Free NHL Picks For Today, Saturday 10/12/2024

Excluding one postponed game, we have 13 NHL duels today, so make sure to check out the NHL Picks for Saturday 10/12/2024. 

LA Kings vs Boston Bruins Prediction NHL Picks 10/12/24

Kings at Bruins at 1 PM ET

With a record of 1-1, the Bruins approach this contest following a strong offensive display in their last encounter with Montreal. They scored six goals, and although they allowed four goals against, they still secured the win. Cole Koepke and Elias Lindholm both found the net and provided two assists each, while Mark Kalestic contributed two goals, helping to lead the team. Nonetheless, Jeremy Swayman’s performance fell short, as he managed to save only 20 of the 24 shots he faced.

The Kings have participated in only a single game this season, yet they demonstrated impressive performance. The offense netted three goals against the Buffalo Sabres, while the defense allowed just one, resulting in a victory. Anze Kopitar shone brightly, scoring all three goals. In goal, Darcy Kuemper started and successfully saved 33 out of 34 shots directed at him.

The Pick:

The Kings exhibited a strong defensive effort in their first match; however, they will face a considerably tougher opponent in the Bruins’ offense. The Bruins have scored ten goals in their initial two games, while also allowing ten goals. It is likely that the Bruins’ offense will have no trouble amassing points, but their defensive vulnerabilities are expected to continue, resulting in a game that goes Over the total.

Florida Panthers vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction NHL Picks 10/12/24

Panthers at Sabres at 7 PM ET

As of now, the Florida Panthers have a record of 1-1-0 for the current season, having suffered a loss to the Ottawa Senators with a score of 3-1 in their most recent match. The Panthers found themselves down 2-0 after the first period but managed to reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the second period. Unfortunately, Ottawa sealed the game with a goal late in the third period. The Panthers outperformed Ottawa in shots, totaling 32 to 31, recorded 20 hits, and were unsuccessful in their two power-play attempts. Earlier, Florida secured a win against the Boston Bruins, finishing that game with a score of 6-4.

This season, the Buffalo Sabres have yet to secure a victory, standing at 0-3-0 after their latest game against the Kings, which ended in a 3-1 loss. The Sabres were ahead 1-0 as they approached the third period, but a goal was conceded a mere 13 seconds into the period, followed by two more goals in the last two minutes, sealing their defeat. Buffalo managed to outshoot the Kings 33-23, delivered 28 hits and was unsuccessful on all five power-play attempts during the match.

The Pick:

The Sabres have not demonstrated strong offensive capabilities and will now encounter a robust Florida defense. The Panthers have begun the season with a 0-1 record on the road and similarly found it challenging to score in that match. I appreciated Buffalo’s effort during the first two periods against the Kings, and with the level of talent on this team, it is improbable that they will continue to score only one goal per game. I suggest placing your bet on Buffalo at home.

Nashville Predators vs Detroit Red Wings Prediction NHL Picks 10/12/24

Predators at Red Wings at 7 PM ET

The Nashville Predators have begun the season with a record of 0-1-0 after suffering a 4-3 loss to Dallas in their inaugural game. The team narrowed the score to 2-1 during the second period, but they found themselves down 4-1 as they entered the third. Despite scoring two goals in the final period, the Predators could not find the equalizing goal. Nashville outshot Dallas significantly, with a total of 36 shots to 20, recorded 14 hits, and managed to convert 1 of 6 power play chances in the defeat. Forsberg, O’Reilly, and Novak contributed goals for Nashville, while Wedgewood recorded a .800 save percentage by saving 16 out of 20 shots.

The Detroit Red Wings find themselves at 0-1-0 this season after suffering a 6-3 defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins in their first game. The team managed to score an early goal, taking a 1-0 lead in the first period, but subsequently allowed four goals, trailing 4-2 as they entered the third period. In the final frame, the Red Wings conceded two more goals and struggled to gain any offensive momentum. Despite outshooting Pittsburgh 32-28, Detroit recorded 19 hits and had a power play success rate of 1 out of 5. Alex DeBrincat led the team with two goals, one assist, and five shots on goal, while goaltender Ville Husso was replaced after giving up four goals on 14 shots.

The Pick:

Detroit showcased a respectable offensive display in their first game, yet their defensive efforts were notably poor. On the other hand, Nashville competed vigorously against a strong Dallas squad, which is likely to contribute to their momentum. It is expected that both teams will generate considerable offensive output, suggesting that betting on the Over would be smart.

Utah Hockey Club vs New York Rangers Prediction NHL Picks 10/12/24

Utah at Rangers at 7 PM ET

The Utah Hockey Club has commenced the season with a record of 2-0-0 following their victory over the Islanders, winning 5-4 in overtime. Despite trailing 3-2 and 4-3 during the third period, the team demonstrated resilience by equalizing on both occasions to extend the match into overtime. Dylan Guenther secured the win with a goal at the 2:18 mark of the overtime period. Throughout the game, Utah was outshot 27-26, registered 13 hits, and successfully converted 2 out of 2 power play opportunities. Guenther contributed significantly with two goals, while Ingram achieved a save percentage of .852 by stopping 23 of the 27 shots faced.

The New York Rangers kicked off their season with a 1-0-0 record following a resounding 6-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in their first game. The Rangers quickly established dominance, scoring three goals in the opening period and extending their lead to 4-0 by the second period, ultimately cruising to victory. In the game, New York outshot Pittsburgh 40-31, delivered 16 hits, and failed to capitalize on two power play opportunities. The scoring for New York included contributions from Carrick, Chytil, Kreider (two goals), Lafreniere, and Trocheck, while Shesterkin recorded a perfect performance, stopping all 31 shots he encountered.

The Pick:

In their season opener, the Rangers showcased their dominance over Pittsburgh and are now preparing to take on a Utah team that allowed four goals against the Islanders in their last game. Although Utah has performed well in their first two matches and has a tendency to finish games robustly, the Rangers come into this matchup well-rested and are the more skilled team. It is recommended to predict a win for New York by a minimum of two goals.

Ottawa Senators vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction NHL Picks 10/12/24

Senators at Canadiens at 7 PM ET

At the conclusion of the first period against the Panthers, the Ottawa Senators held a 2-0 lead and maintained this advantage throughout the match, ultimately securing the victory. Tim Stutzle emerged as the offensive standout, netting two goals. In goal, Linus Ullmark was effective, stopping 30 of the 31 shots directed at him. The Senators collectively recorded a total of 30 shots on goal.

During the latest encounter with the Boston Bruins, the Canadiens showcased a more effective offense, managing to score four goals. Nevertheless, their defensive shortcomings were evident as they conceded six goals, leading to their defeat. Brendan Gallagher stood out with a commendable performance, scoring two goals that helped maintain the team’s competitiveness. The significant challenge for the Canadiens lay in their defensive strategy, and Cayden Primeau’s performance was inadequate. He saved 23 out of 29 shots, a statistic that does not meet the requirements for a successful outcome.

The Pick:

The Senators showcased a remarkable defensive effort in their first game, and they are likely to maintain that level of dominance in this encounter. In contrast, the Canadiens’ defense struggled, allowing six goals in their last match, indicating they will encounter serious difficulties here. Expect the Senators’ offense to initiate a rapid attack, leaving the Canadiens unable to respond effectively. The Senators are anticipated to win decisively. It is recommended to back the Senators at -1.5 for a profitable outcome.

New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals Prediction NHL Picks 10/12/24

Devils at Capitals at 7 PM ET

In their matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Devils delivered a lackluster performance. They netted only two goals, while their defense allowed four. At the end of the first period, the Devils were behind 3-1 and failed to mount a comeback. Jesper Bratt scored one goal for the team, but it was not enough to change the outcome. Timo Meier also added a goal. Jacob Markstrom, who started in goal, saved 18 out of 22 shots. It is inexcusable to concede four goals with such a limited number of shots faced.

The Capitals managed to secure a playoff spot last year despite finishing with a negative goal differential of -37. Acknowledging that their team was not competitive, they are optimistic that the offseason acquisitions will propel them into a deeper playoff journey. New additions to the roster include Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy, Andrew Mangiapane, Logan Thompson, Brandon Duhaime, Taylor Raddysh, and Jakub Vrana. While Alex Ovechkin remains the team’s standout player and is expected to have another impressive season, the performance of the rest of the team remains uncertain.

The Pick:

The strategic moves undertaken by the Capitals in the offseason are anticipated to bolster the team’s capabilities, leading to a promising season. With an abundance of talent within their offensive ranks, the Capitals are expected to significantly increase their scoring output. The Devils are unlikely to have an effective response, allowing the Capitals to fulfill their goals. It is recommended to place your confidence in the Capitals as underdogs.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction NHL Picks 10/12/24

Penguins at Maple Leafs at 7 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins approach this game with the intention of establishing momentum after securing their first victory of the season, which improved their record to 1-1 following a 6-3 win against Detroit in their last match. Anthony Beauvillier is the team’s leading scorer with 2 goals, while Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby have each provided 2 assists. Furthermore, Erik Karlsson and Marcus Pettersson have both contributed a goal and an assist, and Kevin Hayes along with Drew O’Connor have also scored this season. Kris Letang, Cody Glass, and Jesse Puljujarvi have each tallied an assist, with Beauvillier leading the team in shots with a total of 9. In terms of goaltending, Joel Blomqvist has a record of 1-0, boasting a 3.01 GAA and a .906 save percentage, whereas Tristan Jarry has yet to secure a win, holding a 6.00 GAA and a .850 save percentage.

The Toronto Maple Leafs enter this matchup aiming to capitalize on their recent success, having secured their first victory of the season with a 4-2 win against the New Jersey Devils in their previous game. Steven Lorentz currently leads the team with 2 points, comprising one goal and one assist. Additionally, Max Pacioretty, John Tavares, and Bobby McMann have each contributed a goal. The team has also seen assists from Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe, Max Domi, Pontus Holmberg, Conor Timmins, and David Kampf. In net, Dennis Hildeby boasts a record of 1-0, with a goals-against average of 2.02 and a save percentage of .917, while Anthony Stolarz holds a record of 0-1, with a GAA of 1.05 and a save percentage of .963.

The Pick:

The Penguins have traditionally struggled in their encounters with the Leafs, leading me to have increased confidence in Toronto’s ability to sustain their momentum at home. I need to ascertain that Pittsburgh’s recent performance is not just a fleeting occurrence before I can rely on them in the long run, especially given their goaltending concerns. I predict a victory for the Leafs in this matchup.

New York Islanders vs Dallas Stars Prediction NHL Picks 10/12/24

Islanders at Stars at 8 PM ET

In their season opener, the Islanders went head-to-head with Utah, managing to secure a solitary point, which was their only accomplishment in the match. Semyon Varlamov was in goal but did not meet expectations, saving 21 of the 26 shots he faced. Anthony Duclair made a notable impact, ending the game with one goal and one assist. The Islanders collectively achieved 25 shots on goal during the contest.