There really isn’t anything like settling in for a full slate of NHL hockey on Saturday night. For NHL betting enthusiasts, it’s also a chance to make some serious money. We took the time to break down the top five NHL games to bet on during a busy night throughout the league.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens
Saturday, 7:00 PM ET
The Canadiens have been better than expected early on this season. and they will be on home ice against a Tampa Bay team that owns the best record in the Eastern Conference even despite a slow start. The Lightning are deep enough to contend for a Stanley Cup this season. It’s scary to think about what this team is capable of once it hits it stride. Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov are starting to heat up, which could mean a long night for Carey Price and company. For as good as Montreal has been early on, Tampa Bay should be a lock to win on Saturday night.
Pick: Tampa Bay
Edmonton Oilers at Detroit Red Wings
Saturday, 7:00 PM ET
Sticking with road favorites, the Oilers are off to an excellent start this season and that should continue in Detroit this weekend. The Red Wings have been one of the worst teams in the NHL, including a 1-3-1 record at home. Connor McDavid and company should be excited about the opportunity to put on a show in Detroit. Expect the Oilers to win big and cover on the puck line.
Pick: Edmonton
Dallas Stars at Washington Capitals
Saturday, 7:00 PM ET
The Stars have been one of the worst road teams in the NHL so far this season. Now they will have to match up against one of the league’s best home teams, the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals. Alex Ovechkin and company have picked up from where they left off a year ago with no signs of slowing down. Dallas will have a hard time keeping up with the Washington offense in what should be a lopsided game.
Pick: Washington
Chicago Blackhawks at Calgary Flames
Saturday, 10:00 PM ET
The Blackhawks are one of the most top heavy teams in the NHL. Chicago relies heavily on Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Corey Crawford. It’s why some nights they look like a legitimate playoff team and other nights they look absolutely terrible. Meanwhile, the additions of Elias Lindholm, James Neal and Noah Hanifin have solidified Calgary’s depth. The Flames still lean heavily on Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan but at least those stars are finally getting some support. The Flames need to perform well at home to take that next step as a playoff team this season. Calgary should have no problem beating the inconsistent Blackhawks at home on Saturday night.
Pick: Calgary
Philadelphia Flyers at San Jose Sharks
Saturday, 10:00 PM ET
Speaking of consistency, the analytics point to the Sharks being one of the best team in the NHL. San Jose has opened with a 6-3-3 record but even still they appear to have the potential to be a lot better. The Sharks should have no problem getting back in the win column against a Philadelphia side that has lost seven of 12 to open the season. The Flyers have some major holes on defense and in between the pipes. San Jose will expose them with a big win on home ice Saturday night.
Pick: San Jose
