NHL Best Bets: Thursday (10/31)

The NHL is serving up a seven-game slate to enjoy along with your candy tonight, so let’s find the best value on the board to bet ahead of opening puck drops. Last Thursday, my NHL best bets unfortunately went 0-2, as Utah only scored one goal in a 5-1 loss to Colorado, failing to cash over 6.5 total goals, while Boston’s +100 moneyline odds stood no chance during a 5-2 blowout loss at home to Dallas.

I’ve got two best bets to tail on Thursday’s October 31st NHL slate during Halloween. Follow me on X at Matt_MacKay_ for more NHL free bets and weekly analysis.

• NHL Game Props
• NHL Top Bettor Picks
• NHL Matchups
• NHL Betting Systems

Our NHL Prop Bet Cheat Sheet assists bettors by comparing lines from leading sportsbooks with our daily projections >>

Thursday’s NHL Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens

Washington is currently playing like one of the best teams in the NHL, going 6-2 SU in their first eight games of the season. The Capitals just beat the New York Rangers 5-3 after getting shut out 3-0 by Tampa Bay. Their only other loss came against New Jersey in Game 1, losing 5-3 to the Devils.

Montreal goaltender Cayden Primeau is confirmed as the starter tonight and he’s been horrible in the crease, allowing at least three goals in five appearances for the Canadiens. The Capitals are averaging 3.88 goals per game, seventh-most in the league, while Montreal sits at 2.9 per game, which is eighth-worst.

Washington goaltender Charlie Lindgren is back in the net tonight, allowing 2.52 GAA with a 2-2 record as a starter in 2024. He struggled against the Lightning, allowing three goals on just 21 shots faced during his last start, but expect a bounce-back effort from Lindgren as the Capitals’ offense is set to light the lamp early and often at home against the struggling Canadiens.

We’re taking Washington’s 60-minute moneyline odds at -140 instead of backing them at -210 moneyline odds, avoiding some juice, while remaining confident that Washington can beat Montreal in regulation. Let’s stake one unit on this line ahead of tonight’s action from D.C.

Pick: Washington Capitals 60 Min Moneyline (3 Way) (-140)

Anaheim Ducks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Anaheim travels to PPG Paints Arena to face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night. The Ducks have more wins (4) than the Penguins (3) so far and are benefitting from the elite play displayed by goaltender Lukas Dostal. Dostal has a 2.00 GAA and .943 save percentage with a 4-2-1 record, allowing two or fewer goals in four consecutive starts for the Ducks.

Pittsburgh’s offense has scored three or fewer goals in six consecutive games, including eight of 11 played this season, so Dostal should keep the Penguins limited in terms of offensive production on Thursday night. Let’s bet a unit on Pittsburgh to go under 3.5 total goals against Anaheim at -116 odds while facing one of the hottest goalies in the NHL.

Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins Total Goals U 3.5 (-116)