NHL Picks

Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 8, 2026

Buffalo Sabres logo BUF @ New York Rangers logo NYR Wed, Apr 8 • 7:00 PM ET
2 Expert Picks
Assists
Rasmus Dahlin logo Rasmus Dahlin o0.5 Assists (-130)
Best Odds
Pick made: 5 hours ago
Quinn Allen image
Quinn Allen
Betting Analyst

Dahlin has hit the Over in helpers in two straight, and he also notched 11 assists in March. The Swede has a helper in two meetings with the New York Rangers, whom the Sabres face tonight. He’s also compiled seven SOG in those matchups, which means the opportunities in the offensive end have been there.

Shots Blocked
Braden Schneider logo Braden Schneider o1.5 Shots Blocked (-135)
Best Odds
Pick made: 5 hours ago
Todd Cordell image
Todd Cordell
Betting Analyst

Braden Schneider has blocked 35 shots over his last 16 games, clearing his 1.5 line in 13 of them. Only six defensemen have stepped in the way of more rubber during that time. The matchup against the Sabres should lead to multiple blocks once again. They rank 11th in shot attempts since the deadline and play at a very fast pace, creating a high-event game environment.

View 2 Picks
Washington Capitals logo WAS @ Toronto Maple Leafs logo TOR Wed, Apr 8 • 7:30 PM ET
3 Expert Picks
Total Saves
Anthony Stolarz logo Anthony Stolarz o25.5 Total Saves (-125)
Best Odds
Pick made: 2 hours ago
Neil Parker image
Neil Parker
Betting Analyst

The Maple Leafs are 5-10-5 out of the Olympic break while allowing the most shots per game (34.9) and ranking last in Corsi For percentage at five-on-five, so with the Capitals still battling for a playoff spot, I expect Washington to carry the play. Of course, Stolarz has also been solid with a .910 save percentage and 8.71 goals saved above expected across nine games during the highlighted slump, so he stands to face enough rubber to clear this saves total tonight.

Goals Scored
John Tavares logo John Tavares o0.5 Goals Scored (+180)
Best Odds
Pick made: 5 hours ago
Quinn Allen image
Quinn Allen
Betting Analyst

Tavares has found the back of the net in three straight contests, bagging four goals during that span. The Capitals just allowed eight goals to the Rangers, and Tavares is hot. 

View 3 Picks
Edmonton Oilers logo EDM @ San Jose Sharks logo SJ Wed, Apr 8 • 10:00 PM ET
2 Expert Picks
Shots On Goal
Connor McDavid logo Connor McDavid o3.5 Shots On Goal (+105)
Best Odds
Pick made: 3 hours ago
Mike DiStefano image
Mike DiStefano
Betting Analyst

The Sharks allow a high volume of shots per contest, ranking 27th in shots allowed per game. Connor McDavid has seen an uptick in his shot volume of late, but the betting market hasn’t caught up to it yet. McDavid is getting +105 odds to go Over 3.5 shots, despite averaging 5.2 shots per game over his last five outings.

Shots On Goal
Macklin Celebrini logo Macklin Celebrini o3.5 Shots On Goal (-115)
Best Odds
Pick made: 5 hours ago
Quinn Allen image
Quinn Allen
Betting Analyst

The San Jose Sharks star has cashed the Over in shots on target in four of his last six, and he finished with three SOG in the two others – just a tad below tonight’s total. The Sharks take on the Edmonton Oilers here, and Celebrinin has 10 SOG against them across three meetings. More importantly, the Oilers are struggling lately, losing two straight and allowing over 30 SOG per contest in both games. 

View 2 Picks

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.

Best Hockey Betting Sites

If you’re ready to bet on NHL picks, you first need to find the right sportsbook. The best NHL betting sites offer secure banking, best odds, bonuses, and reliable customer service.

More Free Picks

Covers’ staff of sports betting fans also offers a wide array of free picks for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA basketball, and NCAA football.

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.