Free NHL Picks For Today, Wednesday 10/16/2024

We have four NHL games scheduled for today, and here you can have a look at the NHL Picks for Wednesday 10/16/2024. 

Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction NHL Picks 10/16/24

Sabres at Penguins at 7 PM ET

The Buffalo Sabres faced a setback against the Kings but managed to triumph over the Panthers. The team is currently averaging 2 goals per game and has not scored on any of their power play chances. Alex Tuch leads the team with 2 goals, while Jordan Greenway has provided 1 assist, and Dylan Cozens has taken 16 shots on goal. Defensively, the Sabres are allowing 3 goals per game and have a power play kill rate of 76.9 percent. Devon Levi has surrendered 5 goals on 62 shots, whereas Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has also given up 5 goals, facing 44 shots.

The Pittsburgh Penguins experienced a defeat against the Maple Leafs but secured a victory over the Canadiens. Currently, the team is averaging 3.5 goals per game and successfully converting 20 percent of their power play chances. Kris Letang is the leading scorer for Pittsburgh with 2 goals, while Evgeni Malkin contributes with 6 assists, and Anthony Beauvillier has recorded 12 shots on goal. On the defensive side, the Penguins are conceding an average of 4 goals per game and successfully killing 83.3 percent of their opponents’ power plays. In terms of goaltending, Tristan Jarry has allowed 9 goals on 67 shots faced, whereas Joel Blomqvist has given up 6 goals on 64 shots.

The Pick:

The Pittsburgh Penguins have shown a mixed bag of results in their recent outings, yet their strong performances suggest a promising outlook. Typically, the Penguins perform optimally in their home arena, and it is noteworthy that the home team has won 7 of the last 10 matchups against Buffalo. The betting line is quite appealing. I expect the Penguins to win on Wednesday night.

LA Kings vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction NHL Picks 10/16/24

Kings at Maple Leafs at 7:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Kings approach this contest aiming to bounce back from two consecutive overtime losses, including an 8-7 defeat to the Ottawa Senators in their last outing. Anze Kopitar leads the team with 6 points, comprising 3 goals and 3 assists. Kevin Fiala and Alex Laferriere have each contributed 3 points, with 2 goals and 1 assist apiece. Brandt Clarke has recorded a team-high of 3 assists, while Adrian Kempe has also tallied 3 points, featuring 1 goal and 2 assists. Quinton Byfield has provided 2 assists, and both Trevor Lewis, Tanner Jeannot, and Trevor Moore have each found the net once this season. In net, Darcy Kuemper has a record of 1-0-2, with a 3.59 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage.

The Toronto Maple Leafs enter this matchup aiming to sustain their recent success following a consecutive 4-2 victory, the latest of which was against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Max Domi is currently leading the team with three assists, while William Nylander has contributed two goals. Both Mitch Marner and Steven Lorentz have recorded one goal and one assist each, and Max Pacioretty, John Tavares, Bobby McMann, and Matthew Knies have also each scored a goal this season. In goal, Anthony Stolarz holds a record of 1-1 with a goals-against average of 1.54 and a save percentage of .940, while Dennis Hildeby has a goals-against average of 2.02 and a save percentage of .913.

The Pick:

I understand that the Kings possess value as an underdog on the road, particularly given their strong performance away from home last season. Nevertheless, I am beginning to question whether the accumulation of travel miles is impacting the Kings, as they have exhibited both offensive and defensive inconsistencies in their initial games. Allowing eight goals is not a mere coincidence. The Maple Leafs have a sufficiently skilled roster, which leads me to believe they can secure a victory in this matchup, so I will support the Leafs.

Boston Bruins vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction NHL Picks 10/16/24

Bruins at Avalanche at 9:30 PM ET

This season, the Boston Bruins have a record of 2-2-0 after suffering a 4-3 defeat against Florida in their most recent match. The Bruins started strong, leading 1-0 early on, and managed to tie the game at two in the second period. Unfortunately, they allowed two consecutive goals, which led to their loss. In the game, Boston outshot Florida 27-26, won 54.1% of face-offs, and was unsuccessful on four power play attempts. Goals were scored by Beecher, Carlo, and Lohrei, while Swayman recorded 22 saves from 26 shots.

This season, the Colorado Avalanche have yet to secure a victory, standing at 0-3-0 after their latest game against the Islanders, which ended in a 6-2 loss. The team started strong, leading 1-0 early in the first period, but then allowed four consecutive goals. The Avalanche were outshot by the Islanders, with a total of 37 shots against their 34. They won 43.2% of face-offs and were unsuccessful on both power play attempts. Goals were contributed by Mittelstadt and Ritchie, while Georgiev recorded 31 saves out of 35 shots.

The Pick:

The Avalanche have conceded 6, 6, and 8 goals in their matches this season, yet they aim to improve their performance on home ice. The Bruins have suffered two defeats against Boston, although they performed admirably in their other two encounters with LA and Montreal. Defensively, the Bruins have faced challenges, allowing 4, 4, and 6 goals in three of their four games. It appears that this matchup may evolve into a high-scoring affair, but I anticipate Colorado securing a victory on their home ice.

Utah Hockey Club vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction NHL Picks 10/16/24

Utah at Ducks at 10 PM ET

Utah’s latest encounter was against the New Jersey Devils, and it proved to be an unsatisfactory outing. The team was unable to register any goals, resulting in a defeat by three goals. Karel Vejmelka took his position in goal, where he made 30 saves from 33 shots. The team collectively recorded just 20 shots on goal, a figure that falls short of what is necessary for success. This season, Utah has been averaging 4.0 goals per game, while their defensive unit has conceded an average of 3.5 goals per game.

The team’s recent game against the Vegas Golden Knights did not yield favorable results, culminating in a 3-1 loss. The first period concluded with a 1-1 tie, but the team surrendered two goals in the third period, which led to their defeat. Troy Terry contributed with one goal and recorded three shots on goal. James Reimer, who was in goal, successfully saved 29 of the 32 shots he faced. This season, the Ducks are averaging 1.5 goals per game, while their defense is conceding 1.5 goals per game. Offensively, they rank 29th, while defensively, they are positioned 4th.

The Pick:

The Ducks’ offense is currently averaging a mere 1.5 goals per game, and it is unlikely that they will experience a sudden improvement in this regard. In their most recent match, Utah failed to score any goals, indicating that they will face significant challenges in generating offensive momentum. Both teams are expected to encounter difficulties in their offensive efforts, which will ultimately be a decisive factor in this matchup. It is advisable to back the Under in this duel.