3 NHL Predictions | Islanders, Kings, Flames Hockey Picks Today, Best Bets
Sportsgrid Staff
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NHL Best Bets for Wednesday, Oct. 30
Ready to dive into tonight’s NHL action? We’ve got top betting picks, from the Columbus Blue Jackets taking on a struggling  New York Islanders squad to the Utah Hockey Club hosting the Calgary Flames, and a highly anticipated clash between the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings. Our expert analysis covers value plays, key matchups, and where to find an edge.
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Calgary Flames vs Utah Hockey Club
The Calgary Flames had an early-season surge, but their recent three-game losing streak has exposed issues in their roster. Currently priced as road underdogs, Calgary’s offense has stalled, with a dismal 37.4% expected goals-for rating across their last four games. Averaging only 5.5 high-danger chances per game, the Flames are struggling to generate scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Utah Hockey Club has quietly excelled with a 55.1% expected goals-for rating over their last four contests, showcasing a balanced approach. Their defensive prowess has kept opponents to a minimal average of 6.0 high-danger chances per game. With Calgary’s offense in a slump, Utah Hockey Club Moneyline -126 is a favorable play as Utah looks to capitalize on home ice.
The Pick: Utah Hockey Club Moneyline -126
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New York Islanders vs Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been underrated in the betting market, despite a solid 4-3-1 start to the season. Coming off an impressive 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers and wins against teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche, Columbus’s high-powered offense is hard to overlook. They’re currently riding a high 15.7% five-on-five shooting percentage, which they’ll look to sustain against the New York Islanders.
On the other hand, the Islanders come into this game on the second night of a back-to-back after falling 3-1 to the Anaheim Ducks. Semyon Varlamov is projected to start in net, carrying a concerning .854 save percentage and a 3.72 goals-against average. Columbus has momentum on its side and faces a goaltending situation that’s far from ideal for New York. With their offense firing, Blue Jackets Moneyline +134 offers strong value. Jackets backers should check on the latest and greatest promos in Ohio before making this play. If you are in New York and going against our grain with the Isles, take a look at the best promos available in New York first.
The Pick: Blue Jackets Moneyline +134
Vegas Golden Knights vs Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings have little time to dwell on their recent 4-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks, returning home to face the Vegas Golden Knights in a marquee matchup. Despite the loss, LA has maintained its top-tier play, with a league-leading 62.6% expected goals-for rating over its last seven games. They’re a team primed for better results as their strong underlying metrics suggest improvement is around the corner.
The Golden Knights, however, are trending in the opposite direction. They’ve been outplayed in eight of their first ten games and rank in the NHL’s bottom six for expected goals-for rating. While their actual goals and points percentage remain high, the numbers suggest a regression is imminent. Given LA’s demanding schedule, this contest could easily extend beyond regulation. Backing the 60-Minute Tie at +350 offers excellent value in a game that may require overtime or a shootout.
The Pick: 60-Minute Tie +350
