3 NHL Predictions | Capitals, Predators, Blackhawks Hockey Picks Today, Best Bets
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
NHL Best Bets for Thursday, Oct. 31
Tonight’s NHL action brings some exciting matchups and intriguing betting opportunities. From the Edmonton Oilers facing an uphill battle without Connor McDavid to the Washington Capitals looking to dominate the Montreal Canadiens, there’s plenty to explore. Let’s dive into the top picks and breakdowns for these games, with insights on where the betting value lies.
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Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are making a strong push in the final stretch of the Alexander Ovechkin era, and they’ll look to continue their hot streak against the Montreal Canadiens. Under head coach Spencer Carbery, the Capitals have reached new heights, boasting an impressive 58.9% expected goals-for rating—well above their previous franchise best. Offensively, Washington is thriving, creating ten or more high-danger chances in five of their last seven games. More importantly, their defense has been stifling, holding opponents to an average of just 6.8 quality chances per game.
The Canadiens, by contrast, are struggling to match their opponents’ intensity. Montreal has been limited to eight or fewer high-danger chances in four of their last five games while giving up an average of 10.4 such opportunities per game. Without the systems or depth to contend with Washington’s well-rounded play, the Habs are likely in for a tough night.
With Washington firing on all cylinders and the -205 moneyline offering reasonable value, backing the Capitals to cover the implied odds feels like a solid bet.
The Pick: Capitals Moneyline -205
Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators
The Edmonton Oilers are struggling without star forward Connor McDavid, who’s out for a few weeks with a lower-body injury. The Oilers have felt McDavid’s absence, particularly in offensive production, evidenced by their season-low 14 scoring chances and five high-danger opportunities in their recent game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This sharp decline continues a worrying trend for the Oilers, who have generated fewer than nine quality scoring opportunities in three of their last four games.
In contrast, the Nashville Predators are finding their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Nashville has won three of their last four games, backed by strong offensive numbers and a promising 57.1% expected goals-for rating. The Predators have consistently generated ten or more high-danger chances in three of their previous five games, showing a sharp uptick in production.
With the Oilers floundering without McDavid and the Predators’ offense gaining traction, Nashville has a clear edge. The -130 moneyline provides solid value for bettors looking to back the Preds in this matchup. Preds fans can lock into one of many of Tennessee’s legal sportsbook promos before locking in Nashville.
The Pick: Predators Moneyline -130
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Chicago Blackhawks vs San Jose Sharks
Even without injured rookie Macklin Celebrini, there’s still plenty of firepower to expect goals when the Chicago Blackhawks take on the San Jose Sharks. Rising star Connor Bedard has the Blackhawks generating offense at an impressive rate, recently racking up over 12 high-danger chances in consecutive games and scoring five against the Colorado Avalanche. This offensive momentum hints at more goals on the horizon, especially as Chicago’s output is currently below expected levels with a low 0.994 PDO.
The San Jose Sharks are similarly underperforming relative to their offensive potential, trailing their expected goal output by 7.3 goals across the season. This deficit suggests their recent scoring bursts are sustainable in the short term as they aim to catch up to their expected production.
Defensively, neither team excels. The Sharks have allowed over 11 high-danger chances in three of their last five games, while the Blackhawks have conceded more than 12 such opportunities in two of their previous three matchups. With both teams likely to give up chances, there’s clear value in betting the over 6.5 at +112. Blackhawks backers can make this play and many others at one of Illinois legal sportsbooks with a valuable promo.
The Pick: Over 6.5 +112
