October 11, 2024 at 10:15 PM EDT
Even though we have a slower day in the NHL, there is no reason to miss the NHL Picks for Friday 10/11/2024.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction NHL Picks 10/11/24
Lightning at Hurricanes at 7 PM ET
The Lightning aim to replicate their successful performance from the previous season as they embark on another promising year. While the core of the team remains intact, the departure of Steven Stamkos to the Nashville Predators will bring a noticeable change to the locker room dynamics. However, the organization has been active during the free agency period, potentially enhancing the team’s overall strength. The addition of Jake Guentzel is significant, and his contributions will be crucial for a successful season.
Last season, the Hurricanes achieved a record of 52-23-7, and they are filled with aspirations for the upcoming season. However, a major concern for the team is the loss of Guentzel to the Lightning, creating a substantial void that must be addressed. The goaltending duo of Pyotr Kochetkov and Frederik Andersen will be crucial, as they are expected to perform at a high level, irrespective of which player takes the position in goal.
The Pick:
There may be skepticism regarding the goaltending of the Hurricanes, but I hold a different perspective. The absence of Stamkos will significantly impact the Lightning, particularly in the early stages of the season, and this will ultimately be a decisive factor. I am confident that the Hurricanes will prevail in this matchup. I recommend placing a wager on the Hurricanes to win outright.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Winnipeg Jets Prediction NHL Picks 10/11/24
Blackhawks at Jets at 8 PM ET
The Chicago Blackhawks approach this contest aiming to rebound from an initial setback, having lost 5-2 to the Utah Hockey Club in their opening game. Connor Bedard stands out as the team’s leader, providing two assists, while Nick Foligno and Teuvo Teravainen have each scored a goal. Furthermore, Seth Jones and Alex Vlasic have contributed with assists, and Bedard leads the team with five shots taken in the first match. Petr Mrazek, meanwhile, has a 0-1 record and a 4.09 goals-against average, having allowed four goals on 24 shots in his debut performance.
The Winnipeg Jets head into this game with the objective of extending the momentum from their recent 6-0 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers. Mason Appleton stands out as the leading scorer for the Jets, having amassed 3 points, which consist of 2 assists and a goal. Nino Niederreiter and Josh Morrissey have each contributed two assists to the team’s efforts. Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry have both registered a goal and an assist, while Rasmus Kupari, Kyle Connor, and Dylan Samberg have each scored a goal. Connor Hellebuyck played a pivotal role in the victory, achieving a shutout with 30 saves in goal for the Jets as the season began.
The Pick:
The Blackhawks have struggled to secure victories on the road, and although I believe this team will show some improvement this season, I am not inclined to support them without reservation, particularly with the Jets returning home for their season opener in a challenging venue in Winnipeg, which is difficult for any opponent. The Jets are riding a wave of confidence following their decisive victory over the Oilers, and I anticipate they will build on that momentum in this matchup. I recommend taking Winnipeg at -1.5.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Vancouver Canucks Prediction NHL Picks 10/11/24
Flyers at Canucks at 10 PM ET
This year, Philadelphia concluded the preseason with a record of 4-3, securing victories over Washington, New York, Boston, and New Jersey. However, the Flyers faced defeats against Montreal, New York, and Boston, and they lost two of their final three matches.
The Vancouver Canucks have commenced their season with a record of 0-0-1 after suffering a narrow defeat to Calgary, with a final score of 6-5 in their inaugural game. The team surged ahead with a commanding 3-0 lead and maintained a 4-1 advantage at the end of the first period. However, their offensive efforts waned in the subsequent periods. Although they held a 4-2 lead in the third period, they allowed three goals to the opposition and required a late goal to equalize, which led to overtime, where they were unable to secure a victory. The Canucks were outshot 26-24, recorded 13 hits, and achieved a power play success rate of 50%, converting 2 out of 4 opportunities. Brock Boeser emerged as the top performer for Vancouver, netting two goals and taking three shots on goal, while Silovs recorded 20 saves from 26 shots faced.
The Pick:
At the start of the season, I was not convinced about the goaltending situation in Vancouver, and Silovs faced difficulties in the opener. The Philadelphia Flyers wrapped up the 2023-2024 season with notably poor performances, which leads me to have some apprehensions regarding their lineup as we enter this season. I expect to see another game characterized by high scores, and I plan to steer clear of wagering on the Canucks’ goaltenders by choosing the Over.
St. Louis Blues vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction NHL Picks 10/11/24
Blues at Golden Knights at 10 PM ET
The St. Louis Blues have opened their season with wins against the Kraken and Sharks. They are averaging four goals per game and achieving a 50 percent success rate on power plays. Jordan Kyrou leads the team with two goals, Robert Thomas has provided three assists, and Brayden Schenn has taken ten shots on goal. Defensively, the Blues are allowing three goals per game and have successfully killed all of their opponents’ power plays. Jordan Binnington has given up two goals on 32 shots, while Joel Hofer has allowed four goals on 29 shots faced.
The Vegas Golden Knights emerged victorious against the Avalanche in their first game of the season. They are averaging 8 goals per game and successfully scoring on 66.7 percent of their power play opportunities. Ivan Barbashev is at the forefront with 2 goals, while Jack Eichel has tallied 4 assists and Brett Howden has made 4 shots on goal. On the defensive front, the Golden Knights are allowing 4 goals per game and are effectively killing 66.7 percent of their opponents’ power plays. Adin Hill has faced 32 shots, conceding 4 goals.
The Pick:
This will be the Blues’ third game since Tuesday, which is quite a lot in a short span as players are still adjusting. Moreover, the Blues played an overtime game last night. The early part of the season has seen a heavy schedule, and Vegas is a tough venue to play in, no matter the circumstances. The Vegas Golden Knights have won 5 out of their last 7 matchups against the Blues. I lean towards Vegas in this duel.