NHL Picks

Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game March 18, 2026

New Jersey Devils logo NJ @ New York Rangers logo NYR Wed, Mar 18 • 7:00 PM ET
1 Expert Pick
Shots On Goal
Dougie Hamilton logo Dougie Hamilton o2.5 Shots On Goal (-140)
Best Odds
Pick made: 2 hours ago
Todd Cordell image
Todd Cordell
Betting Analyst

Dougie Hamilton ranks 5th among NHL defensemen in shots on goal and has cleared 2.5 shots in 58% of his appearances. That jumps to 68% against Bottom-16 shot-suppression teams vs. defensemen and 72% against those in the Bottom-10, such as the Rangers.

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Ottawa Senators logo OTT @ Washington Capitals logo WAS Wed, Mar 18 • 7:30 PM ET
2 Expert Picks
MoneyLine
Ottawa Senators logo OTT (-125)
Best Odds
Pick made: an hour ago
Neil Parker image
Neil Parker
Betting Analyst

The Senators are putting together a postseason push with an active 11-2-2 record while ranking fourth in Corsi For percentage and second in expected goals percentage at 5-on-5. It’s a different story for the Capitals, with respective ranks of 25th and 20th during the same stretch.

MoneyLine
Washington Capitals logo WAS (+100)
Best Odds
Pick made: 13 hours ago
Chris Vasile image
Chris Vasile
Publishing Editor

The Washington Capitals are a tough out at home with just 11 regulation losses on the season. With a strong defensive record, I like their chances tonight against the Sens, especially at plus money. 

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Dallas Stars logo DAL @ Colorado Avalanche logo COL Wed, Mar 18 • 9:30 PM ET
1 Expert Pick
Goals Scored
Nathan MacKinnon logo Nathan MacKinnon o0.5 Goals Scored (-125)
Best Odds
Pick made: 1 hours ago
Todd Cordell image
Todd Cordell
Betting Analyst

Nathan MacKinnon lives to play the Dallas Stars. They have been a top-tier contender for years and yet MacKinnon has still found a way to score in eight of the past nine head-to-head meetings, including six straight.

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St. Louis Blues logo STL @ Calgary Flames logo CAL Wed, Mar 18 • 9:30 PM ET
1 Expert Pick
Points
Matvei Gridin logo Matvei Gridin o0.5 Points (+120)
Best Odds
Pick made: 17 minutes ago
Neil Parker image
Neil Parker
Betting Analyst

Gridin is finding his NHL footing and has marked the scoresheet in four of his past six games while seeing increased offensive opportunities. The Russian cracked the CHL All-Rookie Team last year while averaging 1.41 points per game in the QMJHL, and he followed it up with 30 points across 37 AHL games this season before being promoted to the highest level. St. Louis has surrendered a healthy 3.39 goals per road game, too.

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What are Covers’ NHL Free picks and predictions?

Covers’ roster of hockey betting analysts has more than 25 years of experience making smart NHL picks from the season’s first puck drop to the Stanley Cup Final.

We find the best NHL odds and share our picks and NHL best bets for the biggest games of the NHL season right here on this page.

Our picks are researched and analyzed by experienced sports bettors looking for an edge to get the best value from their NHL betting.

Free NHL Expert Picks

Making smart NHL picks means looking beyond the favorites. Our free expert hockey picks will include a wide variety of bet types and markets.

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Puck lines are what other sports like football and basketball refer to as point spreads. Puck lines even the odds between two teams, offering bettors as close to an even matchup as possible. Our analysts research matchups, goalies, injuries, and more to give you the best possible edge before making your NHL puck line bets.

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Betting on the NHL moneyline means picking which team will win a game outright. While less common than picking the puck line or even a prop, our analysts will always look for high-value hockey moneyline picks if they feel it’s the best bet.

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There’s always value in NHL props. Our team scours through game, team, and player props to try and find opportunity and value. From total saves to goals scored, expect well-researched NHL prop picks from Covers.

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