Written by Scott on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
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3 games yesterday.
The Panthers beat the Hawks 3-2. This game was actually closer than I thought and I’m glad I stayed away as I was close to taking the Panthers -1.5. Hawks only had 19 shots on goal in the game.
The Pens beat the Rangers 3-0 with Silovs picking up the shutout and the Avalanche beat the Kings 4-1. MacKinnon had 2 assists and passed Joe Sakic for most points in Avalanche history.
4 games for us tonight.
Canadiens vs Maple Leafs
These are usually great games between two of the original 6 teams in the league.
The Habs made a few moves in the off-season and bringing in Dobson will make their defense stronger.
The Leafs moved Marner and it’s anyone’s guess as to how they will play without their top point getter. I’m curious to see who the Leafs and their fans will use as a scapegoat now that Marner is gone.
The Leafs are favored here. Over the last 10 games between these teams the Leafs are 8-2. Last season the Leafs won the season series 3-1.
I’m close to going with the Leafs to win in regulation but the Habs are a team on the rise and 3 of the last 10 needed extra time and 2 others were decided by a single goal.
Bruins vs Capitals
Two teams who are getting older with the same rosters yet still find a way to stay competitive.
The Bruins are down to having only Pastrnak left from the core that they had for years. It’s time for a rebuild.
The Caps didnt add any big names in the off-season so they are hoping to once again ride the back of the 40 year old Ovechkin. Not sure this is a smart decision. The team seemed to rally around him last season on his quest for top spot in goals. Now that the record is his will the team be able to come together again? They did have the most points in the East.
I’m not sure what to make of this game.
Flames vs Oilers
What a way to start the season with a Battle of Alberta.
The Flames didn’t really add much in the off-season so they are hoping their younger players progress.
The Oilers added Mangiapane for some offensive help. McDavid took a hometown discount to stick around for 2 more years. By taking much less than he could have gotten he is helping the Oilers to fill the roster with talent.
I wanted to take the Oilers here but with the history between these teams its really tough to call a winner. If taking the Oilers it would have to be in regulation just to get to the minimum so I’m passing.
Kings vs Knights
Only the 2nd day of the season and the Kings are already playing in a back to back game. They lost yesterday 4-1.
The Knights I’m sure are excited to show off their fancy new player. Marner is going to make this team, already a top team, even better.
The last 4 games between these teams have been high scoring with totals of 11, 7, 9, 7.
With the Knights at home and the Kings playing in Colorado last night I do lean towards the Knights here. The sportsbooks agree and we would have to take them at least in regulation.
Pre-season data was solid yesterday, getting the Panthers game on point and calling the Pens upset. Avs/Kings was a very tough one to call as there was no consistency across the board.
Based on todays pre-season data:
– Leafs some very poor defensive stats which is a concern. Montreals offensive output not really been much though. Going to be interesting to see if Leafs defensive metrics carry over.
– Bruins game seems similar to Penguins/Rangers yesterday – ripe for an upset.
– Oilers should be favourites yeah idk if they should be as BIG a favourite as they are but its at home so can see it. I wouldn’t feel great taking them in reg if this was regular season data. Feels a tad risky.
– I mean based on the Kings defense and Knights offense its like man Knights may struggle big time to score here. Of course we saw yesterday the goaltending was very poor for LA.
If betting on pre-season data the only one I would consider is the Bruins
Montreal – Toronto
Montreal Canadiens finished last season with a success that might have seemed modest to many, but in the context of several years of agony, it was truly groundbreaking.
This team, however, needs to improve its play off the court. They won four of six pre-season games, so it’s clear they’ve put in a good amount of work.
Toronto Maple Leafs are starting the season without Mitch Marner for the first time in nine years. It’s undoubtedly the most high-profile preseason change in the entire league, and it has upended the Atlantic Division’s hierarchy.
Toronto struggled in the pre-season, winning only two of six games. This will be a test for the home team to see how Matthews performs without Marner.
Tie in regular time .
These are all Game One’s again except with LA on a back-to-back, with comments that their defense looked bad yesterday. Vegas at home will be stronger than last year’s strong, so I see them winning this scrap, and the -1.5 I would consider too. Hill’s in net. LA has confused me over the last few years, they have some serious offensive talent but just can’t seem to gel for long stretches. They’ll have a good season, but Vegas may be a brick wall for most NHL teams.