The NHL gives us seven games today, and here you can read the NHL Picks for Thursday 10/31/2024.
Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction NHL Picks 10/31/24
Bruins at Hurricanes at 7 PM ET
In their most recent match, the Bruins competed against the Philadelphia Flyers, resulting in a 2-0 defeat. Joonas Korpisalo successfully blocked 17 of the 18 shots directed at him; however, this effort was insufficient as the offense struggled to generate any scoring opportunities. Currently, the Bruins are averaging 2.7 goals per game, while their defense is conceding an average of 3.4 goals. The offensive unit is positioned 25th in the league rankings, whereas the defensive unit holds the 21st position.
During their recent game against the Vancouver Canucks, the Hurricanes scored four goals, resulting in a victory by a margin of one goal. Martin Necas has tallied one goal and one assist in the current season. Pytor Kochetev served as the starting goalie, successfully stopping 24 of the 27 shots directed at him. The Hurricanes are averaging 3.38 goals per game this season, with their defense allowing an average of 2.38 goals. The offensive performance places them 13th in the league, while their defensive capabilities rank them 3rd.
The Pick:
The Bruins' defense is currently allowing an average of 3.4 goals per game. However, it is anticipated that their defensive performance will face significant challenges in this matchup, which is likely to be a decisive factor. Consequently, the Hurricanes are expected to emerge victorious. Back the Hurricanes on the money line.
Seattle Kraken vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction NHL Picks 10/31/24
Kraken at Maple Leafs at 7 PM ET
The Seattle Kraken have achieved a record of 5-4-1 this season, following a decisive 8-2 win over Montreal in their most recent game. The Kraken quickly established dominance by scoring the first four goals and later responded with another four after Montreal reduced the score to 4-1. Despite being outshot 30-23, Seattle demonstrated strong performance in face-offs, winning 54.7%, and successfully executed 3 out of 6 power play opportunities. Goals were scored by Bjorkstrand, Schwartz, Tolvanen, Evans, Montour (who scored three times), and Oleksiak, while Daccord made an impressive 28 saves on 30 shots during the match.
The Toronto Maple Leafs currently hold a record of 5-4-1 for the season, following their recent victory over Winnipeg, which concluded with a score of 6-4. The Maple Leafs established an early lead by scoring the first four goals of the match but required an empty-net goal in the final moments of the third period to secure the win. In terms of statistics, Toronto outperformed Winnipeg in shots on goal, registering 36 compared to Winnipeg's 23, achieved a face-off win percentage of 66.7%, and was unsuccessful in both power play opportunities. The goals for Toronto were contributed by Knies, Nylander, Tavares (who scored three), and Rielly, while Stolarz made 19 saves out of 23 shots faced.
The Pick:
In their most recent victory, the Kraken scored eight goals; however, they faced challenges in finding the net during the four preceding matches. The Maple Leafs handed Winnipeg their initial defeat of the season in their last encounter, yet they have conceded a minimum of four goals in four consecutive games. Both teams have proven difficult to assess in the early stages of the season, but it is anticipated that this matchup may result in a higher scoreline. Consider betting on the over.
St. Louis Blues vs Philadelphia Flyers Prediction NHL Picks 10/31/24
Blues at Flyers at 7 PM ET
The St. Louis Blues suffered defeats against both the Canadiens and the Senators. Currently, the team averages 2.7 goals per game and converts 16.7 percent of their power play chances. Dylan Holloway is the leading scorer for St. Louis with 4 goals, while Jordan Kyrou contributes with 7 assists, and Brayden Schenn has recorded 27 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Jordan Binnington has conceded 20 goals from 190 shots faced, whereas Joel Hofer has allowed 12 goals from 124 shots.
The Philadelphia Flyers triumphed over the Bruins but were defeated by the Canadiens. At present, the Flyers are averaging 2.8 goals per game and achieving a power play success rate of 22.2 percent. Leading the team in scoring is Travis Konecny with 5 goals, followed by Matvei Michkov with 5 assists, and Owen Tippett, who has taken 24 shots on goal. In goal, Ivan Fedotov has permitted 14 goals on 78 shots, while Samuel Ersson has given up 19 goals on 172 shots faced.
The Pick:
The Philadelphia Flyers have encountered significant defensive challenges recently, resulting in financial losses for bettors. However, it is important to recognize that the Flyers possess greater potential than their recent performances suggest, and a turnaround is likely imminent. Their defensive play cannot deteriorate further. At home, the value offered by the Blues is insufficient. I anticipate a crucial victory for the Flyers.
Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals Prediction NHL Picks 10/31/24
Canadiens at Capitals at 7 PM ET
The Montreal Canadiens emerged victorious against the Flyers but were defeated by the Kraken. The team is currently averaging 2.9 goals per game and has a power play success rate of 22.9 percent. Cole Caufield leads the Canadiens with 9 goals, while Mike Matheson has recorded 9 assists, and Nick Suzuki has taken 26 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending performance, Cayden Primeau has allowed 18 goals on 139 shots, while Sam Montembeault has given up 20 goals on 184 shots faced.
The Washington Capitals suffered a defeat against the Lightning but managed to defeat the Rangers. At present, the Capitals are averaging 3.88 goals per game and scoring 7.4 percent of their power play opportunities. Tom Wilson leads the team with 5 goals, Dylan Strome has contributed 8 assists, and Alex Ovechkin has recorded 26 shots on goal. In goal, Charlie Lindgren has allowed 10 goals on 95 shots faced, while Logan Thompson has given up 13 goals on 105 shots.
The Pick:
The Washington Capitals have proven to be one of the more surprising teams in the league at this stage, and their potent offense is expected to excel against the Montreal defense. With the exception of a shutout loss to Tampa, the Capitals have been overwhelming their competition this season. I intend to back the Capitals' strong performance and choose the puck line to reduce the steep price.
Anaheim Ducks vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction NHL Picks 10/31/24
Ducks at Penguins at 7 PM ET
The Anaheim Ducks approach this game with the intention of gaining momentum after their recent 3-1 triumph over the New York Islanders. Troy Terry stands out as the Ducks' top scorer, having amassed 8 points, which consist of 5 goals and 3 assists. Leo Carlsson contributes significantly as well, with 6 points made up of 4 goals and 2 assists. In net, Lukas Dostal has achieved a record of 4-2-1, featuring a 2.00 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage, whereas James Reimer has yet to secure a win, holding an 0-2 record with a 4.50 goals-against average and a .864 save percentage this season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins enter this matchup seeking to rebound following a 5-3 defeat to Minnesota in their previous game. Evgeni Malkin is the leading scorer for the Penguins, accumulating 14 points, which includes a team-high of 11 assists and 3 goals. Sidney Crosby follows closely with 10 points, comprising 9 assists. In terms of goaltending, Joel Blomqvist has recorded a 2-4 record with a 3.46 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage, while Tristan Jarry has a 1-1 record with a 5.47 GAA and a .836 save percentage this season. Additionally, Alex Nedeljkovic holds a record of 0-2-1, with a GAA of 3.94 and a save percentage of .874.
The Pick:
I understand that the Penguins possess a high level of talent, making their current struggles surprising. However, the reality is that the team is in its present situation, and I am not inclined to accept such a price for Pittsburgh. While the Ducks may not secure many victories, they have shown competitiveness from the outset, suggesting there is potential value in supporting them in this matchup. I favor Anaheim.
Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators Prediction NHL Picks 10/31/24
Oilers at Predators at 8 PM ET
The Edmonton Oilers' current record stands at 4-5-1 after their latest game, in which they were defeated by Columbus with a score of 6-1. The team allowed the first six goals of the match but managed to score in the last minute, thus avoiding a shutout. Edmonton outshot their opponents 32 to 25, achieved a face-off win percentage of 61.8%, and converted 1 of 6 power play opportunities. The only goal for the Oilers came from Ekholm, while Skinner allowed six goals on 25 shots during the game.
The Nashville Predators currently hold a record of 3-5-1 for the season following their recent overtime defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning, with a final score of 3-2. After falling behind 2-0 in the first period, Nashville managed to equalize the score before ultimately succumbing in overtime. The Predators outperformed Tampa Bay in shots on goal, registering 37 compared to 27, achieved a 50% success rate in face-offs, and converted 1 out of 4 power play opportunities. Goals were scored by Nyquist and O’Reilly, while Saros made 24 saves out of 27 shots faced during the match.
The Pick:
The Predators opened the season with disappointing results; however, they are becoming more cohesive as a team and are beginning to show signs of being a threat. The Edmonton Oilers have triumphed in two of their last three games, but they will be without McDavid for the next few weeks. The Oilers are also dealing with some minor goaltending difficulties, and McDavid's absence is a major concern. I advise taking the Predators in their home matchup.
Chicago Blackhawks vs San Jose Sharks Prediction NHL Picks 10/31/24
Blackhawks at Sharks at 10:30 PM ET
The Blackhawks have experienced some difficulties this season; however, they recently celebrated a notable victory in their last game. The offense scored five goals, leading to a decisive three-goal win. Ryan Donato has been a key player, contributing two goals and one assist this season. Goaltender Petr Mrazek successfully saved 24 of the 26 shots he encountered, but the defense must significantly improve in future matches. Presently, the Blackhawks average 2.7 goals per game, while their defense allows 3.3 goals. The offensive performance is ranked 25th in the league, and the defensive performance is ranked 19th.
In their most recent match, the Sharks competed against the LA Kings and achieved a 4-2 victory. Jake Walman contributed significantly by scoring one goal and providing two assists. Vitek Vanecek demonstrated his skills by stopping 26 of the 28 shots directed at him. Currently, the Sharks are averaging 2.45 goals per game, while their defense is allowing an average of 4.00 goals.
The Pick:
The average goals per game for San Jose stands at 2.45, while Chicago's average is 2.70. Given the challenges both teams are likely to face in their offensive efforts, it is expected that the game will result in a lower score. Thus, backing the Under appears to be a wise choice.