Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game Oct. 23, 2026
Predicted Score
Team |
Predicted Score |
ML |
Total |
Puck Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3.54 |
-144 
|
o6.0 -122 
|
-1.5 +155 
|
|
2.97 |
+145 
|
u6.5 -120 
|
+1.5 -165
|
Montreal
Chicago
Predicted Score
Team |
Predicted Score |
ML |
Total |
Puck Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3.10 |
+112
|
o6.5 +102 
|
+1.5 -215
|
|
3.34 |
-125
|
u6.5 -120
|
-1.5 +195
|
Tampa Bay
Colorado
MON
@
CHI
Fri, Oct 23 • 8:00 PM ET
CHI (+138)
There is a lot to navigate for the Montreal Canadiens. The loss of Nick Suzuki is massive, as he might 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 are also in a tough lookahead spot with the outdoor Heritage Classic scheduled for Sunday. It's a circled game that disrupts the regular routine, and tonight might not bring the Canadiens' best effort. I have Montreal's moneyline priced at 48% tonight.
Juraj Slafkovsky o0.5 Assists (+126)
Slafkovsky has recorded three assists in his last two games, with four of his five helpers this season being primary assists. With Nick Suzuki sidelined, the Canadiens winger should take on additional playmaking responsibilities on the top line and PP1 against a struggling Chicago defense.
TB
@
COL
Fri, Oct 23 • 9:00 PM ET
Artturi Lehkonen o0.5 Points (+104)
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 record a point today, even against the Lightning, who should be satisfied with their 6-2 win over Vegas to 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 there's a drastic change in this price.
Nikita Kucherov o0.5 Goals Scored (+160)
Nikita Kucherov has four goals in nine games this season, including three in his last two, and can become Tampa Bay's outright franchise points leader tonight. Colorado is allowing three goals per game and ranks 17th in shots allowed. With the total set at 6.5, there's scoring potential on both sides, making Kucherov's 36% anytime-goal price worth targeting.
Our experts and prediction models are hard at work analyzing the data. Check back shortly for today's picks, or explore our Computer Picks for inspiration.
We've combined statistical analysis and machine learning to make these computer picks. The table above shows you how the computer has done in its last 100 picks against the moneyline, spread (puck line), and total with $100 units.
Seeing where the computer has had success, or has failed, can give you some insight into where the betting value might lie going forward.
Use our computer picks as the starting point in your handicapping journey. Our computer analyzes every stat in our database and chooses the bet that has the most likely outcome. Now, use our other tools to do your own research and see if that research agrees or disagrees with the computer.
An NHL moneyline bet is simple: all you need to do is pick a winner. Whether that's in regulation or overtime, they don't ask how, but how many, right?
| Team | Moneyline Odds |
|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | -130 |
| Florida Panthers | +110 |
As with all moneyline odds, the team with the minus sign (-) is the favorite, while the side with the plus sign (+) is the underdog.
Betting $100 on Edmonton at -130 would net you $176 in winnings if they win the game, $76 of profit plus your initial $100 wager. Conversely, if you bet on Florida and they win, you get $210: $110 in profit plus your initial $100 bet.
The puck line is the NHL's version of the spread, where each team is given a certain number of goals to either win or lose by. Unlike the NFL or the NBA, the NHL spread doesn't typically change from 1.5 for each side. The spread is designed to make betting on the favorite more enticing.
| Team | Moneyline Odds | Puck line Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | -130 | -1.5 (-110) |
| Florida Panthers | +110 | +1.5 (-180) |
The favorite, Edmonton at -1.5, would need to win by at least two goals for the bet to cash. If Edmonton wins by two or more goals, in other words, "covers the bet," you'd get $191 in winnings instead of $176 by taking them on the moneyline.
There are two ways for the underdog, Florida at +1.5, to "cover" a +1.5 puck line bet. They can lose by a single goal or win outright to cash. The odds are shorter, but you have options on this bet.
With a total bet, you're wagering on the total number of goals scored by both teams. You aren't backing any single side to win.
| Team | Total Odds |
|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | O5.5 (-115) |
| Florida Panthers | U5.5 (-105) |
Sportsbooks will set a line for the game. In this case, it's 5.5 goals. Your job is to figure out if Edmonton and Florida will score more or fewer than 5.5 goals, not counting the shootout.
If you see a line that's an even number, like 6.0, those bets can end in a push where your wager is refunded if the game ends at exactly six goals.
You know what the moneyline, spread (puck line), and total bets are, so you're ready to start betting on NHL hockey. But before you start placing bets with your gut, make sure to check out our betting tools and betting guides.
They can guide you with more than just moneyline, spread, and total bets. They can also help you find value in the futures and player props markets.
If you're ready to bet on NHL picks, you first need to find the right sportsbook. Our NHL betting sites guide offers secure banking, the best odds, bonuses, and reliable customer service options for you.
Covers’ NHL picks typically release on game day. Some significant matchups like playoff games release in the days leading up to the game.
Covers provides free NHL picks covering many markets, including puck lines, totals, moneylines, player props, and more.
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