NHL Picks for October 17, 2026

Saturday’s NHL schedule has 14 games, beginning with New Jersey visiting Washington in the afternoon and finishing with Edmonton at Utah and Pittsburgh at Vegas. Carolina brings a 6-1-1 record into Winnipeg, the Rangers have won six of their first eight games, and Philadelphia is still searching for its first victory. There’s also an interesting scheduling problem for Boston and Pittsburgh, with both teams playing Friday night before traveling for Saturday’s games.

We’ve got one wager for each matchup. Some favorites are worth backing, but there are a few spots where the underdog price looks more interesting. Check out our free NHL picks for more hockey predictions throughout the season.

New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals Best Bet

New Jersey visits Washington with a 3-3 record, while the Capitals have won four of their first seven games. Washington has been particularly effective at home, winning three of four, and is averaging approximately 3.4 goals per contest. The Devils have been less productive offensively, averaging around 2.7 goals, and have yet to establish much consistency away from home.

Washington has the stronger home record, but neither team has played well enough to justify a substantial favorite’s price. New Jersey can compete when its defense holds together, although its offense hasn’t been particularly reliable. The Capitals have the better scoring profile and should have enough opportunities to make the Devils work in their own zone.

Best Bet: Washington Capitals Moneyline (-115 or Better)

I’ll take Washington at home, provided the price stays reasonable. The Capitals have been more productive offensively and have already won three home games, while New Jersey has struggled to generate consistent scoring. The Devils are capable of making this a tight defensive contest, which is why I wouldn’t lay a heavy price. Around -115, Washington is the preferred side.

NHL Best Bet: Washington Capitals ML (-115 or Better)

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Winnipeg Jets Best Bet

Carolina has been one of the league’s strongest teams through the opening stretch, entering at 6-1-1. The Hurricanes have averaged nearly four goals per game and haven’t lost on the road in regulation. Winnipeg is 4-1-1 and has also been competitive, particularly when its defense limits opponents’ opportunities. The Jets have scored approximately three goals per game, so Carolina has the more productive offense.

The Hurricanes are favored, but Winnipeg has enough defensive ability to make this uncomfortable. Carolina has been generating consistent scoring chances, while the Jets have relied more heavily on keeping games under control. Winnipeg’s home ice makes the matchup interesting, although Carolina has demonstrated that it can win away from home.

Best Bet: Carolina Hurricanes Moneyline (-175 or Better)

Carolina has been the more complete team, and its road performances have been particularly impressive. The Hurricanes have enough offensive production to challenge Winnipeg’s defense without depending on a high-scoring game. The Jets could make this a one-goal contest, especially if their goaltending holds up, but Carolina has shown more consistency. I’ll back the Hurricanes at a reasonable favorite’s price.

NHL Best Bet: Carolina Hurricanes ML (-175 or Better)

Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Best Bet

Vancouver enters at 2-6 after a difficult opening stretch that has included repeated defensive problems. The Canucks have struggled away from home, losing four of five road games. Tampa Bay is 4-2 and has won all three of its home games, making this one of Saturday’s more favorable matchups for a home favorite.

The Lightning have averaged approximately 3.3 goals, while Vancouver has struggled to prevent opponents from establishing pressure. Tampa Bay hasn’t been perfect defensively either, but its home performances have been more reliable than Vancouver’s road results. The Canucks need a considerably better defensive effort to avoid another difficult night.

Best Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 Goals (+105 or Better)

Tampa Bay should win this game, but the moneyline is likely to be expensive. Vancouver’s road struggles create an opportunity for the Lightning to build a multi-goal advantage, particularly if the Canucks continue allowing too many scoring chances. The danger is that Tampa Bay controls the game without creating much separation. Still, the matchup makes the puck line more attractive than laying a substantial moneyline price.

NHL Best Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+105 or Better)

Seattle Kraken vs. Florida Panthers Best Bet

Seattle has opened 5-2 and has been particularly impressive away from home, winning four of five road games. Florida is 3-2-2 and hasn’t been particularly consistent despite its experience. The Panthers have enough offensive ability to challenge Seattle, but the Kraken have demonstrated that they can compete away from home without needing to dominate possession.

Florida is favored in most market comparisons, although Seattle’s early results make the underdog price interesting. The Kraken have been more consistent than expected, and their ability to stay competitive in close games gives them a reasonable opportunity against a Panthers team that has already played several overtime contests.

Best Bet: Seattle Kraken Moneyline (+150 or Better)

Seattle is worth considering at plus money. The Kraken have won four of five road games, and Florida hasn’t demonstrated enough consistency to justify an expensive favorite’s price. The Panthers have the stronger overall pedigree and could certainly control the game at home, but Seattle has been dependable enough to make the underdog return appealing. At +150 or better, I’ll take the Kraken.

NHL Best Bet: Seattle Kraken ML (+150 or Better)

Dallas Stars vs. Chicago Blackhawks Best Bet

Dallas enters at 2-3-1 after struggling through the opening weeks. The Stars have scored only 13 goals in six games, an average of approximately 2.2 per contest. Chicago is 2-5 and has also had difficulty preventing opponents from scoring. The Blackhawks have been competitive offensively at times, but their defensive problems have made it difficult to protect leads.

Dallas has the stronger defensive foundation, although its offensive struggles make laying a substantial favorite’s price uncomfortable. Chicago has shown enough scoring ability to make this competitive, particularly at home. The Stars need to generate more consistent offense before they can be trusted to win comfortably.

Best Bet: Under 6.5 Goals (-110 or Better)

Dallas has struggled to score, and that makes the under appealing despite Chicago’s defensive problems. The Stars have averaged barely more than two goals per game, while their defensive structure has generally kept opponents from producing huge totals. Chicago could make this difficult if it creates early scoring opportunities, but Dallas should be able to slow the pace. I’ll take the under at 6.5 rather than lay a heavy moneyline price with the Stars.

NHL Best Bet: Stars-Blackhawks Under 6.5 (-110 or Better)

San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings Best Bet

San Jose enters at 3-3 and has been competitive despite an uneven start. Detroit is 1-3-2 and has struggled defensively, allowing opponents too many opportunities in its own zone. The Red Wings have scored enough to stay in some games, but they haven’t been dependable when protecting leads.

Detroit is favored at home, although the team’s early record makes that price difficult to trust. San Jose has been more competitive than expected and should have opportunities against a Red Wings defense that hasn’t consistently kept opponents off the scoreboard. Both teams have shown enough offensive ability to make the total interesting.

Best Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-110 or Better)

Detroit’s defensive problems are the main reason I’m looking at the over. The Red Wings have struggled to prevent scoring chances, and San Jose has enough offense to take advantage. Detroit should also have opportunities against a Sharks team that hasn’t been particularly dependable defensively. A 4-3 result is a reasonable possibility. The concern is that either offense goes quiet, but the defensive issues make the over worth considering.

NHL Best Bet: Sharks-Red Wings Over 6.5 (-110 or Better)

New York Islanders vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Best Bet

The Islanders enter at 3-3, while Toronto is 3-3-1. Neither team has been particularly consistent defensively, although both have demonstrated enough offense to win competitive games. The Maple Leafs have home ice, but the Islanders have been capable of slowing opponents down when their defensive structure holds together.

Toronto is favored, and the Islanders are available at a substantial underdog price in some market comparisons. The Maple Leafs have the more dangerous offense, but their defensive inconsistencies create opportunities for opponents. New York doesn’t need to dominate to make this competitive.

Best Bet: New York Islanders Moneyline (+175 or Better)

Toronto is the more talented offensive team, but the price is doing too much work here. The Islanders have been competitive enough to challenge a Maple Leafs club that hasn’t established much defensive consistency. New York could struggle if Toronto scores early and forces the pace, but getting +175 or better makes the Islanders worth backing rather than laying a substantial favorite’s price.

NHL Best Bet: New York Islanders ML (+175 or Better)

Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens Best Bet

Buffalo enters at 3-3-1 after playing several competitive games during the opening weeks. Montreal is 3-2-1 and has been difficult to beat at home, although the Canadiens haven’t consistently generated much offensive production. Both teams have enough scoring ability to create chances, but neither has established itself as a dependable offensive club.

The total is listed around 6.5 goals, and that number looks a little high considering how these teams have played. Buffalo has been involved in some close games, while Montreal has demonstrated the ability to win without needing much offense. The goaltending assignments will matter, but the matchup doesn’t automatically suggest a high-scoring contest.

Best Bet: Under 6.5 Goals (-110 or Better)

Montreal has shown it can play disciplined hockey, and Buffalo hasn’t been consistently productive enough to make me expect a shootout. The Canadiens should be able to limit some of Buffalo’s opportunities, while the Sabres have enough defensive ability to keep Montreal from generating constant pressure. The concern is that both teams have had defensive lapses, but under 6.5 is the preferred wager.

NHL Best Bet: Sabres-Canadiens Under 6.5 (-110 or Better)

Ottawa Senators vs. Philadelphia Flyers Best Bet

Ottawa enters at 5-2 and has been one of the more competitive teams in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia is still searching for its first victory at 0-5-3. The Flyers have struggled to finish games, and their offense hasn’t produced enough to compensate for defensive mistakes. Ottawa has demonstrated more consistent scoring and has been better at protecting leads.

The Senators are the stronger team, but Philadelphia has been competitive in several games despite its poor record. The Flyers have collected three overtime or shootout losses, which suggests they aren’t being overwhelmed every night. Ottawa needs to avoid allowing Philadelphia to dictate a slower pace.

Best Bet: Ottawa Senators Moneyline (-135 or Better)

I’m taking Ottawa against a Philadelphia team that still hasn’t won. The Senators have been more reliable offensively and have shown enough defensive discipline to finish close games. Philadelphia could finally break through, particularly at home, but the Flyers haven’t demonstrated enough consistency to justify backing them against a 5-2 opponent. Ottawa is worth laying a reasonable price.

NHL Best Bet: Ottawa Senators ML (-135 or Better)

New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Best Bet

New York enters at 6-2 and has been one of the league’s stronger early-season teams. The Rangers have combined productive offense with reliable defensive play, while Columbus is 2-3 and has struggled to establish consistency. The Blue Jackets have enough offensive ability to compete, but their defense hasn’t been dependable against stronger opponents.

The Rangers are on the road, and Columbus has an opportunity to take advantage if New York starts slowly. Still, the difference in early-season performance is difficult to ignore. The Rangers have demonstrated more consistent scoring and have been better at protecting leads.

Best Bet: New York Rangers Moneyline (-145 or Better)

New York has been the more reliable team, and I don’t see enough reason to fade the Rangers simply because they’re playing on the road. Columbus has been competitive at times, but the Blue Jackets haven’t demonstrated enough defensive consistency to justify backing them against a 6-2 opponent. The concern is that New York could be overpriced after its strong start, so the recommendation depends on getting a reasonable number.

NHL Best Bet: New York Rangers ML (-145 or Better)

St. Louis Blues vs. Nashville Predators Best Bet

St. Louis enters at 3-2-1 and has shown enough offensive ability to stay competitive, including a seven-goal performance against Ottawa earlier in the week. Nashville is 2-2-2 and has been involved in several close games. Neither team has demonstrated much defensive consistency, although both have enough scoring ability to take advantage of mistakes.

The moneyline is relatively balanced in some market comparisons, which makes the total more interesting. St. Louis has shown it can generate offense quickly, while Nashville has enough scoring depth to contribute. The defensive inconsistencies on both sides create opportunities for a higher-scoring matchup.

Best Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-110 or Better)

St. Louis has already demonstrated the ability to produce a big offensive performance, and Nashville hasn’t been dependable enough defensively to make me expect a low-scoring game. The Predators should also have opportunities against a Blues team that has allowed opponents to create chances. The concern is that Nashville slows the game down at home, but the offensive upside makes the over attractive.

NHL Best Bet: Blues-Predators Over 6.5 (-110 or Better)

Boston Bruins vs. Los Angeles Kings Best Bet

Boston enters the weekend at 5-2 and has been playing some of its best hockey, while Los Angeles is still searching for its first victory at 0-3-2. The Bruins have been more productive offensively and have shown better defensive structure. The Kings have struggled to turn competitive performances into wins, particularly when their offense fails to finish scoring opportunities.

Boston faces a difficult scheduling situation after playing Anaheim on Friday night. Los Angeles will have the fresher legs, and that matters against a Bruins team that has been traveling through California. The Kings have enough talent to take advantage if Boston starts slowly.

Best Bet: Los Angeles Kings Moneyline (+100 or Better)

This is a scheduling play as much as anything else. Boston has been the better team, but the Bruins are playing on consecutive nights and have to travel from Anaheim to Los Angeles. The Kings are overdue for a better performance, and home ice gives them a reasonable opportunity to capitalize on Boston’s fatigue. The concern is that Los Angeles still hasn’t won, but at even money or better, the home team is worth considering.

NHL Best Bet: Los Angeles Kings ML (+100 or Better)

Edmonton Oilers vs. Utah Mammoth Best Bet

Edmonton enters at 5-0-1 and has been one of the league’s strongest offensive teams. Utah is 5-2 and has also demonstrated plenty of scoring ability. Both teams have been comfortable playing an aggressive style, and neither has needed to rely entirely on defensive hockey to win games.

The matchup features two clubs that have been generating consistent offense, making the total more appealing than choosing between them. Edmonton has enough scoring depth to challenge Utah’s defense, while the Mammoth have demonstrated they can create opportunities against quality opponents.

Best Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-110 or Better)

Both teams have been scoring consistently, and I expect plenty of offensive opportunities. Edmonton has enough firepower to produce four goals, while Utah has demonstrated that it can respond against strong opponents. The concern is that the goaltenders take control and turn this into a tighter game. Still, the offensive profiles make the over the preferred wager at 6.5.

NHL Best Bet: Oilers-Mammoth Over 6.5 (-110 or Better)

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Vegas Golden Knights Best Bet

Pittsburgh enters the weekend at 3-3-1 and faces a difficult schedule, playing Colorado on Friday before traveling to Vegas on Saturday. The Penguins have struggled defensively during the opening weeks, and consecutive games against strong Western Conference opponents won’t make things easier.

Vegas enters at 6-2 and has been one of the league’s more dependable teams. The Golden Knights have home ice and the scheduling advantage against a Pittsburgh club that will be playing its second game in two nights. Vegas has also demonstrated enough offensive production to take advantage of opponents that struggle to protect their own zone.

Best Bet: Vegas Golden Knights Moneyline (-160 or Better)

Vegas is the side I want here. Pittsburgh has struggled defensively, and the Penguins face a difficult turnaround after playing in Colorado on Friday. The Golden Knights have been more consistent and should be able to create opportunities against a tired visiting team. Pittsburgh has enough offense to make this competitive, but Vegas has the better combination of home ice, rest and early-season form.

NHL Best Bet: Vegas Golden Knights ML (-160 or Better)

NHL Best Bet of the Day

Of Saturday’s 14 selections, Vegas Golden Knights Moneyline at -160 or better against Pittsburgh earns our NHL Best Bet of the Day. The Golden Knights have opened 6-2 and have been more reliable than the Penguins, who face consecutive road games against Colorado and Vegas.

Pittsburgh has enough offense to create problems, but the Penguins’ defensive struggles and difficult schedule make this an appealing opportunity to back Vegas at home. The Golden Knights have the stronger overall profile and should be able to take advantage of a visiting team playing its second game in two nights.

NHL Best Bet of the Day: Vegas Golden Knights Moneyline (-160 or Better)

Betting prices, starting goaltenders and player availability may change before puck drop. All listed prices are target thresholds rather than confirmed sportsbook offers. Check Friday’s results and the latest team news before placing a wager.