The NHL’s first full weekend of action continues Saturday, Oct. 12, with 13 games on the schedule. We will highlight four of those contests. Here are our best picks from NHL betting sites in America.
Los Angeles Kings (1-0-0) at Boston Bruins (1-1-0)
Time: 1:08 p.m. ET
| Money Line/Spread | Odds |
| Boston | -150 / -1.5 (+165) |
| Los Angeles | +125 / +1.5 (-200) |
| Total | 5.5 (over -120 / under +100) |
Pick: Over 5.5
Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar scored three goals (his seventh career, second season-opening) to lead the Kings to a 3-1 come-from-behind victory against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, Oct. 10.
After a lackluster road performance against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday, the Boston Bruins returned home on Thursday and had an offensive explosion in a 6-4 win over their rival Montreal Canadiens. Elias Lindholm and Cole Koepke each had one goal with two assists, and Mark Kastelic added two scores in the win.
Both teams can score, so I think the over will be an easy hit to start things off on a busy day of games.
Prop Bet: Both teams to score 2+ goals (-155), No (+115).
Utah Hockey Club (2-0-0) at New York Rangers (1-0-0)
Time: 7:08 p.m. ET
| Money Line/Spread | Odds |
| New York | -210 / -1.5 (+110) |
| Utah Hockey Club | +170 / +1.5 (-130) |
| Total | 6 (over -110 / under -110) |
Pick: NYR (puck line)
The New York Rangers exploded for six goals against the Penguins on the road Wednesday, with Chris Kreider scoring two goals and Jacob Trouba and Artemi Panarin each dishing out two assists. Goalie Igor Shesterkin had 29 saves in the win for his 16th career shutout.
Utah has had quite the opening week in its inaugural season in Salt Lake City, scoring 10 goals in their first two games, highlighted by a 5-4 overtime win at the New York Islanders Thursday. Dylan Guenther posted two goals (four in two games) to lead Utah.
This is an intriguing matchup in the first week of the season due to the fact that both teams have scored 16 goals in three games combined. I believe Shesterkin will continue with his fine goaltending and hold Utah in check somewhat, so I like the Rangers puck line.
Prop Bet: Both teams to score 1+ goals in the 3rd period (+125), No (-165).
New Jersey (2-1-0) at Washington Capitals
Time: 7:08 p.m. ET
| Money Line/Spread | Odds |
| New Jersey | -150 / -1.5 (+155) |
| Washington | +125 / +1.5 (-190) |
| Total | 6.5 (over +100 / under -120) |
Pick: NJD (money line)
The Devils got off to such a hot start overseas, winning their first two games of the season. When they returned for their home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs, their offense started late in a 4-2 setback. Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier each had one goal for New Jersey.
Saturday’s game will be Washington’s season opener. Dylan Strome (27 goals, 40 assists) and Alexander Ovechkin (31 goals, 34 assists) are the offensive duo that make the Capitals flourish.
Looking at the Devils to regain their offensive form after their disappointing home showing and get back in the win column.
Prop Bet: 1-1 tie after 1st period (+525).
Anaheim Ducks at San Jose Sharks (0-0-1)
Time: 10:08 p.m. ET
| Money Line/Spread | Odds |
| Anaheim | -120 / -1.5 (+190) |
| San Jose | +100 / +1.5 (-250) |
| Total | 6 (over -120 / under +100) |
Pick: SAN (money line)
This California matchup highlights Saturday’s late trio of games. This is Anaheim’s first game of the season, as Frank Vatrano (37 goals, 23 assists) and Troy Terry (20 goals, 34 assists) highlight the offense.
San Jose lost to the St. Louis Blues at home, 5-4, in overtime on Thursday. Tyler Toffoli and Macklin Celebrini each had one goal and one assist apiece in the loss for the Sharks.
San Jose will continue its offensive output after the first game and win straight up over Anaheim. So, take the Sharks money line.
