Written by Graeme on Saturday, October 11th, 2025
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First of all – big props to Scott, who started the NHL season by going 2-0.
It’s a challenge to win betting tip at the best of times, but it is extremely difficult at the beginning of the NHL season. Very impressive start.
Second – big props to the NHL scheduling crew, who appear to be taking it to a whole new level this season. First Friday of the season and no games, followed by a Saturday with eleventy billion games, then just one game tomorrow. Why the hell not.
With both teams on a B2B tomorrow as well I’ll be passing on that completely.
This is my first outing with the NHL tips, however I’ll be surprised if I have anything. If you were following along in the comments, I was doing a few suggestions based on pre-season data and was quite happy with most of it, so we’ll see how it goes.
But if you are a long-time reader you’ll know I rely heavily on advanced metrics, and considering every team has played two games at most, there’s not a lot of data for me to go through.
So we’ll see how it goes. I’ll look at the pre-season data first, then see if it corresponds to what little we have this year. Proceed with caution.
Jets vs Kings:
Kings regular season data isn’t matching up with the pre-season data so it’s an easy pass. Kings looked stingy in pre-season but that is not the case so far this year.
Flames vs Blues:
Blues by the pre-season data looked solid so I was quite surprised to see Wild roll over them so easily. WIth the odds, it’s not worth going out on a limb for the Blues.
Wings vs Leafs:
Pre-season data would actually suggest Wings here quite confidently. Unfortunately, after how both teams have started – not something I’m interested in.
Panthers vs Sens:
Panthers have two wins but not exactly setting the world on fire. Sens had that tough battle against Tampa which they came out on top in.
Florida are grinding right now. They’ve picked up another injury in Kulikov. Although they still have such a solid defense – their depth is impressive.
I liked the way the Sens came back against Tampa. Early on, you want to look for ones where the bookies are placing odds based more on reputation or projections and I am wondering if that’s the case here. Sens were solid lsat year and it looks like they may be able to build on that.
Sens incl OT/SO
Ontario: 2.27 Odds at TonyBet
Canada: 2.27 Odds at TonyBet
USA: +130 Odds at Intertops.
Everyone Else: 2.25 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2025/10/11 9:30:48 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Blackhawks vs Habs:
Odds seem on the money for this one.
Lightning vs Devils:
Slight lean on Tampa which is what the bookies have.
Hurricanes vs Flyers:
Canes their usual advanced metric machine last time out. I’m not interested in taking a -1.5 this early on. Won’t be surprised if it comes in though.
Islanders vs Caps:
A definite lean on the Isalanders for me here, although not enough to pull the trigger at the price.
Bruins vs Sabres:
I mean I want to lean Buffalo but after how they started the season – meh.
Penguins vs Rangers:
Heck of a fast turnaround for these two teams. Funny to see the Pens decent dogs after they won on the road like that. Pens built on that with a solid win over the Islanders, and Rangers might be without Trocheck.
Feel alright going with Penguins incl OT/SO
Ontario: 2.20 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 2.20 Odds at Bovada
USA: +122 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 2.20 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2025/10/11 9:30:48 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Predators vs Mammoth:
Is it too early to say “I don’t bet the Preds”. Well it is. I need to be burned by them first. But I’m not touching this one.
Wild vs Jackets:
Impressive start for the Wild and now it’s their home opener. Was disappointed in the Jackets start to the season.
I like Wild to carry that momentum here.
Wild in Regulation
Ontario: 2.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 2.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: -102 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 2.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2025/10/11 9:30:48 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Avs vs Stars:
Should be a banger but not one I am interested in backing!
Oilers vs Canucks:
SKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINER is really going to make picking games involving the Oilers a tough one this season.
Kraken vs Knights:
Nothing here.
Sharks vs Ducks:
And nothing here!
Wow – more than I expected honestly.
Of the three picked – Wild is the one I like the most. Rangers/Pens I normally skip due to the fast turnaround in previous matchup but considering results so far I am all over those odds, and Panthers do seem to be handling life without Barkov and Tkachuk well. I just think if they AREN’T handling it well – this is a prime spot to take advantage.
Could not agree more with you on today’s run down Graham. When I was scrolling down, I was hoping to see a play on Ottawa to match my intuition and sure enough, it did. They cashed for me the other night in Tampa and hoping they do the same again tonight. 100% the odds are being more placed by rep alone, disrespecting a very good Ottawa team last year.
Ps I can’t believe you guys didn’t tip the over in the battle of Alberta a few days ago! Opened at 5.5 AND SKINNNNNER. My only regret was not betting more on such an obvious play.
Thanks – good to hear that. As win or lose always like to hear others who think the same way 🙂 Especially a pick like that which I feel the “weakest” about but couldn’t get away from