NHL Picks for October 16, 2026

Friday's NHL schedule features two games, beginning with the Pittsburgh Penguins visiting the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena at 9:00 PM ET. An hour later, the Boston Bruins face the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Colorado is a sizable home favorite, while Boston and Anaheim have a much tighter moneyline. Both games are available on ESPN+.

The Penguins are trying to get back on track after losing in Chicago, while Colorado returns home following two close games against Dallas. Boston has won three straight, but Anaheim has been a difficult opponent for the Bruins in recent meetings. We'll take one wager from each matchup and identify our strongest play of the night. For more predictions throughout the season, check out our free NHL picks.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Colorado Avalanche Best Bet

Pittsburgh comes into Friday at 3-3-1 after losing 5-3 to Chicago on Tuesday. That defeat was particularly disappointing because the Blackhawks had won just once before facing the Penguins. Pittsburgh has dropped four of its last five games, although one of those losses came in a shootout. The Penguins have scored 26 goals in seven games, so offense hasn't been their biggest problem. Keeping the puck out of their own net has been another matter, especially on the road, where they're 1-2-1.

Colorado is 4-2-1 after splitting two games against Dallas. The Avalanche won 3-2 in Dallas on Tuesday before losing 3-2 in a shootout at home Wednesday. Colorado has scored 32 goals through seven games, an average of 4.57 per contest, but its defense has allowed 25. The Avalanche have been particularly dangerous at Ball Arena, where they scored eight against Los Angeles and six against St. Louis earlier this season. Pittsburgh's defensive problems could give Colorado plenty of opportunities to add to those numbers.

Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 Goals (+105 or Better)

I like Colorado to win, but I'm not interested in laying more than -200 on the moneyline. Pittsburgh has been allowing too many goals, and that isn't a particularly good recipe against an Avalanche team averaging better than four goals per game. Colorado has already won three games by multiple goals, and the Penguins have surrendered at least three goals in five of their seven contests. The Avalanche should have enough offensive opportunities to create some separation if Pittsburgh continues making defensive mistakes.

The biggest concern is Colorado's recent tendency to play close games. Both meetings with Dallas finished 3-2, and Pittsburgh has enough offense to make this uncomfortable. Still, the Penguins have struggled defensively, and Colorado has demonstrated it can score in bunches at home. I'll take the Avalanche on the puck line at plus money rather than pay the expensive moneyline price.

NHL Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 Goals (+105 or Better)

Boston Bruins vs. Anaheim Ducks Best Bet

Boston heads to Anaheim at 5-2 after beating San Jose 6-3 on Tuesday. The Bruins have won three consecutive games, scoring 17 goals during that stretch while allowing only five. Their offense has been considerably more productive than it was during the opening games, and they've demonstrated an ability to take advantage when opponents struggle defensively. Boston has also been effective away from home, although this will be another test during its western road trip.

Anaheim enters at 4-2 after losing 4-2 to Calgary on Tuesday. That defeat was disappointing because the Flames had lost their first five games before visiting Honda Center. The Ducks have scored 19 goals through six contests while allowing 18, and their recent results suggest they're more comfortable in lower-scoring games. Anaheim has also won five consecutive meetings against Boston, a trend worth considering even if those games involved different lineups and circumstances.

Best Bet: Under 6.5 Goals (-112 or Better)

Boston's recent offensive production makes the under a little uncomfortable, but Anaheim has played several tight games, and the Ducks have struggled to generate consistent scoring against disciplined opponents. The Bruins have been more reliable defensively during their winning streak, allowing only five goals over three games. Anaheim also has enough defensive structure to make Boston work for its opportunities rather than giving the Bruins the same openings they found against San Jose.

The concern is Boston's hot offense. The Bruins have scored at least five goals in each of their last three victories, and another performance like that would put the under in danger. Still, Anaheim has been involved in relatively modest scoring games recently, and Boston's improved defensive play gives this matchup a reasonable chance to stay below seven goals. I prefer the under at 6.5 rather than backing either team in a fairly balanced moneyline matchup.

NHL Best Bet: Bruins-Ducks Under 6.5 Goals (-112 or Better)

NHL Best Bet of the Day

Of Friday's two selections, Colorado Avalanche -1.5 goals at +105 or better against Pittsburgh earns our NHL Best Bet of the Day. Colorado has averaged 4.57 goals through seven games, and the Avalanche have already demonstrated how dangerous they can be offensively at Ball Arena. Pittsburgh has struggled defensively, particularly during its recent losing stretch, which creates an opportunity for Colorado to build a multi-goal advantage.

The Penguins have enough scoring ability to keep this competitive, and Colorado's consecutive 3-2 games against Dallas are a reminder that a comfortable victory isn't automatic. But the Avalanche have the stronger offensive profile and home-ice advantage. At plus money, backing Colorado to win by at least two goals is our preferred wager.

NHL Best Bet of the Day: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 Goals (+105 or Better)

Betting lines, starting goaltenders and player availability may change before puck drop. Confirm current odds and lineups before placing a wager.