NHL Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (11/4)

A small 4-game slate is on tap for Wednesday night in the NHL. Oddsmakers value 3 of 4 matchups with the home team as a -155 betting favorite or longer, with the Panthers as the exception at -250.

My NHL picks from Wednesday (10/28) settled 1-2. The Kraken’s home win as an underdog cashed at +120 odds, erasing some of the damage from bad losses by the Flames and Devils.

Despite a condensed schedule, I’ve still got 3 of my favorite plays to lock in on the ice ahead of Wednesday’s opening puck drops. These feature plays on a puck line, goal total, and a moneyline. 

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)

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers Picks

There isn’t much confidence from the public when it comes to backing the Chicago Blackhawks on the road against the Panthers. Only 20 percent of action is on the Blackhawks’ puck line at +1.5 right now, creating value on this side.

Chicago is expected to start Spencer Knight in net. He’s allowed 7 goals across his previous 2 starts for the Blackhawks, however, the Blackhawks have covered +1.5 in 3 of their last 5 contests.

Jacob Markstrom has left a bit to be desired as the Panthers’ netminder. He’s also allowed 7 goals in his last 2 starts.

Both teams are coming off multi-goal losses and an equal 2-day rest advantage. Chicago has been able to sustain offense, scoring 6 goals in their last 2 games played, yet it hasn’t been enough to end a 3-game losing skid.

In the first head-to-head matchup, the Blackhawks covered +1.5 in a 3-2 loss. Let’s back Chicago to replicate this feat, led by Connor Bedard.

Place a wager on Blackhawks +1.5 to open up Wednesday’s betting card.

Pick: Blackhawks +1.5 (-125)

San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings Picks

A Pacific Division tilt between the Sharks and Kings is setting up for a potentially low-scoring result. Yaroslav Askarov and Darcy Kuemper are expected to be goaltenders in this matchup, with the Sharks’ netminder holding opponents to 2 goals in 5 straight starts.

Kuemper is a bit more volatile. He’s surrendered 8 goals in his past 2 starts for the Kings. However, the Sharks have only scored 3 combined goals in their previous 2 outings.

Los Angeles and San Jose both sit in the bottom-10 for goals scored per game to start this season. With Askarov elevating his play between the pipes, let’s bet Under 6.5 in the goal total market.

Pick: Under 6.5 (-125)

---

Calgary Flames vs. Seattle Kraken Picks

One more Pacific Division game is left on Wednesday’s slate between the Flames and Kraken. Calgary has overcome a sluggish start to climb back into contention. However, the Flames are expected to start Dustin Wolf in the net tonight.

Wolf is not the primary netminder for Calgary, posting a 3.94 GAA with a3-4 record. Conversely, Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord has dealt with his own struggles patrolling the net, allowing 15 goals in his last 3 full starts with a 1-2 record.

I like Seattle’s offense in this spot more than Calgary. The Kraken rank 7th in goals scored per game (3.57) and 2nd in the league for shot percentage (12%), so Wolf will be tested early and often.

Calgary is only putting up a 6.2% shot rate (31st) and has only scored 2 goals in back-to-back outings. Lay a bit of juice on a potent offense facing a reserve goaltender at home with the Kraken as a -142 betting favorite.

Pick: Kraken Moneyline (-142)

---