NHL Best Bets for Monday, October 12, 2026

Monday's NHL schedule features three games, beginning with the Florida Panthers visiting the Buffalo Sabres in an afternoon matchup. The Ottawa Senators travel to New Jersey to face the Devils in the evening before the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild close the slate. All three games present different betting opportunities, from a closely priced afternoon contest to an Ottawa team looking to continue its strong start and a Minnesota defense that has been difficult to score against.

Our NHL Best Bets approach focuses on identifying the strongest wager from each matchup rather than forcing both a side and total selection. For more hockey predictions throughout the season, check out StatSalt's free NHL picks.

Florida Panthers vs. Buffalo Sabres Best Bet

Florida visits Buffalo at KeyBank Center for a 1:00 PM ET matchup between two teams looking for more consistency. The Panthers enter at 2-1-2, while Buffalo is 2-3 through its opening five games. Florida has struggled to turn competitive performances into regulation victories, and its recent defensive results suggest the Panthers are still working through some early-season issues. Buffalo has also been inconsistent, although playing at home gives the Sabres an opportunity to establish a more aggressive offensive approach against a familiar Atlantic Division opponent.

The betting market reflects the uncertainty surrounding this matchup. Florida is listed around -111 on the moneyline, with Buffalo at -108 and the total set at 6.5 goals. Neither side offers an obvious pricing advantage, making the total a more interesting market to examine. Florida's recent games have generally leaned toward lower scoring, and the Panthers have demonstrated an ability to keep opponents within manageable offensive numbers even when their own attack hasn't been particularly productive.

Best Bet: Under 6.5 Goals

The under provides more flexibility than choosing a winner in what sportsbooks are essentially treating as a toss-up. Florida's early-season scoring profile suggests that expecting four or five goals from the Panthers is asking quite a bit, while Buffalo has yet to demonstrate enough consistency to make a high-scoring game the automatic expectation. A competitive divisional matchup in which both teams prioritize avoiding defensive mistakes could remain within the six-goal range.

The primary concern is that either club could create scoring opportunities through special teams or defensive turnovers, particularly with both teams still settling into the season. Nevertheless, the 6.5 total provides some protection against a 4-2 or 3-3 regulation score. With the moneyline offering little separation between the clubs, the under is the stronger selection.

NHL Best Bet: Florida Panthers vs. Buffalo Sabres Under 6.5 Goals

Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils Best Bet

Ottawa enters Monday's 7:00 PM ET matchup at Prudential Center with a 4-1 record and considerable confidence after winning four of its first five games. The Senators have been particularly effective defensively, allowing only 2.2 goals per game while scoring 2.8. Their recent victories over Philadelphia and Nashville were both tight contests, demonstrating an ability to protect narrow leads rather than depending on offensive explosions. New Jersey enters at 2-2 and has struggled defensively, allowing 3.5 goals per game while generating only 2.5.

The market has New Jersey favored around -125 to -130, while Ottawa is available at approximately +110 to +114. That creates an interesting opportunity because the Senators have been the more consistent team through the opening stretch. New Jersey has home ice, but its defensive problems and relatively modest offensive production make laying the favorite's price difficult to justify. Ottawa's ability to limit scoring chances gives the visitors a legitimate path toward winning another close game.

Best Bet: Ottawa Senators Moneyline (+110 or Better)

Ottawa's early defensive performance is the deciding factor. The Senators have allowed only 11 goals in five games, while New Jersey has surrendered 14 in four. That difference matters in a matchup where neither offense has consistently produced large scoring totals. Ottawa has already demonstrated that it can win on the road, and the Senators don't need to dominate possession or create a high-scoring game to justify backing them at plus money.

New Jersey remains dangerous at home, particularly if its power play creates opportunities, but the Devils haven't played consistently enough to warrant being clear favorites against a 4-1 opponent. Getting Ottawa at +110 or better provides an attractive return without requiring the Senators to win by multiple goals. Their defensive stability and stronger recent results make the visitors the preferred wager.

NHL Best Bet: Ottawa Senators Moneyline (+110 or Better)

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild Best Bet

Monday's final game features Vegas visiting Minnesota at Grand Casino Arena for an 8:00 PM ET matchup between two teams enjoying strong starts. The Golden Knights enter at 5-1 and have won four consecutive games, including a 2-1 victory over Los Angeles on Saturday. Minnesota is 3-1-1 and has been particularly effective defensively, with each of its first five games finishing under the posted total. The Wild have also covered the puck line in all five contests, reflecting their ability to remain competitive even when their offense isn't producing substantial scoring totals.

Vegas has demonstrated considerably more offensive volatility. Four of the Golden Knights' first six games have finished over the total, although their most recent victory against Los Angeles required only two goals. Minnesota's defensive structure creates a difficult matchup for an opponent that has benefited from several high-scoring performances. The market is relatively balanced, with Minnesota favored around -110 to -118 and Vegas available near even money. The total is currently around 5.5 goals at several sportsbooks, although some markets have offered 6.

Best Bet: Under 6 Goals

Minnesota's early-season defensive performance makes the under the most appealing direction, particularly if a total of 6 remains available. The Wild have kept all five games below their respective posted totals, and their ability to control scoring opportunities should make this a more difficult offensive environment for Vegas than some of its earlier opponents. The Golden Knights are capable of generating goals quickly, but their recent 2-1 victory over Los Angeles also demonstrated that they can succeed in a more controlled game.

The number is important because a total of 6 provides push protection if the teams combine for exactly six goals. At 5.5, the wager becomes considerably more demanding, especially against a Vegas team that has already participated in several high-scoring contests. Minnesota's defensive consistency makes the under the preferred angle, but the official recommendation is tied to finding 6 rather than chasing a less attractive number.

NHL Best Bet: Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild Under 6 Goals

NHL Best Bet of the Day

Of Monday's three selections, Ottawa Senators Moneyline at +110 or better earns our NHL Best Bet of the Day. The Senators enter with four victories in five games, have allowed only 2.2 goals per contest and face a New Jersey team that has struggled defensively. Ottawa's ability to win close games gives the visitors a realistic opportunity to extend their strong opening stretch.

The moneyline price separates Ottawa from the other selections. Rather than laying a favorite's price in a relatively competitive matchup, we're getting plus money with the team that has produced the stronger early-season results. New Jersey's home-ice advantage deserves respect, but the Senators' defensive consistency makes Ottawa the most attractive wager on Monday's three-game slate.

NHL Best Bet of the Day: Ottawa Senators Moneyline (+110 or Better)

Betting lines, starting goaltenders and other game information may change before puck drop. These recommendations reflect the available information at the time of writing, so always verify the current numbers and confirmed lineups before placing a wager.