It's time to kick off the weekend, and while tonight's slate has just two games, there's plenty of value in our NHL picks, including moneyline bets and player props.
The Nick Suzuki injury opens the door for big first-line minutes in Montreal, but losing arguably one of the league's best defensive centers is a massive blow. Meanwhile, Artturi Lehkonen keeps stacking points, yet oddsmakers still aren't giving him enough respect.
These are my best NHL predictions and picks for Friday, October 23.
Today's top NHL predictions
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
| Pick |  Probability |
|---|---|
 Oliver Kapanen Over 0.5 points |
52% |
 Blackhawks ML |
42% |
 Artturi Lehkonen Over 0.5 points |
50% |
Percentages courtesy of Novig, one of the best prediction market apps.
Start trading with Novig today!
Sign up now using our exclusive Novig promo code 'COVERS' and deposit $10 to get $50 in trade credits!
*Eligible U.S. locations only
Pick #1: Oliver Kapanen Over 0.5 points
Oliver Kapanen is moving up to the top line and PP1 after Nick Suzuki's injury. He should see 17+ minutes of ice time and gets a favorable matchup against a Chicago team that ranks 26th in expected goals allowed/60.
In hockey, these props always take time to adjust, and any player getting this kind of offensive opportunity should be priced at 57% or higher.
It's also his third game back after missing the start of the season, and that three-game mark is often when a skater starts to get his legs back. Kapanen has skill and spent time centering Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky last year, so he already knows his new linemates.
Skating alongside Cole Caufield and Slafkovsky only adds to the appeal.
- Matchup: Canadiens vs. Blackhawks
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
- TV: TSN2
Pick #2: Blackhawks ML
The Montreal Canadiens have a lot to navigate. Losing Nick Suzuki is massive, as he may be one of the most important players on his team in the league. The defensive impact is significant, especially with Montreal already thin at center and Mike Matheson potentially still out on the blue line.
The visitors also face a tough lookahead with the outdoor Heritage Classic scheduled for Sunday. It's a circled game that disrupts the regular routine, and the Canadiens might not bring their best effort tonight. I have Montreal's moneyline priced at 48% tonight.
- Matchup: Canadiens vs. Blackhawks
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
- TV: TSN2
Pick #3: Artturi Lehkonen Over 0.5 points
I still don't understand how Artturi Lehkonen is priced near 50% to record a point. He has points in five straight games and is averaging 19:24 of ice time over that stretch.
The Avalanche are struggling on the power play and generating most of their production at 5-on-5. Lehkonen is skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, and playing at home gives Colorado the matchup advantage with last change.
The winger should be priced at 60% to notch a point today, even against the Lightning, who should be satisfied with their 6-2 win over Vegas as they open a three-game road trip against tough opponents.
Dropping this game wouldn't be the end of the world, as Tampa Bay would still be happy to go 2-1 SU against Vegas, Colorado, and Utah. I'm backing Lehkonen until this price changes drastically.
- Matchup: Lightning vs. Avalanche
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- TV: SN360
- Top picks: 26-25, +8.0 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
