Free NHL Picks Today – NHL Best Bets For Monday, October 13 2025
Use Code SSWC Monday night hockey is here, and we’re skating in with confidence after a solid 2-1 showing on Saturday. The board is stacked with value, and we’ve targeted three strong NHL plays built on stats, recent form, and matchup analysis. The mission: keep the momentum rolling and cash in to start the week!
Below, let's take a look at some of my favorite NHL picks for today, in best bets form.
Best Bet #1 - Detroit/Toronto In A Defensive Battle
Monday’s Original Six clash between Detroit and Toronto features a total of 6, and the under is supported by both teams’ recent scoring profiles and defensive metrics. Toronto ranks 8th in goals allowed per game (2.8) and has held opponents under 3 goals in 5 of its last 7 home games dating back to last season. Detroit, meanwhile, has scored just 2.9 goals per game over its last 10 contests and ranks 22nd in offensive production. The Red Wings have leaned on Cam Talbot in net, who stopped 32 of 35 shots in their last meeting with the Leafs—a 6–3 win that included two empty-net goals late.
Despite that high-scoring result, the underlying numbers suggest regression. These teams combined to average just 6.1 goals per game last season, and opponents of both clubs averaged exactly 6.0 goals per game—half a goal below this total. Toronto’s power play has cooled off, converting at just 18.2% through two games, while Detroit’s penalty kill has allowed only one goal on seven chances. With both teams playing a back-to-back in a holiday matinee slot and defensive pairings expected to tighten, this matchup profiles as a 3–2 type finish—under the posted number.
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Best Bet#1
- Detroit/Toronto Under 6
Best Bet #2 - Devils Grab Big Road Win
New Jersey enters Monday night’s matchup in Columbus with a 1–1–0 record after a 5–3 win over Tampa Bay. Jacob Markstrom has started both games for the Devils, posting a 1–1 record with an .837 save percentage. Jesper Bratt leads the team with two goals, while Luke Hughes has four points through two games. The Devils have scored eight goals and allowed nine, with all scoring coming at even strength—New Jersey is 0-for-6 on the power play so far. Rookie Arseni Gritsyuk recorded two assists in the win over Tampa, and Connor Brown added a pair of goals.
Columbus also sits at 1–1–0 after a 7–4 win over Minnesota, where Kirill Marchenko recorded a hat trick and Elvis Merzlikins made 48 saves. The Blue Jackets have scored eight goals and allowed six through two games, but their penalty kill has struggled—allowing five goals on 12 chances (58.3%). Sean Monahan has 25 career points in 20 games against New Jersey, and Zach Werenski added three points in the Minnesota win. Columbus has historically performed well at home against the Devils (17–11–0 all-time), but New Jersey’s speed and depth give them the edge in this divisional matchup.
Best Bet #2
- New Jersey -123
Best Bet #3 - Plenty Of Goals In Minnesota
Monday night’s matchup between Los Angeles and Minnesota features a total of 5.5, and the over is supported by both teams’ early-season scoring trends and shot volume. The Kings have scored 8 goals and allowed 12 through three games, with a 9.6% shooting percentage and a 20% power-play conversion rate. They’ve generated 83 shots and conceded 85, with a team save percentage of .859—ranking bottom-five in the NHL. Darcy Kuemper is expected to start in net and has allowed 10 goals on 85 shots (.882 SV%) through two starts.
Minnesota enters at 1–1 after a 7–4 loss to Columbus, where they recorded 52 shots and converted 4 of 8 power-play chances. The Wild have scored 9 goals through two games and rank second in the NHL in power-play efficiency (45.5%). Kirill Kaprizov leads the team with 3 goals, and the Wild are averaging 4.5 goals per game while allowing 3.5. With both teams showing defensive vulnerabilities and strong special teams production, this matchup profiles as a high-event game with 6+ goals well within reach.
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Best Bet#3
- Los Angeles/Minnesota Over 5.5
Recapping today's NHL Best Bets
- Detroit/Toronto Under 6
- New Jersey -123 over Columbus
- Los Angeles/Minnesota Over 5.5
