NHL Picks

Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 23, 2026

Buffalo Sabres logo BUF @ Boston Bruins logo BOS Thu, Apr 23 • 7:00 PM ET
3 Expert Picks
Points
Josh Doan logo Josh Doan o0.5 Points (+140)
Best Odds
o0.5 +152 FanDuel
Pick made: 14 hours ago
Todd Cordell image
Todd Cordell
Betting Analyst
o0.5  +135
o0.5  +140
o0.5  +152
o0.5  +135
o0.5  +130
o0.5  +140

The Sabres have generated 2.76 expected goals with Doan on the ice yet scored only once. He’s getting looks at 5-on-5 and he is skating on the top power play alongside top weapons like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin. With that kind of usage, it’s only a matter of time before results follow his chance-generation.

Read Full Analysis
Goals Scored
Josh Doan logo Josh Doan o0.5 Goals Scored (+305)
Best Odds
o0.5 +425 bet365
Pick made: 20 hours ago
Todd Cordell image
Todd Cordell
Betting Analyst
o0.5  +340
o0.5  +425
o0.5  +360
o0.5  +350
o0.5  +340
o0.5  +340

Tage Thompson is the only player on either team with more scoring chances than Doan in this series. He is getting quality looks, and his 13.2 career shooting percentage indicates he’s capable of finishing efficiently over time. 

View 3 Picks
Carolina Hurricanes logo CAR @ Ottawa Senators logo OTT Thu, Apr 23 • 7:30 PM ET
3 Expert Picks
Goals Scored
Tim Stutzle logo Tim Stutzle o0.5 Goals Scored (+195)
Best Odds
o0.5 +205 bet365
Pick made: 18 hours ago
Neil Parker image
Neil Parker
Betting Analyst
o0.5  +195
o0.5  +205
o0.5  +190
o0.5  +195
o0.5  +194
o0.5  +185

There’s a disconnect between the underlying numbers for Sens star Tim Stutzle and how dangerous he’s actually been on the ice. While he’s generated just 0.86 individual expected goals on six shots and four individual high-danger scoring chances during the series, he’s done everything but find the back of the net with multiple missed Grade A chances in both games. Stutzle finally capitalizes with a goal in Game 3.

Total Saves
Linus Ullmark logo Linus Ullmark o25.5 Total Saves (-130)
Best Odds
o25.5 -130 DraftKings
Pick made: yesterday
Neil Parker image
Neil Parker
Betting Analyst
o25.5  -130
o25.5  -135
 -
o25.5  -135
o25.5  -132
o25.5  -135

This saves total is too low. Ullmark has been phenomenal through the first two games of the series, and he’s now up to a .917 save percentage with 12.34 goals saved above expected across his past 11 starts. The Hurricanes have peppered him with 29.24 shots per 60 minutes through the first two games, and considering they finished the regular season ranked second in shots per game (31.5) and first in Corsi For percentage at five-on-five on the highway, I’m confident Ullmark will see the necessary rubber to clear this number in Game 3.

View 3 Picks
Colorado Avalanche logo COL @ Los Angeles Kings logo LA Thu, Apr 23 • 10:00 PM ET
3 Expert Picks
Goals Scored
Martin Necas logo Martin Necas o0.5 Goals Scored (+195)
Best Odds
o0.5 +200 bet365
Pick made: 15 hours ago
Neil Parker image
Neil Parker
Betting Analyst
o0.5  +175
o0.5  +200
o0.5  +180
o0.5  +175
o0.5  +167
o0.5  +170

Necas paces the Avs in individual expected goals during the series (1.22), and he’s also failed to find the back of the net in five consecutive games dating back to the regular season despite recording 17 shots and eight high-danger scoring chances. After scoring 38 times during the regular season, Necas breaks through and scores in Game 3.

Moneyline
Colorado Avalanche logo COL (-155)
Best Odds
 -156 FanDuel
Pick made: 16 hours ago
Neil Parker image
Neil Parker
Betting Analyst
 -166
 -160
 -156
 -165
 -165
 -165

The Kings have yet to score a five-on-five goal while losing the possession battle with a 43.8 Corsi For percentage and generating just 40.7% of the expected goals during the series. Additionally, it’s a matter of when not if the Avs fill the net against Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg. His .939 save percentage with 3.45 goals saved above expect through two games are screaming for statistical correction.

View 3 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.