Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game May 13, 2026
MIN
@
COL
Wed, May 13 • 8:00 PM ET
Nathan MacKinnon o0.5 Goals Scored (-115)
Nathan MacKinnon has scored in five straight playoff games and continues to lead Colorado’s attack heading into Game 5. The Avalanche superstar finished the regular season with an NHL-best 53 goals and has already buried six in the postseason. Back on home ice at Ball Arena, MacKinnon should generate plenty of chances again while skating alongside elite playmakers Martin Necas and Cale Makar.
Martin Necas o0.5 Assists (-105)
Martin Necas continues to thrive as Colorado’s top playmaker this postseason, piling up eight assists in nine playoff points overall. The Czech forward has cleared this line in four of his last five games and already owns six helpers in the series. Skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar on both the top line and first power-play unit gives Necas elite setup opportunities again tonight.
MON
@
BUF
Thu, May 14 • 7:00 PM ET
Alex Tuch o0.5 Goals Scored (+195)
Tuch was dangerous again in Game 4 without finding the back of the net, and he’s now up to 2.06 expected goals, six high-danger scoring chances and 15 shots without a goal in the series. The back-to-back 30-goal scorer skates with the top line and No. 1 power-play unit, too, so the opportunities will continue to present themselves for Tuch to finally cash in Thursday.
o5.5 (-125)
The total went Over the number in the first three games between Montreal and Buffalo, and I think the increased workload is catching up to Canadiens No. 1 Jakub Dobes. His .895 save percentage in Round 2 is way below the .923 mark he posted against Tampa Bay, after all. Additionally, Sabres starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen posted a .909 save percentage with 0.311 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes during the regular season, so I’m anticipating his play to also dip after turning away 28 of 30 shots with 1.62 GSAx in Game 4.
Get weekly insights uncovering matchup advantages and mispriced lines.
VEG
@
ANA
Thu, May 14 • 9:30 PM ET
Cutter Gauthier o0.5 Goals Scored (+180)
Cutter Gauthier leads the series in shot attempts, shots on goal, scoring chances, and rebounds created.
He is the most prolific goal scorer in the series, and he is getting more looks than anybody. I like his odds of breaking through in Game 6.
Leo Carlsson o0.5 Points (-180)
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.
Making smart NHL picks means looking beyond the favorites. Our free expert hockey picks will include a wide variety of bet types and markets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Covers’ staff of sports betting fans also offers a wide array of free picks for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA basketball, and NCAA football.
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.
Established in 1995,
All Picks
NFL
NCAAF
MLB
NBA
NCAAB
NHL
CFL
WNBA
Golf
World Cup
