Week number 2 of the NHL season is now underway and I would like to very quickly move on from the previous week as it was a bit of a mess! I know going into every season there is going to be bumps in the road especially this early with limited relevant stats but man I like winning money! Today we get back on the horse and get back in the win column with a game total bet and a plus odds Money Line that I am very excited to see go down. In today's 5 game slate don't forget to check out the Underdog NHL Props either as that article is having great success so far this campaign. 

  • Season Record: 2-6-0
  • Bankroll: -3.15 units

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**all bets are one unit unless specifically mentioned.

NHL Best Bets for October 16

Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs

Well it only took a handful of games but the Toronto Maple Leafs are fully back to last season's form as they are blowing the doors down offensively. Auston Matthews has back to back hat tricks and the Maple Leafs have scored 13 goals through just 2 games, these stats are just silly. This has lead to the over hitting easily through the opening games for the Maple Leafs and I am projecting much of the same as the Blackhawks visit with their swiss cheese blue line. Speaking of the those Blackhawks they have somehow not hit an over yet this season through 3 games but I believe that for Connor Bedard and crew tonight will be the night and I fully expect them to contribute 2-3 goals towards the total. Petr Mrazek and Joseph Woll will start for their teams tonight and that doesn't really move the needle either way on the total but its also not standing in its way from going over. Let's root for goals, its more fun that way, go over 6.5 goals!

Pick: Blackhawks & Maple Leafs Over 6.5 Goals (-130 on BetRivers)

 

Calgary Flames at Washington Capitals

For two teams that have been in contention for the past decade this season is going to be a bit strange as each roster is rebuilding and the expectations are at an all time low. The Flames are 1-1-0 through their opening 2 games but like the Capitals were beaten by the Penguins in their last game and didn't look good at all. Both teams have also looked slow and older but what happens when they play each other? I like the edge on the Capitals just at a glance today given home ice and being an underdog is always appealing but also because they have the upper hand in the net tonight as Darcy Kuemper mans the crease against Jacob Markstrom. The Flames goaltender is struggling again this season with a 3.56 GAA and playing a sniper like Alex Ovechkin won't help his woes. On top of that the offense isn't great at least analytically as they rank 2nd to last right now in xGF% at 36.38% and you should know anything lower than 45% in that metric is BAD BAD. Give me the Capitals at plus money tonight and let's turn this betting season around!

Pick: Washington Capitals Money Line (+110 on DraftKings)