Top NHL Betting Picks of the Week –  October 30th Edition

We’re seeing that a new coach doesn’t necessarily mean new results in Dallas, as the Stars roared out to dominate their first two opponents but then have slid down to a 5-5 record through their first 10 games. Toronto continues to look solid in the East, with an 8-4 record to lead the Atlantic Division. Pittsburgh has started the season looking hungry, with a 6-1-2 record to pace the Metropolitan Division. Out west, Colorado is looking like they want another postseason appearance, skating to a 7-3-2 spot, tied with Nashville for points atop the Central Division. What can you expect with your sports betting in the NHL this week? We have three NHL betting matchups for you to consider.

Top NHL Betting Picks of the Week –  October 30th Edition

Yes, the Penguins are very good as always. But how ’bout those not always very good teams like the Coyotes and Oilers 👀@twolinepass https://t.co/GI1SzQ6sQH

— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) October 30, 2018

Tuesday, October 30

N.Y. Rangers at San Jose (10:30pm ET)

It’s looking like Rebuild City in New York as the Blueshirts have stumbled out to a 3-7-1 start and are eighth in the Metropolitan Division. They lost on Sunday in Los Angeles to the Kings, 4-3, and they’ve been woeful on both offense and defense. They score just 2.5 goals per game (27th overall) but give up a full goal more (3.5, 22nd). Their penalty kill is porous at 73 percent. Things aren’t likely to get a lot better as the Rangers head out for a West Coast road swing. They start in San Jose with the Sharks, who are 6-3-2 and lead the Pacific. They are scoring at a high clip (3.5 goals per game, eighth overall), and while their defense is just average (2.8 goals permitted per game, 13th overall), they are solid on the penalty kill (85.4%, eighth overall). Timo Meier was the hero on Sunday as the Sharks picked up a 4-3 overtime win in Anaheim. It’s hard to see New York coming out with a win here. NHL Betting Prediction: San Jose 3, New York 1

Thursday, November 1

Dallas at Toronto (7:00pm ET)

When your goalie comes out and complains about the analytics used to evaluate his position, you know that your team is in trouble, and that’s what Dallas’ Ben Bishop just did. The Stars are just as mediocre as they were down the stretch last season, off to a 5-5 start and sitting in sixth place in the Central Division. They lost on Sunday in Detroit, giving the lowly Red Wings their first home victory of the season. Next they head to Montreal on Tuesday before facing Toronto Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena. The Stars don’t score a lot (3.0 goals per game, 16th overall), but they give up as much as they score (2.9, 16th). Their special teams (28.6% on the power play, 85.7% on the penalty kill) are both sixth overall, but that’s not translating into consistent winning. Toronto, on the other hand, is off to a terrific start, scoring 3.5 goals per game (fifth overall). Their defense is a little porous (3.1 goals per game, 19th), but their high-flying scoring is what gives them an edge. That offense didn’t show up on Monday in a 3-1 loss to Calgary, but a couple days off before welcoming the Stars should give the Leafs what they need to rebound. Their power play is on fire, converting on 32.3% of their man advantage opportunities, second overall. Despite the loss of Auston Matthews (shoulder), the Leafs should have all the offense they need to win. NHL Betting Prediction: Toronto 4, Dallas 2

Washington at Montreal (7:30pm ET, ESPN+)

Montreal appears to be emerging from the basement of the Eastern Conference, at least to this point. They sit in third place in the Atlantic Division and delivered a resounding victory in Boston on Saturday, rolling to a 3-0 rout. The Canadiens return to host Dallas on Tuesday before Washington comes to town on Thursday. The Canadiens are mediocre on offense, scoring 3.2 goals per game (13th overall) but have a solid defense so far; their 2.5 goals permitted per game ranks fourth. They welcome a Capitals team that is scoring 3.8 goals per game (second overall) and converting 37.1% of its power plays, leading the NHL. However, their defense is a little suspect, as they permit 3.6 goals per game (25th overall) and only kill 72.5% of their penalties (also 26th). The line of Taylor Hall, Kyle Palmieri and Nico Hischier are among the league’s best, and they are coming off a 4-3 shootout win in Calgary on Saturday and will be rested by the time of Thursday’s game. I like the Caps to edge out the Canadiens in this Eastern Conference showdown. NHL Betting Prediction: Washington 4, Montreal 3