Free NHL Picks For Today, Thursday 10/10/2024

The NHL action returns with nine games today, so make sure not to miss the NHL Picks for Thursday 10/10/2024. 

LA Kings vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction NHL Picks 10/10/24

Kings at Sabres at 7 PM ET

The Los Angeles team concluded the preseason with a 4-2 record, having triumphed over Vegas, Anaheim (twice), and Boston. Nevertheless, the Kings suffered defeats against Utah in their first preseason encounter and against Florida in their last preseason outing.

The Buffalo Sabres concluded this year’s preseason with a commendable record of 5-1, having triumphed over Pittsburgh twice, along with victories against Columbus, Ottawa, and Detroit. Nonetheless, they experienced a setback against Columbus following an impressive start of four straight wins.

The Pick:

Buffalo comes into this game having already played two regular season matches last weekend, scoring only two goals and still in pursuit of their first win. The Sabres are expected to enhance their performance this season, but their start has clearly fallen short of their goals. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is eager to make a return to the playoffs, and although they have lost some key players, I find their roster to be well-constructed. While I have some doubts regarding the goaltending situations for both teams, I lean towards Buffalo in this matchup, as the experience gained from two games provides them with a notable advantage. I recommend supporting the Sabres in this duel.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils Prediction NHL Picks 10/10/24

Maple Leafs at Devils at 7 PM ET

The primary concern for the Maple Leafs is their strategy for recovering from Wednesday’s defeat against the Canadiens. Despite registering 48 shots on goal, the team failed to score. The defense performed reasonably well, conceding only a single goal, yet this was insufficient for a victory. Anthony Stolarz was in goal, successfully stopping 26 of the 27 shots directed at him. Both Mitchell Marner and Auston Matthews had opportunities to score but were unable to convert.

The Devils have secured two consecutive wins against the Buffalo Sabres during their recent games abroad. In their matchup on Saturday, the Devils triumphed over the Sabres with a final score of 3-1. Jack Hughes showcased his skills by providing two assists and taking six shots on goal. Jake Allen, who started as the goaltender, managed to save 17 of the 18 shots he encountered. With goals from Seamus Casey, Paul Cotter, and Timo Meier, it is essential for the offense to continue performing at a high level.

The Pick:

The Maple Leafs are likely experiencing a significant loss of confidence following their inability to convert numerous shots on goal into actual scores during Wednesday night’s game. With fatigue setting in, their situation is poised to become even more challenging. The Devils’ offense is expected to initiate a rapid offensive surge, ultimately leading them to victory. It is advisable to support the Devils on the money line for this matchup.

Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins Prediction NHL Picks 10/10/24

Canadiens at Bruins at 7 PM ET

On Monday, the Canadiens took on the Toronto Maple Leafs and emerged victorious with a score of 1-0. Cole Caufield scored the decisive goal in the first period, which was all the team required to secure the win. He also contributed four shots on goal throughout the game. The Canadiens managed a total of 20 shots on target, yet they must address their faceoff performance, winning merely 33.3 percent of them. Improvement in this area will be essential. Sam Montembault, who started in goal, showcased his skills by saving all 48 shots he encountered.

The Bruins struggled significantly during their first game against the Florida Panthers. Despite scoring four goals, their defense faltered, allowing six goals and resulting in a loss. Joonas Korpisalo was in goal, where he saved 29 of the 35 shots directed at him. Charlie McAvoy had a notable performance, scoring one goal and assisting another. David Pastrnak also contributed with a goal and five shots on target. The team had four power play opportunities, managing to score one goal during that time.

The Pick:

The Bruins conceded six goals in their previous match, but their defensive performance is expected to improve significantly in this contest. The Canadiens’ offense managed to score just one goal in their last outing and will now be competing with fatigued players. The Bruins’ offense is anticipated to excel in this game, effectively increasing their score. Back the Bruins on the puck line.

Florida Panthers vs Ottawa Senators Prediction NHL Picks 10/10/24

Panthers at Senators at 7 PM ET

The Florida Panthers enter this matchup aiming to gain momentum following a strong start to the season, having commenced their Stanley Cup title defense with a 6-4 victory against the Boston Bruins in their previous game. Sam Bennett was instrumental for Florida, scoring two goals, while both Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues contributed with a goal and an assist each. Additionally, Jonah Gadjovich and Eetu Luostarinen also found the back of the net. In goal, Sergei Bobrovsky secured the win for the Panthers, successfully saving 24 of the 28 shots he faced.

The Ottawa Senators step into this game seeking to dispel lingering frustrations from the past, having finished the 2023-24 season with a record of 37-41-4 and failing to qualify for the playoffs for the seventh straight year. Although the team is still in its developmental phase, they have strengthened their roster by signing experienced players such as David Perron, Michael Amadio, and Nick Cousins.

The Pick:

While it might appear that Florida is poised for a potential letdown after their impressive season-opening win against a strong Boston team on banner-raising night, I am not yet prepared to fully back the Senators. It is essential to evaluate how this revamped Ottawa team performs on the ice, and this contest against the defending champions will provide a crucial opportunity to gauge the Senators’ capabilities. I believe that Florida’s depth will ultimately prove decisive, leading me to favor Florida in this matchup.

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

Utah at Islanders at 7:30 PM ET

In their season opener, the Utah Hockey Club secured a victory against the Blackhawks. Dylan Guenther led the team with two goals, complemented by Nick Schmaltz’s two assists and Logan Cooley’s three shots on goal. Defensively, the Utah Hockey Club is permitting an average of two goals per game and has effectively killed 100 percent of their opponents’ power plays. Connor Hellebuyck has surrendered two goals on 26 shots.

With 39 wins to their credit, the New York Islanders have secured a playoff spot in five of the last six seasons. However, they are in pursuit of their first playoff series triumph since the 2020-21 season. The composition of the team remains largely unchanged from the previous year, having welcomed Anthony Duclair while parting ways with Sebastian Aho.

The Pick:

Utah has had the opportunity to acclimate and shake off any rust, whereas the Islanders have not yet stepped onto the ice. The Islanders, while favored, present a certain level of risk until their offensive performance demonstrates improvement. I will place my bet on the Utah Hockey Club and the favorable odds.

Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators Prediction NHL Picks 10/10/24

Stars at Predators at 8 PM ET

The Dallas team achieved a record of 5-1 during the preseason, securing victories against St. Louis, Colorado on two occasions, and Minnesota on two occasions as well. They commenced the preseason with five consecutive wins; however, they ultimately fell to St. Louis in the final match, which went into overtime.

Nashville’s preseason performance this year resulted in a 2-3 record, with victories against Tampa Bay and Carolina. The team experienced setbacks against Florida on two occasions and Carolina; nevertheless, they wrapped up the preseason by winning two of their last three contests, scoring a total of 15 goals in those three games.

The Pick:

Nashville has significantly enhanced its scoring potential during the offseason; however, I am interested in observing how long it will take for the new line combinations to develop chemistry. Dallas reached the Western Conference Finals last season and is anticipated to be among the top teams in the NHL once more. This matchup promises to be exciting, but I believe Dallas will have the advantage, as Nashville may require some time to find its rhythm. I recommend selecting the Stars in this contest.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings Prediction NHL Picks 10/10/24

Penguins at Red Wings at 8 PM ET

In their season opener, the Pittsburgh Penguins were defeated by the Rangers. Anthony Beauvillier led the team with 6 shots on goal, followed by Michael Bunting with 5 shots, and Lars Eller with 4 shots. Defensively, the Penguins are currently allowing 6 goals per game and have a perfect record in killing off 100 percent of their opponents’ power plays. Tristan Jarry has faced 41 shots, resulting in 6 goals allowed.

Last season, the Detroit Red Wings recorded 41 wins, ultimately missing the opportunity to compete in the playoffs. This absence from the postseason extends back to the 2015-16 season, representing the longest drought in the team’s history. In the offseason, the Red Wings strengthened their lineup by signing Vladimir Tarasenko, Jack Campbell, and Cam Talbot, while bidding farewell to Jake Walman, David Perron, and James Reimer.

The Pick:

The Pittsburgh Penguins have emerged victorious in 5 of their last 8 encounters with the Detroit Red Wings, benefiting from having already played a game this season. The Red Wings are likely to be motivated for a robust beginning as they aim to break their current losing streak; however, defensive uncertainties may pose a significant challenge for them. Following a shutout in their season opener, the Penguins are anticipated to rebound offensively, having netted 4 or more goals in 7 of their previous 8 matchups against the Red Wings. I am backing the Penguins in this closely contested scenario.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Minnesota Wild Prediction NHL Picks 10/10/24

Blue Jackets at Wild at 8 PM ET

The Columbus Blue Jackets wrapped up the last season with a record of 27 wins, 43 losses, and 12 overtime losses, resulting in their fourth consecutive absence from the playoffs. Only Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko managed to exceed 40 points among the Blue Jackets last year. Although injuries were a significant factor, there is a prevailing expectation for the team to enhance their performance, particularly with the addition of Sean Monahan to lead the team. Furthermore, the Blue Jackets aim to achieve greater stability in their defensive strategies and, crucially, in goaltending, as Daniil Tarasov, Elvis Merzlikins, Jet Greaves, and Spencer Martin all had opportunities to play last season.

The Minnesota Wild are entering the 2024-25 season with the aim of recovering from a disappointing performance last year, where they concluded with a record of 39-34-9 and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Kirill Kaprizov is expected to take on a significant role once more, having ranked among the top ten in goals and 11th in points during the previous season, while Marco Rossi and Joel Eriksson-Ek are anticipated to contribute valuable scoring support.

The Pick:

Analyzing the situation from both an on-ice and statistical standpoint, Minnesota appears to be the favored team. However, I find this assessment somewhat excessive, particularly given that both Fleury and Gustavsson recorded save percentages below .900 last season. I anticipate that Columbus will approach the season opener with determination and secure a victory.

St. Louis Blues vs San Jose Sharks Prediction NHL Picks 10/10/24

Blues at Sharks at 10:30 PM ET

The Blues found themselves in a precarious situation during their first game against the Seattle Kraken, prompting significant worry about a potential loss in a disappointing manner. After going down 2-0, the Blues turned the tide by scoring three consecutive goals, which proved sufficient for their victory. Jordan Kyrou was instrumental in this turnaround, netting two goals. Furthermore, Jordan Binnington delivered a commendable performance, saving 30 of the 32 shots he encountered during the game.

The primary concern for the Sharks is their ability to recover from the previous season. Having concluded last year at the bottom of the NHL standings, the team’s expectations for the current season may not be significantly elevated. The Sharks have placed their hopes on Macklin Celebrini, who was chosen as the first overall pick in this year’s draft, to emerge as their next star player. Despite finishing with the 31st-ranked offense last season, there is a glimmer of optimism that the team may improve this year.

The Pick:

The Blues conceded only two goals in their previous match, and their defensive capabilities are expected to be pivotal in this contest. Anticipate significant challenges for the Sharks’ offense, which is likely to falter. It is unlikely that the Sharks will manage to score more than a single goal, leading to a victory for the Blues. Go with the Blues on the money line.