NHL Picks for October 26, 2026

Monday's NHL schedule has three games, and all three present different betting questions. The New York Rangers host a Los Angeles Kings team finishing a road trip, Toronto visits Calgary as a road favorite, and Detroit heads to Edmonton for a matchup featuring two teams that haven't been particularly dependable in goal.

There's a temptation to simply back all three favorites, but that's not how I want to approach this slate. One matchup offers a reasonable home moneyline, another presents an interesting underdog opportunity, and the late game looks more appealing on the total. For more predictions, check out our free NHL picks.

Los Angeles Kings vs. New York Rangers Best Bet

Los Angeles arrives at Madison Square Garden for the fourth game of its road trip. The Kings have struggled to establish consistency in goal, with their projected starter carrying a 3.55 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage. That's a difficult profile to bring into a road game against a Rangers team that has generally been more reliable offensively.

New York's projected starter has a 2.65 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. Those numbers aren't spectacular, but they're stronger than the Kings' current goaltending profile. The Rangers are favored around -126 to -140, with the total sitting near 5.5.

Best Bet: New York Rangers Moneyline (-140 or Better)

I'm backing the Rangers at home. Los Angeles is deep into a road trip and hasn't been dependable enough in goal to inspire much confidence. New York has the stronger home situation and should be able to create opportunities against a Kings team allowing too many goals.

The concern is that Los Angeles has enough offensive talent to make this competitive, and the Rangers haven't been perfect defensively. Still, the home team is the better side at a reasonable price.

NHL Best Bet: New York Rangers ML (-140 or Better)

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Calgary Flames Best Bet

Toronto visits Calgary as a substantial favorite, with the Maple Leafs priced around -160 and the Flames available near +136. The total is 6.5 goals. Toronto's projected goaltender has a .907 save percentage and 2.79 goals-against average, while Calgary's projected starter has been comparable at .912 and 2.80.

Those numbers make the favorite's price interesting. Toronto has the stronger offensive reputation, but Calgary's projected goaltending matchup is competitive enough to give the Flames a chance at home. The Maple Leafs should generate scoring opportunities, but the difference between these teams may not be as large as the moneyline suggests.

Best Bet: Calgary Flames Moneyline (+135 or Better)

I'll take Calgary at home for the underdog return. Toronto has enough offense to win this game, but the Flames have a reasonable goaltending matchup and don't need to dominate to pull off the upset. The Maple Leafs are laying a fairly substantial price on the road, which makes Calgary more appealing than its early-season results might suggest.

The danger is obvious: Toronto could generate enough offense to overwhelm Calgary regardless of the goaltending. Still, at +135 or better, the home underdog is worth a look.

NHL Best Bet: Calgary Flames ML (+135 or Better)

Detroit Red Wings vs. Edmonton Oilers Best Bet

Detroit and Edmonton meet in Monday's late game, and the goaltending numbers don't exactly inspire confidence in a defensive battle. Detroit's projected starter has a 3.44 goals-against average and an .867 save percentage. Edmonton's projected starter has been even less dependable statistically, carrying a 3.73 goals-against average and an .861 save percentage.

Edmonton is favored around -184, with Detroit available near +152. The total is 6.5 goals. Both teams have enough offensive ability to exploit defensive mistakes, and the projected goaltending matchup creates an opportunity for a higher-scoring contest.

Best Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-120 or Better)

I'm taking the over. Neither projected starter has demonstrated much consistency, and Edmonton has enough offensive talent to create plenty of scoring opportunities at home. Detroit should also have chances against an Oilers team that hasn't been particularly dependable in goal.

The concern is that one of the goaltenders produces a much better performance than the season numbers suggest. That happens in hockey. But with both teams capable of scoring and the goaltending profiles looking vulnerable, over 6.5 is the preferred wager.

NHL Best Bet: Red Wings-Oilers Over 6.5 (-120 or Better)

NHL Best Bet of the Day

New York Rangers Moneyline (-140 or better) is Monday's NHL Best Bet of the Day. The Rangers have home ice against a Los Angeles team playing the fourth game of its road trip, and New York has the stronger projected goaltending profile.

The Kings can certainly compete, but the Rangers have the better combination of matchup and price. I'll take New York to handle its business at Madison Square Garden.

Final Pick: New York Rangers ML (-140 or Better)

Betting lines, starting goaltenders and player availability may change before puck drop. Confirm the final goaltending assignments and current prices before placing a wager.