Free NHL Picks Today – NHL Best Bets For Tuesday, October 21 2025
Use Code SSWC Tuesday night hockey is back, and we’re heating up after a strong run — 9-3 over our last 12 NHL Best Bets! Confidence is sky-high as we’ve locked in three sharp plays backed by stats, trends, and matchup analysis. The mission: stay hot and keep cashing on the ice tonight!
If you’re looking to cross-check the books and put some cash in your pocket, check out our free NHL picks!
Best Bet #1 - Islanders Grab An Easy Win Over The Sharks
The Islanders return to UBS Arena tonight as heavy favorites against a winless San Jose squad, and the puck line at -1.5 looks appealing. New York is coming off a 5–4 road win over Ottawa where Anders Lee netted two goals, and the offense has shown signs of life with 16 goals through five games. Ilya Sorokin is expected to start in net, and while his early numbers are modest, he’s historically been strong against the Sharks with a .923 save percentage in six career meetings. With Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal driving the attack and the Islanders generating over 30 shots per game, they’re well‑positioned to control play against a San Jose team that has struggled to keep pucks out of the net.
The Sharks enter at 0‑3‑2, having been shut out 3–0 by Pittsburgh in their last outing, and their defensive issues are glaring. They’ve allowed 25 goals in five games (5.0 per game), ranking 30th in the NHL, while their offense has managed just 13 total goals. Yaroslav Askarov is projected to start in goal, but his career save percentage sits below .890, and he’ll be tested by an Islanders team that has scored three or more in four of five contests. With San Jose’s lack of scoring depth and porous defense, New York has a strong chance to win comfortably at home, making the Islanders -1.5 the sharper side in this matchup.
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Best Bet#1
- NY Islanders -1.5
Best Bet #2 - Defensive Battle Between Oilers and Senators
The Oilers and Senators meet tonight in Ottawa with the total set at 6, and the matchup leans toward a lower‑scoring outcome. Edmonton has struggled to find offensive rhythm, averaging just 2.5 goals per game through six contests, while their defense has been respectable, allowing 2.8 per game. Stuart Skinner is expected in net, and he’s been solid historically against Ottawa (5–1 career record), which gives the Oilers a stabilizing presence. Connor McDavid has yet to score a goal this season despite generating quality chances, and Edmonton’s power play has been sluggish at 17.6%, well below their usual elite standard.
Ottawa, meanwhile, has been more volatile, averaging 3.2 goals per game but giving up a league‑worst 5.0 goals per game. Linus Ullmark has struggled with a .848 save percentage, but the Senators’ offense has also been inconsistent, relying heavily on Shane Pinto’s hot start. With both teams trending toward tighter play after recent losses—Edmonton is 1‑3‑1 to the under in its last five—this sets up as a spot where defensive adjustments and goaltending dictate the pace. Given Edmonton’s offensive slump and Ottawa’s defensive issues being offset by their own inconsistency, the under 6 is the sharper side in this matchup.
Best Bet #2
- Edmonton/Ottawa Under 6
Best Bet #3 - Plenty Of Goals In Dallas
Columbus heads into Dallas tonight with the total set at 6, and the matchup has the makings of a higher‑scoring affair. The Stars have been one of the league’s most efficient offensive teams early, averaging 3.6 goals per game while boasting the NHL’s second‑best power play at 33.3%. Mikko Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston have combined for 13 points through five games, and Dallas has scored three or more goals in four of its first five contests. Defensively, though, the Stars have been leaky, allowing 3.4 goals per game, which has pushed four of their five games over the total. With their ability to generate offense but also give up chances, Dallas games have consistently leaned toward the over.
Columbus, meanwhile, has been less explosive but still capable of contributing to a higher total. The Blue Jackets average 2.8 goals per game and are coming off a 3–2 win over Tampa Bay where they controlled possession and generated 31 shots. Their penalty kill has been dreadful at just 55.6%, which is a dangerous matchup against Dallas’ elite power play. While Elvis Merzlikins has been solid in net, the Jackets’ defensive lapses and inability to stay out of the box create plenty of scoring opportunities for opponents. With Dallas pushing pace at home and Columbus vulnerable on special teams, the over 6 is well‑supported by both team trends and matchup dynamics.
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Best Bet#3
- Columbus/ Dallas Over 6
Recapping Today's NHL Best Bets
- NY Islanders -1.5 over San Jose
- Edmonton/Ottawa Under 6
- Columbus/Dallas Over 6
