Saturdays in the NHL mean a full slate of games, and I've pinpointed my best NHL moneyline predictions for all 14 contests.
Read below to see my analysis and NHL picks for Saturday, October 17.
NHL moneyline picks: October 17
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
| Matchup |  Probability |
|---|---|
 Devils Capitals |
47% |
 Hurricanes Jets |
62% |
 Canucks Lightning |
77% |
 Kraken Panthers |
64% |
 Islanders Maple Leafs |
46% |
 Sabres Canadiens |
57% |
 Sharks Red Wings |
56% |
 Senators Flyers |
59% |
 Rangers Blue Jackets |
56% |
 Stars Blackhawks |
65% |
 Blues Predators |
51% |
 Bruins Kings |
45% |
 Oilers Mammoth |
56% |
 Penguins Golden Knights |
68% |
Percentages courtesy of Novig, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Expert NHL moneyline picks: October 17
Devils vs Capitals pick: Devils
The Capitals have started well at home, but the Devils own the much stronger underlying profile. The Devils have controlled over 62% of even-strength shot attempts while also sitting above 60% in both high-danger chance share and 5-on-5 expected-goal share. The Capitals are below 50% in both shot-attempt and high-danger share. The Capitals’ goaltending could keep this close, but I prefer the Devils’ ability to consistently drive play.
Hurricanes vs Jets pick: Hurricanes
The Hurricanes enter on a six-game winning streak, and the underlying numbers suggest their strong start is no fluke. The Hurricanes own roughly a 60% even-strength shot-attempt share, a 59% high-danger chance share, and a 58% 5-on-5 expected-goals share. The Jets enter on less rest and have lost two of its last three.
Canucks vs Lightning pick: Lightning
The Canucks have been an absolute disaster defensively, allowing 4.56 goals per game, while their penalty kill sits at only 60%. That’s a dangerous combination against a Lightning team that hasn't lost at home. The Canucks continue to be without Thatcher Demko, putting even more pressure on an already struggling defensive group. This is one of my favorite moneyline sides of the day.
Kraken vs Panthers pick: Panthers
The Kraken have been one of the early-season surprises, scoring nearly four goals per contest, but I’m not completely buying the hot start. The Panthers have done a much better job controlling possession and limiting opposing shots, allowing only around 24 per game. The Panthers are also beginning to find some momentum after winning two straight. At home, I trust the Panthers’ overall profile more.
Islanders vs Maple Leafs pick: Islanders
The Maple Leafs possess the more explosive offense, but I like the Islanders at an underdog price because of their defensive and goaltending advantages. The Islanders are allowing just 2.43 goals and 25.9 shots per game. Ilya Sorokin has been excellent between the pipes. The Maple Leafs have surrendered 3.5 goals per night. If the Isles can avoid their penalty issues, they have a solid path to victory.
Sabres vs Canadiens pick: Canadiens
This matchup is extremely close, but special teams give the Canadiens the slight edge. The Sabres’ penalty kill has been dreadful at 61.5%, while the Canadiens have been considerably more reliable when shorthanded. Neither team has received particularly strong goaltending, and both average exactly three goals per game. With the Canadiens also playing at home and holding the better defensive special-teams profile, I like the Habs.
Sharks vs Red Wings pick: Red Wings
The Sharks own the better record, but the Red Wings’ underlying numbers suggest the Wings have played the better hockey. The Red Wings have controlled more than 54% of high-danger chances, while the Sharks have been among the league’s worst teams at preventing quality looks. The Sharks have received shaky goaltending as well. Back on home ice, I like the Red Wings in this spot.
Senators vs Flyers pick: Senators
The Flyers simply haven’t shown enough offensively to earn my trust. The Flyers remain winless and are scoring just 1.22 goals per game, the worst mark in the league. The Senators haven’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard either, but the Senators have been much stronger defensively and own a 6-2 record. I'm backing them on the road.
Rangers vs Blue Jackets pick: Blue Jackets
The Rangers have better special teams and a better overall record, but I’m taking a shot on the Blue Jackets at home. The Blue Jackets have quietly controlled over 54% of expected goals at 5-on-5, and they enter this matchup well rested. The Rangers have struggled away from home and are coming off a lopsided loss to the Devils. The Blue Jackets’ penalty kill is concerning, but I still prefer the hosts.
Stars vs Blackhawks pick: Stars
The Blackhawks have shown some signs of life lately, but the Stars’ defensive and goaltending advantages are difficult to overlook. The Stars are allowing only 1.86 goals and 23 shots per game, while Jake Oettinger has been outstanding in net. The Blackhawks are surrendering four goals per contest and have struggled to consistently create dangerous chances offensively.
Blues vs Predators pick: Blues
This is another close matchup, but the Blues have been more consistent at even strength. The Blues are scoring 3.57 goals per game, a full goal more than the Predators, while also controlling a greater share of the expected goals at 5-on-5. Juuse Saros and the Predators’ power play are legitimate concerns, but the Blues have created more offense at 5-on-5.
Bruins vs Kings pick: Bruins
The Bruins face a difficult schedule spot on the second night of a back-to-back, but the Kings have been awful. The Kings are still winless while allowing 4.20 goals per game, and their penalty kill sits dead last in the league. The Bruins have won four straight and should have Jeremy Swayman fresh after resting him Friday. The Bruins are a great pick at an underdog price.
Oilers vs Mammoth pick: Mammoth
The Oilers lead the NHL in scoring, so fading Connor McDavid and company is never easy. However, the Mammoth have been terrific in their own right, winning three straight while allowing only 2.63 goals per game. The Mammoth also own the league’s top power play at 37.5% and already beat the Oilers earlier this week. At home, where they've yet to lose, I'll ride the Mammoth.
Penguins vs Golden Knights pick: Golden Knights
This is a tough scheduling spot for the Penguins. They played Friday night in Colorado and now head to face the Golden Knights for the second half of a road back-to-back across the country. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights are rested and enter at 7-2, averaging 3.89 goals while allowing only 2.44. The Golden Knights also have a top-seven power play and a solid home-ice record. Back the Stanley Cup finalists.
Today's NHL moneyline combo
Lightning moneyline
Stars moneyline
Golden Knights moneyline
Lightning starts the combo in a favorable home matchup against a Canucks team that has struggled badly defensively and on the penalty kill. Stars follows with one of the league’s strongest defensive profiles and elite early-season goaltending from Oettinger. Golden Knights rounds it out in an excellent schedule spot against Penguins, which is playing the second half of a road back-to-back after visiting Colorado on Friday night.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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