NHL Picks for October 28, 2026

NHL Picks and Predictions for Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Four games are on Wednesday's NHL schedule, and three of them feature fairly substantial favorites. Philadelphia heads to Washington, Calgary visits Edmonton for a Battle of Alberta matchup, New Jersey travels to Colorado, and Toronto closes the night against Seattle.

There are a couple of moneylines I wouldn't touch at the current price. Washington and Edmonton are both favored by more than -200, which means you need to be pretty confident before laying that kind of money. Colorado has a difficult opponent in New Jersey, and Toronto-Seattle looks closer to a toss-up. Here are my picks for all four games, followed by our NHL Best Bet of the Day. For more predictions, visit our free NHL picks.

Today's NHL Picks for October 28, 2026

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals Best Bet

Philadelphia has had trouble turning competitive games into wins. The Flyers entered Tuesday with a 3-7-3 record, and their defensive inconsistency has made it difficult to protect leads. They can be dangerous when their offense gets going, but too often they've needed to chase games after falling behind.

Washington has the stronger home situation and is favored around -240. The Capitals have enough offensive depth to create opportunities against a Philadelphia team that has struggled defensively, and they should be able to control stretches of this game if they stay out of the penalty box.

Best Bet: Washington Capitals Moneyline (-240 or Better)

I'll back Washington to win, but I wouldn't call -240 a bargain. Philadelphia has been too inconsistent defensively, and the Capitals have the home-ice advantage. Washington should generate scoring opportunities and has the stronger overall matchup.

The concern is the price. One strong goaltending performance from Philadelphia could turn this into a close game, and laying -240 leaves little room for that possibility. Washington is my preferred winner, but this isn't where I'd put my biggest wager of the night.

NHL Best Bet: Washington Capitals ML (-240 or Better)

Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers Best Bet

Calgary heads to Edmonton for a rivalry game that should have plenty of intensity. The Flames have struggled defensively during the opening weeks, and their goaltending hasn't consistently bailed them out when they've made mistakes. That's a dangerous situation against an Edmonton team capable of generating scoring opportunities in bunches.

The Oilers are favored around -225, with the total sitting at 6.5 goals. Edmonton hasn't been perfect defensively either, which gives Calgary a chance to stay competitive if it can take advantage of mistakes. But the Flames have had trouble sustaining their offense and protecting leads.

Best Bet: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline (-225 or Better)

I'm taking Edmonton at home. Calgary's defensive problems are difficult to overlook, and the Oilers have enough offense to punish those mistakes. Edmonton doesn't need to play a flawless game to win if it can establish pressure early and force Calgary to chase the scoreboard.

The concern is that rivalry games can get unpredictable. Calgary has enough talent to make this competitive, and Edmonton's own defensive mistakes could create problems. Still, the Oilers have the stronger matchup and home ice. I'll back Edmonton, although the moneyline is expensive.

NHL Best Bet: Edmonton Oilers ML (-225 or Better)

New Jersey Devils vs. Colorado Avalanche Best Bet

New Jersey has been playing better hockey after an uneven opening stretch. The Devils entered Tuesday at 7-4-0 and had won three straight games. Their offense has been generating opportunities, and improved goaltending has made them more dependable defensively.

Colorado is favored around -188 at home. The Avalanche have enough offensive ability to make any opponent uncomfortable, particularly in Denver, where visiting teams have to deal with the altitude and a fast-paced attack. New Jersey has the talent to compete, but this is a difficult road assignment.

Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche Moneyline (-188 or Better)

I'll take Colorado at home. New Jersey's recent improvement is worth respecting, and the Devils have enough offense to win if Colorado makes defensive mistakes. But the Avalanche have the stronger home situation and should be able to generate scoring chances against New Jersey.

The price is a little higher than I'd prefer, especially against a Devils team that's been winning games. Still, Colorado is the more likely winner. I'll back the Avalanche rather than count on New Jersey extending its winning streak in Denver.

NHL Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche ML (-188 or Better)

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Seattle Kraken Best Bet

Toronto and Seattle meet in Wednesday's late game, and the betting market has this matchup close to even. The Maple Leafs are available around +102, while Seattle is favored near -122. That's a much more interesting price than the heavy favorites elsewhere on the schedule.

Toronto has enough offensive ability to take control when its scoring chances are falling, but the Maple Leafs haven't always been dependable defensively. Seattle has home ice and can make things difficult by limiting space through the neutral zone. Neither side has a huge advantage, which makes the plus-money price worth considering.

Best Bet: Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline (+102 or Better)

I'm taking Toronto at plus money. Seattle has home ice, and the Kraken are capable of controlling the game if they keep Toronto's offense away from dangerous areas. But the Maple Leafs have enough scoring ability to win this matchup, and getting an underdog return makes them more appealing than the heavier favorites on Wednesday's board.

The concern is Toronto's defensive consistency. If the Maple Leafs give up too many odd-man rushes or spend too much time in their own end, Seattle can absolutely win. Still, this looks like a competitive game, and I'd rather take the plus-money side than pay a premium for the home team.

NHL Best Bet: Toronto Maple Leafs ML (+102 or Better)

NHL Best Bet of the Day

Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline (+102 or better) against the Seattle Kraken is my NHL Best Bet of the Day. The other three games feature favorites carrying substantial prices, and I don't see enough separation to justify making one of those expensive moneylines the top wager.

Toronto has the offensive ability to win in Seattle, and the plus-money return gives us a better risk-reward situation. The Kraken are dangerous at home, but the Maple Leafs have enough scoring talent to make this a competitive matchup from start to finish.

Final Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs ML (+102 or Better)

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