NHL Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (10/20)

Tuesday’s 11-game NHL slate sets up nicely for a diverse selection of betting markets that include a few key matchups. Notable games are Sharks vs. Canadiens, Avalanche vs. Devils, Bruins vs. Stars, Wild vs. Oilers, and Lightning vs. Golden Knights.

Last Tuesday’s NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions (10/13) settled 1-2. Jack Hughes led the Devils to a 5-4 overtime win, cashing New Jersey’s moneyline as a -105 road underdog. The Senators lost to the Blues as the home favorite, while the Bruins and Sharks combined for 9 goals, missing the Under 6.5.

I’ve found three of my favorite matchups to target on tonight’s NHL betting board. As a result, I’ve got three picks to tail, each with a prediction analysis ahead of puck drop.

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Tuesday’s NHL Best Bets, Picks & Predictions

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Colorado Avalanche vs. New Jersey Devils Picks

Oddsmakers have set the moneyline at a pick’em in this interconference tilt between the Avalanche and Devils. New Jersey has won 2 of its last 3 contests, although they just suffered a 4-2 loss to the Capitals in D.C.

Colorado has not won consecutively since opening their season with a pair of wins over the Kings and Blues. A surprising 3-2 road loss to the lowly Flyers on Monday night means the Devils are hosting against a team playing the second leg of a back-to-back.

The Devils have won 4 straight games against opponents on the second leg of a back-to-back. New Jersey also has a better record (3-2) over its last 5 wins than Colorado (2-2-1).

Let’s back Jack Hughes and the Devils to defend home ice with a rest advantage. Bet on the Devils moneyline to open up Tuesday’s NHL betting card.

Pick: Devils Moneyline (-110)

Minnesota Wild vs. Edmonton Oilers Picks

An exciting contest between two talented Western Conference opponents has the Edmonton Oilers valued as a moderate home betting favorite against the Minnesota Wild tonight. The Oilers are -135 odds on the moneyline, while the goal total sits at 6.5.

Expected goaltenders are Jesper Wallstedt (Wild/1.99 GAA) and Tristan Jarry (Oilers/2.97 GAA) for this game. Wallstedt has been a big factor for the Wild’s early-season success, going 6-1-1, although Jarry has yet to lose in regulation in 3 starts.

Only 26 percent of moneyline bets are on the Wild tonight. Minnesota has won 8 straight games against Pacific Division opponents. The road team has also taken a lead in the 1st period in 4 consecutive games played by the Oilers.

Both teams are 4-1 SU in their last 5 entering tonight’s matchup. I’m taking the value and the better goaltender, backing the Wild to upset the Oilers on the road.

Bet on the Wild moneyline at +114 odds.

Pick: Wild Moneyline (+114)

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Vegas Golden Knights Picks

The night cap on Tuesday’s slate is a good one between the Lightning and Golden Knights. Each team has at least 6 wins and a 4-1 SU record in their last 5 heading into tonight’s tilt in Vegas.

Oddsmakers are a bit less bullish on the Golden Knights to defend home ice, making Vegas a -115 moneyline favorite. The goal total sits at 6.5.

Goaltenders expected tonight include former Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy and Carter Hart. Both netminders have a 2.53 GAA or better to start this season, which is why Under 6.5 catches my eye as the best bet in this matchup.

The goal total has gone under in 5 of 8 games played by the Lightning. Under 6.5 has cashed in 5 of the last 10 combined outings between these opponents.

I’m banking on the goaltending talent and Tampa Bay’s physicality to slow this game down and make goal-scoring a premium. Bet Under 6.5 at -125 odds.

Pick: Under 6.5 (-125)