Tonight’s NHL slate is loaded with action, with eight games scheduled across the league. The Jets (8-0-0) will face off against the Maple Leafs and aim to become the fifth team in NHL history to start a season with at least nine consecutive wins. Meanwhile, San Jose (0-7-2) takes on the Utah Hockey Club as the league’s only winless team.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the world of NHL wagering, today’s games present numerous enticing angles, including moneylines, puck lines, and prop bets. With teams eager to establish their early-season identities, there’s plenty to consider. Let’s explore the top matchups and uncover the best bets for tonight’s action!
Matchups:
Florida Panthers @ Buffalo Sabres
- Puck Drop: 7:00 PM ET
- TV Information: SCRIPPS, MSG-B, ESPN+
Records & Stats:
| Team | Record | Standings | Home | Away | ATS | O/U |
| Florida Panthers | 6-3-1 | 1st Atlantic | 2-1-1 | 4-2-0 | 4-6 | 7-3-0 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 4-4-1 | 3rd Atlantic | 3-2-0 | 1-2-1 | 5-4 | 4-3-2 |
Odds:
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Florida Panthers | -142 | -155 | -1.5 (+164) | o6.0 (-118) |
| Buffalo Sabres | +120 | +130 | +1.5 (-198) | u6.0 (-102) |
Preview:
After a slow start, going 1-2 in their first three games, the Panthers have found their stride, posting a solid 5-2 record over their last seven games. They’re currently on the third game of a four-game road trip, having won both previous matchups, defeating the Islanders 6-3 and the Rangers 3-1.
Sam Reinhart has been in top form, building on last season’s career-high 94 points with 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) through his first eight games. Anton Lundell has also been productive, tallying 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) over his first seven games.
Aleksander Barkov is set to return to the lineup tonight after missing the last eight games due to a lower-body injury. The injury occurred on October 10, when he crashed into the boards while trying to protect an empty net against the Ottawa Senators.
The Sabres, who started with three straight losses, have rebounded with a three-game winning streak and have earned points in four of their last five games.
Tage Thompson has been on fire, recording 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists) in his last six games, while Owen Power has added offensive support with 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) in his last four.
These teams met earlier this season on October 12th, with Buffalo taking a 5-2 win over Florida.
Starting Goaltenders:
| Team | Goalie | Games Played | Goals Saved Above Expected (Rank) | Save Percentage (Rank) | Goals Against Average (Rank) | Status |
| FLA | Sergei Bobrovsky | 7 | -2.1 (54th) | .866 (40th) | 3.11 (37th) | CONFIRMED |
| BUF | Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen | 6 | -1.1 (42nd) | .899 (28th) | 3.01 (30th) | CONFIRMED |
Team Stats & Trends:
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida’s last 8 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo’s last 6 games.
Player Stats & Trends:
| Team | Player | Prop | Odds | Trend |
| BUF | Alex Tuch | Over 2.5 Shots on Goal | -115 | – Hit in 6/7 overall – Hit in 7/8 vs FLA – Hit in 4/4 at Home |
| BUF | Owen Power | Over 0.5 Points | +175 | – Hit in 4/4 Overall – Hit in 3/5 vs FLA – Hit in 3/5 at Home |
| FLA | Sam Bennett | Over 0.5 Points | -115 | – Hit in 8/10 Overall – Hit in 3/5 vs BUF – Hit in 4/5 on the Road |
| FLA | Anton Lundell | Over 0.5 Points | -115 | – Hit in 7/10 Overall – Hit in 5/8 vs BUF – Hit in 4/4 on the Road |
| BUF | Tage Thompson | Anytime Goal Scorer | +155 | – Hit in 5/6 Overall – Hit in 2/3 vs FLA – Hit in 3/3 at Home |
| FLA | Evan Rodrigues | Over 1.5 Shots on Goal | -166 | – Hit in 3/5 Overall – Hit in 5/5 vs BUF |
Best Bets:
- Alex Tuch over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-115) – DraftKings
Nashville Predators @ Tampa Bay Lightning
- Puck Drop: 7:30 PM ET
- TV Information: HULU, ESPN+, TVAS
Records & Stats:
| Team | Record | Standings | Home | Away | ATS | O/U |
| Nashville Predators | 3-5-0 | 7th Central | 2-4-0 | 1-1-0 | 2-6 | 4-4-0 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 5-3-0 | 2nd Atlantic | 3-1-0 | 2-2-0 | 4-4 | 4-3-1 |
Odds:
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Nashville Predators | +110 | +114 | +1.5 (-218) | o6.5 (+100) |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | -130 | -135 | -1.5 (+180) | u6.5 (-120) |
Preview:
Despite several offseason additions, Nashville had a rough start, losing their first five games. However, they’ve bounced back with three straight wins. Leading these new faces is Steven Stamkos, who will return to Tampa for the first time since signing with Nashville as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Drafted by the Lightning with the No. 1 pick in 2008, Stamkos spent 16 seasons with Tampa Bay, winning the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021 and serving as captain from 2014 to 2024. He leaves as the franchise leader in goals (555), points (1,137), and games played (1,082).
Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly have each been key contributors, averaging a point per game over their last six for the Predators.
The Lightning had a strong start, winning their first three games, but have struggled to maintain momentum, unable to secure back-to-back wins since, bringing their record to 5-3.
Last season’s Art Ross winner, Nikita Kucherov, has kept his form with 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists) through eight games. Meanwhile, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli have been productive in the past three games, each averaging two points per game.
Starting Goaltenders:
| Team | Goalie | Games Played | Goals Saved Above Expected (Rank) | Save Percentage (Rank) | Goals Against Average (Rank) | Status |
| NSH | Juuse Saros | 6 | +0.4 (27th) | .908 (22nd) | 2.74 (21st) | EXPECTED |
| TBL | Andrei Vasilevskiy | 7 | +2.0 (17th) | .896 (32nd) | 2.64 (18th) | CONFIRMED |
Team Stats & Trends:
- Nashville are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against Tampa Bay.
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville’s last 5 games on the road.
- Tampa Bay are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home.
Player Stats & Trends:
| Team | Player | Prop | Odds | Trend |
| TBL | Brandon Hagel | Over 0.5 Points | -135 | – Hit in 6/8 Overall – Hit in 3/4 vs NSH – Hit in 5/5 at Home |
| TBL | Nick Paul | Over 0.5 Points | +120 | – Hit in 5/5 Overall – Hit in 2/4 vs NSH – Hit in 3/4 at Home |
| TBL | Victor Hedman | Over 2.5 Shots on Goal | -110 | – Hit in 5/6 Overall – Hit in 3/4 vs NSH – Hit in 2/4 at Home |
| NSH | Jonathan Marchessault | Over 0.5 Points | -125 | – Hit in 3/5 Overall – Hit in 4/4 vs TBL |
| NSH | Gustav Nyquist | Over 0.5 Points | -105 | – Hit in 3/4 Overall – Hit in 3/5 vs TBL |
Best Bets:
- Steven Stamkos over 0.5 Points (-145) – DraftKings
- Victor Hedman over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-110) – DraftKings
Carolina Hurricanes @ Vancouver Canucks
- Puck Drop: 10:00 PM ET
- TV Information: SNP, FDSNSO, ESPN+
Records & Stats:
| Team | Record | Standings | Home | Away | ATS | O/U |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 5-2-0 | 3rd Metropolitan | 1-1-0 | 4-1-0 | 5-2 | 1-5-1 |
| Vancouver Canucks | 4-1-2 | 4th Pacific | 1-0-2 | 3-1-0 | 3-4 | 3-4-0 |
Odds:
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Carolina Hurricanes | -110 | -135 | -1.5 (+190) | o6.0 (-105) |
| Vancouver Canucks | -110 | +114 | +1.5 (-230) | u6.0 (-115) |
Preview:
The Hurricanes have come out strong this season with a 5-2 record, entering tonight’s matchup on a three-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 11-5 during this stretch.
Sebastian Aho has been leading the offense, putting up 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) over his last six games. Shayne Gostisbehere, Seth Jarvis, Martin Necas, and Andrei Svechnikov have also been productive, each averaging a point per game in that span.
After dropping their first three games, the Canucks have turned things around with a four-game winning streak. Kiefer Sherwood, J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser, and Teddy Blueger have all been hot, each averaging a point per game over the last four.
Starting Goaltenders:
| Team | Goalie | Games Played | Goals Saved Above Expected (Rank) | Save Percentage (Rank) | Goals Against Average (Rank) | Status |
| CAR | Pytor Kochetkov | 3 | +0.8 (23rd) | .896 (33rd) | 2.70 (19th) | UNCONFIRMED |
| VAN | Kevin Lankinen | 5 | +2.2 (16th) | .930 (11th) | 1.95 (7th) | UNCONFIRMED |
Team Stats & Trends:
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina’s last 6 games on the road.
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver’s last 6 games.
Player Stats & Trends:
| Team | Player | Prop | Odds | Trend |
| VAN | Conor Garland | Over 0.5 Points | -110 | – Hit in 6/7 Overall – Hit in 3/3 at Home |
| VAN | Brock Boeser | Over 0.5 Points | -140 | – Hit in 5/5 Overall – Hit in 3/3 vs CAR – Hit in 2/3 at Home |
| VAN | Elias Pettersson | Over 0.5 Points | -140 | – Hit in 3/3 Overall – Hit in 3/4 vs CAR – Hit in 2/3 at Home |
| CAR | Andrei Svechnikov | Over 3.5 Shots on Goal | +124 | – Hit in 3/4 Overall – Hit in 1/2 vs CAR – Hit in 4/5 on the Road |
| CAR | Shayne Gostisbehere | Over 0.5 Points | +124 | – Hit in 5/7 Overall – Hit in 4/5 on the Road |
| VAN | J.T. Miller | Anytime Goal Scorer | +185 | – Hit in 3/4 Overall – Hit in 4/4 vs CAR – Hit in 3/5 at Home |
Best Bets:
- Vancouver Canucks (+115) – BetMGM [ONLY IF PYOTR KOCHETKOV (CAR) & KEVIN LANKINEN (VAN) START]
Calgary Flames @ Vegas Golden Knights
- Puck Drop: 10:00 PM ET
- TV Information: SCRIPPS, SNW, TVAS, ESPN+
Records & Stats:
| Team | Record | Standings | Home | Away | ATS | O/U |
| Calgary Flames | 5-2-1 | 3rd Pacific | 3-2-0 | 2-0-1 | 5-3 | 4-4-0 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 6-2-1 | 1st Pacific | 6-0-0 | 0-2-1 | 7-2 | 8-1-0 |
Odds:
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Calgary Flames | +160 | +140 | +1.5 (-175) | o6.5 (-105) |
| Vegas Golden Knights | -192 | -166 | -1.5 (+145) | u6.5 (-115) |
Preview:
The Flames kicked off the season strong, winning five of their first six games, but have hit a slump, dropping their last two. Their power play has struggled, going 0-for-10 in the past three games. Despite the setbacks, Rasmus Andersson has been on fire, tallying 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) over his last six games.
The Golden Knights have had a streaky start: after winning their first three games, they lost the next three but bounced back with three straight wins. Their offense has been explosive, scoring at least six goals in each of their last three games. Mark Stone leads the NHL with 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in nine games. Jack Eichel isn’t too far behind with 15 points (3 goals, 12 assists).
Starting Goaltenders:
| Team | Goalie | Games Played | Goals Saved Above Expected (Rank) | Save Percentage (Rank) | Goals Against Average (Rank) | Status |
| CGY | Dan Vladar | 4 | +2.0 (18th) | .904 (24th) | 2.73 (20th) | UNCONFIRMED |
| VGK | Adin Hill | 5 | -2.6 (59th) | .864 (55th) | 3.85 (53rd) | UNCONFIRMED |
Team Stats & Trends:
- Calgary are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games against Vegas.
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vegas’ last 5 games against Calgary.
Player Stats & Trends:
| Team | Player | Prop | Odds | Trend |
| VGK | Ivan Barbashev | Over 1.5 Shots on Goal | -135 | – Hit in 7/9 Overall – Hit in 4/4 vs CGY – Hit in 6/6 at Home |
| VGK | Mark Stone | Over 0.5 Assists | -125 | – Hit in 8/9 Overall – Hit in 3/4 vs CGY – Hit in 6/6 at Home |
| CGY | Mikael Backlund | Over 2.5 Shots on Goal | +114 | – Hit in 7/7 vs VGK |
| CGY | Rasmus Andersson | Over 0.5 Points | +110 | – Hit in 6/8 Overall – Hit in 2/3 on the Road |
Best Bets:
- Ivan Barbashev over 1.5 Shots on Goal (-135) – DraftKings
Additional Bets:
- Chicago Blackhawks/ Colorado Avalanche over 6.5 (-105) – BetMGM [ONLY IF ALEXANDAR GEORGIEV STARTS]
- Jeff Skinner over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-135) – DraftKings
Promotions/ Sources:
Linemate – Player/ Team Props
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Shot Propz – Charts
- Shots on Goal (SOG) Against by Position
- Shot Attempts (SAT) Against by Position
- Goals Against (GA) by Position
- Team Offensive Stat Overview
- Team Defensive Stat Overview
- Team Hits and Blocks
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.
