NHL Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (10/21)

A small, 2-game slate is set for Tuesday’s NHL schedule. The Flyers are +160 underdogs on the road against the Sabres with a 6.5-goal total. The Panthers are -112 road favorites against the Senators, with a 5.5-goal total.

The Flyers will look to win their third straight game against a Sabres team that has gone to overtime in 3 consecutive contests. The Panthers are riding a 3-game winning streak into tonight’s tilt, while the Senators are 1-2 SU in their last 3 outings and have scored 2 or fewer goals in each.

My NHL Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (10/20) settled 1-2. It started strong with a Devils 4-3 win over the Avalanche, cashing New Jersey’s moneyline at -110 odds. The Wild rallied to force overtime against the Oilers but lost in overtime, so we didn’t cash Minnesota’s moneyline at plus odds. Under 6.5 between the Lightning and Golden Knights never had a chance, with Tampa Bay securing a 6-2 road win.

I’ve got 3 of my favorite wagers to place on Wednesday’s NHL betting board. Follow me on X @Matt_MacKay for more NHL betting analysis and free picks.

Wednesday’s NHL Best Bets, Picks & Predictions

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Buffalo Sabres

After losing their first eight games, the Flyers have rattled off back-to-back wins against the Senators and Avalanche. Philadelphia isn’t a high-scoring offense, so the goaltending needs to be a big piece for the Flyers to cover on the road in Buffalo.

Fortunately, for the Flyers’ offense, they could get a boost facing Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The Sabres’ netminder has allowed four goals in two straight starts.

57 percent of puck line bets are on Buffalo to defend home ice tonight. Let’s take the other side and back the Flyers, who carry momentum into this game against the Sabres. Philadelphia is 6-5 ATS, compared to Buffalo’s 5-4 ATS record.

Lay the juice and bet Flyers +1.5 at -162 odds.

Pick: Flyers +1.5 (-162)

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Buffalo Sabres

While Buffalo’s defense and goaltending are far from stellar, they are facing the league’s worst offenses. Philadelphia is scoring just 1.55 goals per game, still seeking their first 4-goal outing of the season.

Dan Vladar has been better in the crease for the Flyers lately. He’s held opponents to 3 total goals across his last 2 starts.

The Flyers are 9-2 for goal total unders this season. Buffalo is 6-3 on Overs, but here, I’m trusting Vladar to weather the storm and the Flyers’ defense to slow this game down to increase their chances of winning.

Bet Under 6.5 at -135 odds.

Pick: Under 6.5 Goals (-135)

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Florida Panthers vs. Ottawa Senators

Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa is going to be extremely emotional tonight. The Senators moved off their star forward this offseason, and now, he’s paired up with his brother, Matthew Tkachuk, leading the Panthers to a winning record through their first nine games played.

Ottawa’s goaltending has bailed them out of potential losses. The Senators’ offense has been held to two or fewer goals in 3 straight contests.

The Panthers’ offense has been much more dynamic. Florida has scored 18 goals in their previous three games played, including 7+ goals against the Blue Jackets and Kraken. It’s why they are on a 3-game winning streak.

Tonight, goaltending should feature Linus Ullmark (1.33 GAA) for the Senators and Akira Schmid (3.25 GAA). Schmid’s the key factor, allowing 3+ goals in three of four starts for the Panthers this season.

Ottawa’s mediocre offense, with Ullmark’s elite goaltending prowess, makes me bullish on Under 5.5 at plus odds.

The Senators are 7-2 for goal total unders in 2026. Let’s fade the public (91% Over 5.5) and bet Under 5.5 at +105 odds.

Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (+105)

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