Jack Quinn looks poised to take another significant leap for the Buffalo Sabres this season, and he's central to my NHL predictions and NHL picks for Tuesday, Oct. 6.
He's piled up a team-leading 21 shot attempts through two games while getting a noticeable uptick in usage. With home ice tonight and a 6.5 total against the Minnesota Wild, the game environment should be conducive to another productive showing.
Today's top NHL predictions
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
Jack Quinn Over 2.5 shots
Bowen Byram Over 0.5 points
Devils moneylinePercentages courtesy of Novig, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Pick #1: Jack Quinn Over 2.5 shots
I like Jack Quinn to record 3+ shots up to 56%.
Quinn ranked 42nd among all forwards in shots on goal per 60 minutes last season. He's always been efficient, and now Quinn is getting more minutes to put that shot to use.
The Buffalo Sabres gave him at least 19 minutes in each of the team's first two games, a mark he reached only eight times all of last season. He took full advantage, recording 9-plus shot attempts in both contests while combining for 21 in total.
With top-six minutes and a spot on the No. 1 power-play unit, Quinn should get ample opportunity to shoot against the Minnesota Wild.
- Matchup: Wild vs. Sabres
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: KeyBank Center, Buffalo
- TV: SN+, ESPN+
Pick #2: Bowen Byram Over 0.5 points
Bowen Byram is a target for a point up to 48%.
The Chicago Blackhawks paid a monstrous price to acquire and extend Byram, and they’re giving him prime usage to make the most of his offensive skill set.
He's been receiving favorable deployment, with 66.7% of his starts coming in the offensive end.
Byran is playing a ton at 5-on-5 and also quarterbacking the top power-play group. That should be especially beneficial against a St. Louis Blues team spending more than eight minutes per night shorthanded.
The Blackhawks are playing in their home opener and will get the last change, giving them the ability to get the matchups they want.
- Matchup: Blues vs. Blackhawks
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: United Center, Chicago
- TV: SN+, ESPN+
Pick #3: Devils moneyline
I see value on the New Jersey Devils up to 57%.
Their process has been strong immediately, as the team leads the NHL with a +1.67 expected goal differential per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 play.
They're peppering opposing goaltenders, but an unsustainably low 3.7 SH% has been holding New Jersey back. That number should jump to the 9-10% range soon, if not higher.
The Utah Mammoth have been posting encouraging underlying metrics as well, but not quite at the same level. They sit 11th in xG differential.
Preseason included, the Devils are yet to leave the Metro area. They should be well-rested after last playing on Saturday, and the team has barely traveled in weeks.
- Matchup: Mammoth vs. Devils
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Prudential Center, New Jersey
- TV: SN+, ESPN+
- Top picks: 6-9, -4.82 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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