This article is part of our NHL Picks series.
NHL Bets Today: Free NHL Picks and Game Props for Tuesday, October 18
The NHL is rolling out 8 games of action tonight and we've got the best picks and game props to cover most of the slate! Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Sign up at the DraftKings Sportsbook using RotoWire's DraftKings Promo Code for $200 in free bets.
NHL Bets Tonight: Over/Unders
Vegas Golden Knights vs Calgary Flames, over 6.5
This is my favorite game of the night. The Flames look dangerous, but the Knights are also out to a hot 3-0 start. I see a lot of shots on goal for both teams, and tons of scoring opportunities in a run-and-gun matchup.
Buffalo Sabres vs Edmonton Oilers, over 6.5
Speaking of run-and-gun, we've got two high-flying offenses facing off in Edmonton. And yes, that includes the Sabres. The Oilers are basically self-explanatory at this point; you can almost always bet the over in Oilers' games with confidence. But I like how the Sabres match up here, and I think they can pot a handful of tucks too.
San Jose Sharks vs New York Islanders, over 5.5 (-120)
This is the kind of line where the book is begging you to take the under. The Sharks haven't scored more than 2 in any of their games, but the Islanders dropped 7 in their last outing. I think this is a trap line, and I am taking the over almost merely out of principle.
Boston Bruins vs Ottawa Senators, under 6.5 (-125)
This has the makings to be an exciting game, but I think it's a 3-2 in overtime kind of exciting. The B's have looked stellar out of the gate and dispatched the high-powered Panthers last night. But back-to-backs are tough, especially when the second of the two is on the road. Bonus points if you know what game from Monday night I am taking precedence for this pick from.
Los Angeles Kings vs Nashville Predators, under 6 (-120)
Although the Kings scored a collective 13 goals in their last two games, I think they cool off on the 2nd game of their back-to-back on the road. The Preds have a strong netminder and defensive core but don't particularly wow you with offense either. I like a good ole hockey game here, which will be won in the trenches.
Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets, under 6 (+100)
You'll notice a trend by this point. The Canucks lost to the Caps on the road last night, and they're still on the road in this second of two-in-a-row heading into Columbus. The Blue Jackets lack a ton of firepower up front, and the Canucks might be out of gas on the tail end of their back-to-back.
NHL Bets Tonight: Game Picks
Flames ML (-155)
Both teams are undefeated coming into this matchup, but one of them's gotta lose. The Flames are at home and look a cut above the rest after dispatching the defending Cup champ Avalanche and a very good Oilers team. I like Darryl's bunch in this one.
Lightning PL (-105)
Excellent odds for the Lightning to win by 2+ goals in this one. And it's a double whammy for me since I love picking against the Flyers. Prediction: the Bolts stifle the Flyers at Amelie Arena and walk out with 2 points and a puck line cover.
Throw in a bet for the Period Winner - 3 Way: Lightning ML 1st Period (+115) too.
Canucks ML (+100)
In a battle of two winless clubs, I like Bruce Boudreau's bunch. The Canucks blew multi-goal leads in all of their losses so far and could easily have a win or two. The Blue Jackets just haven't looked competitive for a full 60 minutes yet.
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Game Props: Both Teams To Score - 1st Period
This is probably my favorite game prop to play. It adds excitement to games from the opening puck drop.
Golden Knights, Flames (+140)
Sabres, Oilers (+125)
Bruins, Senators (+145)
NHL Bets Tonight: Team Total Goals
Senators over 2.5 (-160)
All they gotta get is 3! And the Bruins seem vulnerable to that on most nights to begin with.
Sabres over 2.5 (-115)
The Oilers have to score 3 or more on most nights just to win games, so I think the Sabres go into Edmonton and grab a few, win or lose.
Oilers over 4.5 (+135)
With the way Connor McDavid is playing, he might get them there by himself.
Kings over 2.5 (-130)
Remember when I said they've scored 13 goals in 2 games?
Predators under 3.5 (-150)
In their 4 games so far, they've only scored more than 1 once.
Sharks under 2.5 (-130)
I know I said the Sharks/Islanders game is going over 5.5, but it's going to be the Isles offense getting it there.
Happy hunting, y'all!
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