneyline (-134): Yesterday, I backed the Kings to cover a -1.5 puck line against the lowly San Jose Sharks and they lost 4-2.

It was an ugly performance but just know this fade on L.A. isn’t purely out of spite.

Vegas hammered Los Angeles, 6-1, a week ago and has now won four of its last five against its Pacific Division rivals.

The Golden Knights are 7-2-1 through 10 contests and averaging the most goals per game (4.70).

Even on the road, taking Vegas against a Los Angeles team on a back-to-back seems like a no-brainer.

NHL picks made at 1:27 p.m. ET 10/30/2024.