NHL Picks

Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game May 20, 2026

Vegas Golden Knights logo VEG @ Colorado Avalanche logo COL Wed, May 20 • 8:00 PM ET
13 Expert Picks
Points
Brett Howden logo Brett Howden o0.5 Points (+140)
Best Odds
Pick made: 3 hours ago
Luc LeBlanc image
Luc LeBlanc
Betting Analyst

Just like former Knight Roy, Brett Howden has points in six of his last eight games. He's played a pivotal role on this dominant Vegas squad, and at +140, he narrowly edges out Roy's +135 pricing.

Points
Nicolas Roy logo Nicolas Roy o0.5 Points (+135)
Best Odds
Pick made: 3 hours ago
Luc LeBlanc image
Luc LeBlanc
Betting Analyst

Nic Roy has points in six of his last eight and is easily the most consistent point producer set at plus-odds tonight. Ignore his subpar regular-season numbers, deflated by a wreck of a tenure with the Maple Leafs.

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Montreal Canadiens logo MON @ Carolina Hurricanes logo CAR Thu, May 21 • 8:00 PM ET
5 Expert Picks
Goals Scored
Seth Jarvis logo Seth Jarvis o0.5 Goals Scored (+190)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago
Neil Parker image
Neil Parker
Betting Analyst

It’s been a quiet postseason for Jarvis, with a single goal through eight games. The underlying numbers are promising for the three-time, 30-goal scorer, though. Jarvis has recorded a respectable 1.96 expected goals and eight high-danger scoring chances this postseason, and his 5.6 shooting percentage is well below the 14.3% mark he posted during the regular season.

Goals Scored
Juraj Slafkovsky logo Juraj Slafkovsky o0.5 Goals Scored (+230)
Best Odds
Pick made: 7 hours ago
Neil Parker image
Neil Parker
Betting Analyst

Slafkovsky has been limited to a single goal across his past 13 games despite racking up a team-high 5.64 expected goals, 41 scoring chances and 20 high-danger chances, so he’s a ripe candidate to break through with a goal in Game 1 against Carolina.

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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.

Free NHL Puck Line Picks

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.

Free NHL Totals Picks

Covers’ analysts make NHL Over and Under picks throughout the hockey season. Betting on NHL Over/Unders means picking whether you think the combined total goals scored in a game will be Over or Under a specific goal total set by oddsmakers.

Free NHL Moneyline Picks

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.

Free NHL Prop Picks

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.

NHL Consensus Picks

Covers’ consensus NHL picks highlight the odds and predictions that our vibrant community of bettors and players are making. Try our picks on with our free NHL contests for a chance at prizes and more.

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NHL Free Picks FAQs

When do we release our NHL picks?

Covers’ NHL picks typically release on game day. Some significant matchups like playoff games release in the days leading up to the game.

What kinds of NHL picks do we make?

Covers provides free NHL picks covering many markets, including puck lines, totals, moneylines, player props, and more.