NHL Picks for October 14, 2026

Wednesday's NHL schedule features two games as the Montreal Canadiens visit the Washington Capitals before the Dallas Stars travel to Colorado to face the Avalanche. All four teams played Tuesday night, making this an interesting early-season test of depth, defensive discipline and goaltending. Washington and Colorado enter as home favorites, but neither matchup is as straightforward as the moneylines might suggest.

Our NHL Best Bets focus on finding the strongest wager from each game rather than automatically making both a side and total selection. For more hockey predictions throughout the season, check out StatSalt's free NHL picks.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals Best Bet

Montreal travels to Capital One Arena after hosting Buffalo on Tuesday, while Washington returns home following its matchup with Carolina. The Canadiens entered Tuesday at 2-2-1 and had struggled offensively, including a 1-0 shootout victory over Detroit on Saturday. Washington entered the week at 3-1 and has faced a demanding opening schedule against several Eastern Conference contenders. The Capitals have the advantage of playing at home, although neither team gets a full day to recover before Wednesday's matchup.

Washington is favored around -135 to -139, with Montreal available near +115 and the total set at 6.5 goals. The Canadiens have enough offensive ability to challenge the Capitals, but their recent difficulty finishing scoring opportunities makes backing Montreal outright uncomfortable. Washington has also shown that it can compete in tighter games, and playing at Capital One Arena should help the Capitals establish their preferred defensive structure.

Best Bet: Under 6.5 Goals (-105 or Better)

Both teams face a quick turnaround, and that makes a controlled, lower-scoring contest an appealing possibility. Montreal's recent offensive struggles provide part of the argument, while Washington's ability to play disciplined hockey gives the Capitals a reasonable chance to limit the Canadiens' opportunities. The total of 6.5 provides some room for a 3-2 or 4-2 result without requiring either team to produce an exceptional goaltending performance.

The biggest concern is that tired defensive units can make mistakes, particularly when teams are playing on consecutive nights. Special teams could also change the scoring environment quickly. Still, neither club entered the week producing consistently explosive offense, and the under is more appealing than laying a substantial moneyline price with Washington.

NHL Best Bet: Canadiens-Capitals Under 6.5 Goals (-105 or Better)

Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche Best Bet

Dallas and Colorado meet at Ball Arena in the first of two games between the Central Division rivals on consecutive nights. The Stars entered Tuesday at 2-2-1 after struggling to produce consistent offense during their opening five games. Dallas had recorded consecutive shutout victories before losing a shootout to Pittsburgh, demonstrating that its defense and goaltending can keep games competitive even when the offense isn't generating much production. Colorado entered at 3-2 and has received contributions throughout its lineup, making the Avalanche a difficult opponent when they establish sustained offensive pressure.

Colorado is favored around -140 to -145, with Dallas available near +120 and the total set at 6 goals. The Avalanche have the stronger offensive profile, but Dallas has demonstrated enough defensive ability to keep this competitive. The Stars also have experience playing tight games against Colorado, and the teams split their four regular-season meetings last year. With both clubs playing on consecutive nights, the matchup could become more dependent on goaltending and defensive execution than offensive reputation.

Best Bet: Dallas Stars +1.5 Goals

Colorado deserves to be favored at home, but asking the Avalanche to win by multiple goals against Dallas is a different proposition. The Stars have already demonstrated an ability to limit scoring opportunities, and their consecutive shutout victories earlier in the season suggest they can keep even talented offensive opponents under control. Taking the additional goal and a half provides protection if Colorado wins a competitive game by a single goal.

The Avalanche have enough scoring depth to create separation, particularly if Dallas falls behind early and has to open up offensively. However, the Stars' defensive profile makes a close finish a reasonable expectation. Rather than backing Dallas outright at plus money, taking +1.5 is the more conservative approach, provided the puck-line price remains reasonable.

NHL Best Bet: Dallas Stars +1.5 Goals

NHL Best Bet of the Day

Of Wednesday's two selections, Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals Under 6.5 Goals at -105 or better earns our NHL Best Bet of the Day. Both teams are playing on consecutive nights, Montreal entered the week struggling to produce consistent offense, and Washington has shown enough defensive discipline to make a lower-scoring matchup realistic.

The total also offers a more attractive price than laying a substantial moneyline with Washington. There is risk from defensive fatigue and special-teams opportunities, but the possibility of a controlled game makes the under our preferred position.

NHL Best Bet of the Day: Canadiens-Capitals Under 6.5 Goals (-105 or Better)

Betting lines, starting goaltenders and player availability may change before puck drop. Always verify current prices and confirmed lineups before placing a wager.