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Nearly a month into the season, the NHL landscape is taking shape. We have enough of a sample size that slow starts are cause for legitimate concern, while hot ones provide valid reason for optimism. As a result, Stanley Cup odds are also on the move.

Let's look at some of the biggest risers and fallers as October ends.

Edmonton Oilers (20-1)

Previous odds (Oct. 8): 50-1

Any value on the Western Conference co-leader is gone as the Oilers' odds have shortened to 20-1 courtesy of their 8-3-1 start. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are on pace for 143 points each, while James Neal has already exceeded his goal total from last season. Still, this feels like a great time to sell high on Edmonton.

The power play is scorching, but per 60 minutes of five-on-five play, the Oilers are 26th in the NHL in Corsi For, 29th in Fenwick For, 30th in shots for, and 25th in expected goals for (courtesy of Natural Stat Trick). Those rankings would be even worse if not for the heroics of their top line. Edmonton has minimal talent outside of its big four forwards, and that lack of depth will eventually prove its undoing.

Anaheim Ducks (25-1)

Previous odds (Oct. 8): 80-1

Bob Murray has done an excellent job of orchestrating the Ducks' turnaround following a quack-less 2018-19 campaign. Most pundits predicted they'd compete for a lottery pick this season, not a wild-card berth, but they're a well-coached team with a strong system and one of the best goalies in the world in John Gibson.

Anaheim is also getting solid contributions from veterans Jakob Silfverberg, Adam Henrique, and Ryan Getzlaf, while defenseman Hampus Lindholm - a former sixth overall pick - appears to finally be having a breakout season. Still, the Ducks lack the scoring or high-end talent to be taken seriously as Cup contenders and will likely only go as far as Gibson can take them.

Calgary Flames (30-1)

Previous odds (Oct. 8): 20-1

An obvious regression candidate coming into the season, the Flames have sputtered. Their inability to string together victories speaks to the team's mediocrity.

Surprisingly, it's not goaltending that's holding Calgary back - David Rittich and Cam Talbot have performed admirably thus far. It's the rest of the team that's cause for concern. Though the Flames haven't been bad, they haven't done anything particularly well, and just about all of their underlying numbers rank below the median. They're talented enough to stay in the wild-card race, but the same issues that were exposed in the playoffs last season will result in a big step back this season.

Vancouver Canucks (40-1)

Previous odds (Oct. 8): 50-1

There might not be a more exciting team in hockey this month. The Canucks are fourth in the NHL in goals per game this season and runaway leaders with 5.4 goals per game at home (Nashville is second with 4.43). Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Bo Horvat, and Quinn Hughes form one of the best young cores in hockey, and general manager Jim Benning, who took a lot of heat for acquiring veteran J.T. Miller (13 points in 11 games) this summer, suddenly looks like a genius.

So what about the goaltending? Jakob Markstrom's been impressive, while highly regarded prospect Thatcher Demko has been terrific in four starts and appears capable of shouldering the load should Markstrom drop off. The Canucks may be a couple years away from being legitimate contenders, but there's something special brewing in Vancouver.

Arizona Coyotes (40-1)

Previous odds (Oct. 8): 60-1

After losing their first two games, the Coyotes have lost just once in regulation over their last nine. It's time to start taking them seriously. They're allowing just 2.09 goals per game - only Boston's conceded fewer - and the underlying numbers suggest they could be even better; the team's rate of 1.77 expected goals against per 60 minutes is the lowest in the NHL.

And it finally looks like Arizona has the scoring to match. The Coyotes have scored at least three goals in seven straight and rank in the top 10 for expected goals for per 60 minutes. Phil Kessel (two goals in 11 games) hasn't even hit his stride yet. In a murky Pacific Division, you would be wise to put your money on Arizona at this price before Edmonton.

New York Rangers (80-1)

Previous odds (Oct. 8): 30-1

Kaapo Kakko told Finnish media he's not having fun playing hockey, and that about sums up the Rangers' October. They're by no means a bad hockey team, but they're not nearly as far along in the rebuilding process as a lot of people wanted to believe. Frankly, 80-1 is where this line should have been all along.

Condolences if you drank the Kool-Aid and bought in at 30-1. If it's any solace, you're not the first person to fall for undeserved hype surrounding a New York team, and you won't be the last.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

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October has just about come and gone.

Some teams will be aiming to stay hot over these final few days, while others will be desperate to generate some momentum heading into November. Here's your betting guide to the final week of October:

Game betting

Florida Panthers at Vancouver Canucks (Monday)

Travis Green is likely still wondering how his team blew a 5-1 lead to lose in a shootout against the Capitals on Friday night. The Canucks have had two days off to think about losing me my bet, but they get the chance to right the ship here against the Panthers. Florida is coming off an impressive win in Edmonton last night, but this is a tough spot for it on a back-to-back with travel and backup Samuel Montembeault in net.

San Jose Sharks at Boston Bruins (Tuesday)

No team has lost fewer games this season than the Bruins, who find themselves in a tricky situation Tuesday as they gear up for their third game in four nights. As high as they're flying right now, this feels like a letdown spot after a perfect weekend, which included a shutout win over the St. Louis Blues in a Stanley Cup Final rematch. The Sharks are reeling through this East Coast trip, but expect a much better effort than they put forward against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. San Jose will likely be priced close to +200 and offer excellent value.

Washington Capitals at Toronto Maple Leafs (Tuesday)

The Maple Leafs have been playing .500 hockey through October, and while they've hardly lived up to lofty expectations, they've been relatively easy to predict from a betting perspective. Much has been made about their deficiencies in back-to-backs, but they've consistently followed them up with impressive performances, including wins over Boston and San Jose in their last two attempts. The Capitals are concluding a lengthy five-game road trip, including four stops in Canada, and might lack the intensity of a more desperate Toronto side. Take the Leafs here at what's likely to be a very short price.

Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils (Wednesday)

The Devils have only played nine games this season, fewest among all teams. That's not a comment on their on-ice performances, though it really could be. This will be just the second game in 11 nights for New Jersey, for no good reason. With just two wins thus far, the Devils sit in the NHL's basement, and with so much time off to iron out their issues, there's no excuse for them not to come roaring out of the gate. They face a Lightning team that will have played the night before in New York. The Devils aren't nearly as good as the preseason hype suggested, but this is as good a spot as any to back them so far this season.

Edmonton Oilers at Columbus Blue Jackets (Wednesday)

Following a 7-1 start, the Oilers head into the week going 1-1-2 over the last eight days. They've lost their last three road games, scoring just one goal. They begin an East Coast swing in Detroit on Tuesday before flying to Columbus for the second half of a back-to-back. The Blue Jackets keep things close at home, as each of their last five contests at Nationwide Arena has been decided by just a goal. Expect another tight game, with the under looking a strong play.

Montreal Canadiens at Vegas Golden Knights (Thursday)

The Canadiens have lost 10 of their last 13 contests on the road when playing the second game of a back-to-back, as they are here in the infancy stages of their West Coast trip. Keith Kinkaid will also almost assuredly be in net for Montreal, with Carey Price likely to start Wednesday night in Arizona. The price on the Golden Knights will be steep, so you can also look toward the puck line if you aren't willing to lay the juice.

Game props

Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators (Tuesday)

Until the Blackhawks prove they can score consistently, you should probably bet against them doing so. They had a five-goal outburst against the lowly Kings on Sunday but have otherwise been starved of goals. Prior to that game, they scored just three times in their previous three outings, and they were shut out in their only road contest this season. Ride their team total under 2.5, especially against a Predators team that's held Chicago to two goals or fewer in each of its last six trips to Bridgestone Arena.

Montreal Canadiens at Vegas Golden Knights (Thursday)

Doubling up on this game, hit the Canadiens' team total under 2.5 goals. In their last 14 games away to Western Conference teams in the second half of a back-to-back, they've scored two or fewer goals in 12 of them. And, of course, there's also the old adage about Quebec-born goalies elevating their game against the Canadiens. Could a shutout for Marc-Andre Fleury be in the cards?

Player props

Florida Panthers at Vancouver Canucks (Monday)

No team is averaging more goals per game this season than the Canucks. They should definitely improve on that against a Panthers club allowing 3.45 goals thus far. (Only six teams have allowed more.) Florida will play its backup and could be tired playing in its second game in as many nights. Elias Pettersson's three goals this season have come in Vancouver's four home contests. Look for him to add to his tally in this one.

Edmonton Oilers at Detroit Red Wings (Tuesday)

The Oilers boast the league's top power-play unit and will take on the Red Wings and their 29th-ranked penalty kill. Seven of James Neal's 10 goals this season have come with the man advantage. Back him to get on the scoresheet against Detroit.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.

It has been a profitable week on the ice thus far, so let's keep the momentum going into a busy weekend on the schedule.

One of hockey's oldest rivalries headlines the weekend slate as the Montreal Canadiens host the Toronto Maple Leafs, while a Stanley Cup rematch graces TD Garden.

Game betting

San Jose Sharks at Toronto Maple Leafs (Friday)

It's the chalk play, but how do you stay away from the over 6.5 in this game? Both teams can score at will, while they each struggle to keep the puck out of their own net. The Sharks are on a 9-1 run to the over when playing their second game in as many nights, and until the Leafs prove they're capable of playing sound defense, there's no reason to think this game should be any different.

Washington Capitals at Vancouver Canucks (Friday)

The Capitals have three well-deserved days off to reset after this one. It's been a busy start to the season for them with 13 games in 25 nights, including a ton of travel. Washington is also on the second game of a back-to-back and fatigue will be an issue for it. The Canucks have been idle since Tuesday and are a strong bet at even money.

St. Louis Blues at Boston Bruins (Saturday)

If this isn't the best revenge spot on the calendar, I don't know what is. The Bruins spent the summer watching videos of Blues players bathing in beer and eating food out of the Stanley Cup, after they came so close to winning it themselves. Nothing that happens on Saturday will take that away from St. Louis, but Boston can put a small band-aid over its heart-sized wound with a win. You know how bad the Bruins want this.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens (Saturday)

Once more, the schedule makers have taken away from the allure of a Habs-Leafs game this season, with Toronto again playing it as the second game of a back-to-back. As a result, Michael Hutchinson will get the nod in goal. He's posted a save percentage below .900 this season, with the Leafs 0-3 in his starts. Carey Price will steal the show again as the Canadiens make it two for two over the Leafs this season.

San Jose Sharks at Ottawa Senators (Sunday)

The Sharks have performed reasonably well in the second half of back-to-backs under Peter DeBoer, though they typically struggle in the game that follows - especially when it's on the road. San Jose is 5-12 in this spot over the past two seasons, so consider backing the Senators here at what will certainly be an attractive price.

Game props

Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights (Friday)

The best team in the Western Conference was dealt a blow this week with the news that star winger Mikko Rantanen will miss at least a couple weeks with a lower-body injury. His absence will be sorely missed in a game in that could be a Conference Final preview against the Golden Knights. The Avalanche have had three days off in advance of this contest, which can be problematic with all the distractions Vegas has to offer. It's possible they spent Thursday night celebrating their hot start and will come out sluggish as a result. With the price on Vegas a bit high (-165), take them -0.5 in the first period at +150.

Calgary Flames at Winnipeg Jets (Saturday)

A Heritage Classic, this game will be played at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan. Since Heritage Classics were instituted as yearly occurrences in 2008, outdoor games are 14-7-5 to the under, assuming a six-goal total for each contest. The under is worth a look here as well, but the Jets' team total is our focus. They've scored three or less goals in each of their last 12 games against the Flames, and two or less in nine of those contests. Under 3.5 and under 2.5 are both worth a look here. Goals have become an issue for Winnipeg, with just eight in its last five games.

Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks (Sunday)

Only twice in the last nine meetings between the Blackhawks and Kings have there been two or more goals in the opening 20 minutes. With neither team scoring much these days, the first-period under looks like a strong bet here.

Player props

Washington Capitals at Vancouver Canucks (Friday)

Vancouver's power play has been humming along nicely this season, especially at home where it has converted on 44.4% of its opportunities. Bo Horvat is the team leader in that regard, with four goals on the man advantage. Look for him to add to that total against the Capitals, who can't seem to stay out of the penalty box - their 41 minor penalties are third-most in the NHL this season.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.

Round 2 between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs this season goes Tuesday night.

The rivalry highlights a delicious midweek slate that includes a Central Division clash and a meeting between a pair of Eastern Conference favorites in the Sunshine State.

Game betting

Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues (Monday)

The Avalanche will look at this game as a passing of the torch. The Western Conference leaders are white-hot as they visit last season's champions, with the Blues coming off consecutive home losses. However, it's the third game in four nights for Colorado, which has lost seven of its last eight trips to St. Louis. The Blues haven't dropped three successive home games since February 2013.

Ottawa Senators at Dallas Stars (Monday)

Dallas isn't off to the start it hoped for, but there's no better slump-buster than the Senators, right? Well, this is a tough spot for the Stars, who return home from a back-to-back in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The Stars are 4-11 over the last two seasons when playing their third game in four nights. They're also 0-3 at home this season with just four goals. At +190, the Senators are live 'dogs.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins (Tuesday)

Revenge will be on the Bruins' minds as they welcome the Leafs to TD Garden after losing to Toronto in overtime Saturday. The Leafs will likely start Michael Hutchinson in what will be their second game of a back-to-back after hosting Columbus. Toronto got run over in two trips to the Garden during the 2018-19 regular season, and it's hard to see the Leafs beating a rested Boston team under these circumstances.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning (Wednesday)

The Lightning will have had three days off to think about their 6-2 home loss to the Avalanche when they host a Penguins team that plays at Florida the night before. Tampa has won 14 of its last 16 home games on three days' rest. Only once last season did the Lightning lose two in a row at home, falling 1-0 to the Blues in overtime. They've consistently bounced back from losses under Jon Cooper and have won all three of their home games against the Penguins over the last two seasons. The chalk could be a bit high, but this is a great spot to back the Bolts.

Minnesota Wild at Nashville Predators (Thursday)

The beginning of Minnesota's schedule has been brutal, with 13 of the team's first 18 games away from home. The Wild are 1-5 on the road this season, lost all five of those games by two or more goals, and recorded their lone away win against the Senators. They last won in Nashville in 2016 and have scored just nine goals in their visits since. Play the Predators on the puck line.

Game props

Anaheim Ducks at Nashville Predators (Tuesday)

Anaheim has enjoyed a strong start, but it would be a whole lot better if the Ducks could find their scoring touch. They have been held to two or fewer goals in five of their nine games and scored just eight times in four contests on the road. Excluding the playoffs, the Ducks have been held under 2.5 goals in each of their last six trips to Nashville.

Vegas Golden Knights at Chicago Blackhawks (Tuesday)

The Golden Knights have scored at least four goals in each of their six all-time meetings with the Blackhawks. Across three trips to Chicago, they've put up 17 goals. Back Vegas' team total over 3.5. The first-period over 1.5 is also worth a play despite the likely high juice - every time these teams have played each other, the over 1.5 has hit in the opening 20 minutes.

San Jose Sharks at Montreal Canadiens (Thursday)

Heading into the week, the Canadiens (7-2, 77.8%) and Sharks (6-2, 75%) are two of the five most profitable teams when it comes to the first-period over. They meet Thursday in Montreal, where the over 1.5 in the opening frame looks tasty.

Player props

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins (Tuesday)

We hit with David Pastrnak scoring in the game in Toronto on Saturday night. Let's back him to do so again in Boston. He simply can't help himself against the Leafs.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning (Wednesday)

With the Penguins thin down the middle and Tristan Jarry likely to start in net, Lightning center Brayden Point is a good candidate to score. Point has three goals in five games so far and put up three goals in three contests against the Pens last season.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.

An Original Six rivalry highlights this weekend's slate as the Boston Bruins head north of the border aiming to continue their dominance over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Of course, that's just one of 22 games scheduled over the next three days, as the NHL season starts to kick into high gear. Here's your guide to making the weekend a profitable one:

Game betting

Dallas Stars at Pittsburgh Penguins (Friday)

With one win in their first eight games, the Stars are simply trying to stop the bleeding. Winning hockey starts with defense, which is one thing Dallas has managed to do well over the first two weeks - the goals have just dried up. Injuries have left the Penguins shorthanded up front, and Pittsburgh's last six home games against Western Conference teams are 5-0-1 to the under. Dallas' last 11 away contests against Eastern Conference clubs are 7-2-2 to the under. With the total set at six in this game, look for a tight, low-scoring affair.

Carolina Hurricanes at Anaheim Ducks (Friday)

This is a really tough spot for the Hurricanes, who face their fifth game in eight nights and their third in four, including a pair of back-to-backs. Anaheim has been a juggernaut early in the season, thanks in large part to stellar goaltender John Gibson. Teams are still looking to get their legs under them this early in the campaign, and fatigue will definitely play a part for Carolina against a stingy Ducks team. The hosts are small underdogs here and are well worth a bet to kick-start the weekend.

Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs (Saturday)

News that Leafs captain John Tavares will miss at least two weeks with a broken finger is poorly timed as the team welcomes the Bruins to town Saturday night. Boston has played well early in the year and should rebound here after losing to the Lightning in a shootout Thursday. The Leafs lack the depth to absorb the loss of their captain, have struggled against good teams, and are typically owned by the Bruins.

Buffalo Sabres at San Jose Sharks (Saturday)

Don't look now, but the Sharks have turned things around after a poor start, winning three in a row as they head into Saturday's contest on two days rest while in the midst of a homestand. The Sabres, and Carter Hutton, have been on a tear, but this is a tough spot as they conclude their California road trip with a third game in four nights.

Edmonton Oilers at Winnipeg Jets (Sunday)

Credit the Jets for avoiding a miserable start despite trotting out a depleted defense, but they've still been vulnerable shorthanded. Winnipeg owns the league's worst penalty kill (56.3%) heading into the weekend and will welcome the Oilers, who own the league's best power play (45.5%), to town. Those numbers really don't bode well for the Jets. Look for the Oilers to keep their hot start alive, courtesy of their special teams.

Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks (Sunday)

Not sure exactly who in the league offices the Flames pissed off, but it was someone. Calgary wraps up a brutal opening stretch - six games in nine days - in Anaheim, following an unenviable travel schedule that saw the team head from Dallas to Vegas to San Jose to Calgary to Los Angeles. This game concludes the Flames' second back-to-back in a week and it comes against the white-hot Ducks. It also doesn't help that Calgary has lost 32 of its last 33 games in Anaheim. That's not a typo. This is one of those empty-the-bankroll type of plays.

Game props

New York Rangers at Washington Capitals (Friday)

With the Rangers on a back-to-back, Henrik Lundqvist gets the start for them in Washington. He's a shell of the goalie he once was and is in for a long night as he plays behind a tired team against the free-scoring Capitals. You should be jumping at Washington -1 in regulation at +125.

Montreal Canadiens at St. Louis Blues (Saturday)

After beating the Blues 6-3 in Montreal last week, the Canadiens travel to St. Louis for a return date with the Stanley Cup champions. The Habs don't typically excel in matinees, and with the Blues out for revenge, this should be a much tighter, lower-scoring game than what we saw Saturday at the Bell Centre. Playing Montreal's team total under 2.5 should be profitable in this spot.

Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks (Sunday)

As mentioned above, this really is the perfect storm. The Flames, who already suck in Anaheim, will be playing the Ducks under brutal conditions. John Gibson might be in line for a shutout. Play Calgary's team total under 2.5, as well as 1.5, the latter of which should be priced around +350.

Player props

Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs (Saturday)

Is there anyone Leafs fans are more tired of seeing than David Pastrnak? He owns the Leafs like the Yankees owned Pedro Martinez. In fact, Boston's whole top line does. The Bruins should have even more success with Tavares missing from Toronto's top line. The man they call Pasta torched the Leafs for six goals in four games last season and he should be celebrating another at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night.

Edmonton Oilers at Winnipeg Jets (Sunday)

By now you know about the mismatch between the Oilers' powerplay and the Jets' penalty kill. James Neal has been one of the catalysts of Edmonton's powerplay, with six of his eight goals coming on the man advantage. He's got a great chance to add to that tally against the league's worst penalty kill Sunday.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.

Although this midweek preview consists of only three days as a result of the holiday, there's no shortage of games for us to pad our wallets ahead of the weekend.

Among them, the Toronto Maple Leafs head to the United States capital, two Atlantic Division heavyweights clash at TD Garden, and the New Jersey Devils search for their first win.

Game betting

Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens (Tuesday)

The Canadiens are playing a fast, exciting brand of hockey early in the season, and the Lightning can score goals at will. However, Claude Julien tends to tighten things up against offensive powerhouses, while Tampa will be eager to get things in order on the back end. The total is set at 6.5, but eight of the last 10 meetings between these teams have finished under that number.

Arizona Coyotes at Winnipeg Jets (Tuesday)

Following a disappointing start to the season, the Coyotes appear to be rounding into form, though scoring has proved to be a real issue for them, which should play right into the hands of the defensively shorthanded Jets. Arizona have lost all nine of their visits to Winnipeg since the 2012-13 lockout. At a short price of -130, back the Jets to make it 10 in a row over the Coyotes north of the border.

Dallas Stars at Columbus Blue Jackets (Wednesday)

It's hard to pass up getting the better team (the Stars) at a significant discount due to their poor start to the season. Dallas' losses have come against the Bruins, Blues, Red Wings, Flames, Capitals, and Sabres. It's been a tough schedule, but four of those five losses have been by just a goal. Expect a bounce back from the Stars after being blanked in Buffalo.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins (Thursday)

The Bruins are home on two days rest after hosting the Ducks on Monday. It's a spot they typically excel in under Butch Cassidy, going 7-2 since he took over for Claude Julien. Back the scorching-hot Bruins at a short price on Thursday.

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils (Thursday)

This is a strange spot for the Rangers, who will be playing just their fourth game of the season when they take on the Devils at the Prudential Center. The Rangers are 2-6 in their last eight games in New Jersey, while losing nine of their last 10 on at least four days rest, which is what they have here. Bet the Devils to finally claim their first win of the season in what will be their seventh game.

Game props

Nashville Predators at Vegas Golden Knights (Tuesday)

This will be the seventh all-time meeting between the Predators and Golden Knights. There have been just four goals scored in the first period of their previous six contests, with each of them staying under 1.5 goals in the opening frame. At +135, that's gravy.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals (Wednesday)

The Leafs faced this situation four times last season - traveling for the second game of a back-to-back after playing the first at home. They were 1-3 in those contests, but more importantly, allowed 23 goals over that span. Play the Capitals team total over 3.5 at plus-money, as well as the over 4.5 at close to +300 if you're feeling it on hump day.

Nashville Predators at Arizona Coyotes (Thursday)

Arizona may not be scoring many goals these days, but it isn't conceding many either. The Predators have scored just 11 goals in their last seven visits to the desert. Play their team total under 2.5 at plus-money, while the under 1.5 in the first period is also worth a strong look.

Buffalo Sabres at Los Angeles Kings (Thursday)

In their last four road games in the second of a back-to-back, the Sabres have just four goals. They've also been shut out in four of their last six visits to Los Angeles, with the Kings winning each of those games 2-0. Buffalo's team total under 2.5 should be priced around +140 given the rate they've been scoring, and certainly warrants a play here.

Player props

Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals (Wednesday)

Alex Ovechkin has a higher goals per game rate against Toronto than any other Eastern Conference team with 39 goals in 48 career games. He's also potted six in his last six against the Leafs the past two seasons. Back him to add to his total in this game.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins (Thursday)

Over the past three seasons, David Pastrnak has 15 points in 12 games against the Lightning. He had six in three against them last season, including five assists. Trust him to get another helper on Thursday at the Garden.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.

Happy Thanksgiving, Canada. And a happy Columbus Day to Americans.

The long weekend treats us to an extra-busy NHL schedule, including a handful of Monday matinees. Enjoy the holiday, and here's to making it a profitable one.

Game betting

Anaheim Ducks at Columbus Blue Jackets (Friday)

No strangers to a Friday night home game, the Blue Jackets are typically stingy in these contests. Eight of the last nine have gone under the total (one push), while they've lost seven of 10. With John Gibson in town, a low-scoring Ducks win warrants a long look.

Winnipeg Jets at Chicago Blackhawks (Saturday)

If there's one thing the Jets and Blackhawks do well, it's score goals. Neither team puts much of an emphasis on keeping them out. The four meetings between them last season produced 34 goals, with at least seven in each game. You would be wise to give the over strong consideration.

St. Louis Blues at Montreal Canadiens (Saturday)

There's a reason Carey Price has earned the nickname "Mr. Saturday Night." The Canadiens goalie thrives on Hockey Night in Canada, especially at the Bell Centre. He should be locked in for a visit from the Stanley Cup champion Blues, guiding the Habs to another Saturday night win.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings (Saturday)

It's Leafs and Red Wings on HNIC. Both teams have been scoring for fun early in the season, but 10 of their last 12 meetings in Motown have gone under 5.5 goals. Six of them have gone under 4.5. Toronto should emphasize bouncing back defensively after allowing seven goals to the Lightning. With a high total projected for Saturday night, this is a great spot to get in on the under.

Philadelphia Flyers at Vancouver Canucks (Saturday)

The Canucks haven't enjoyed the best start to the season, but they're in a great spot Saturday as they play their second contest of a three-game homestand that spans 11 days. The Flyers are hardly as lucky - they fly back from their season opener in Prague for a solitary home game before having to fly across the country and north of the border for this one. That much travel in a short span borders on cruel. Back Vancouver.

Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks (Sunday)

It's a daunting weekend for the Flames, who visit Vegas on Saturday and then immediately fly to San Jose for a date with the Sharks. San Jose got the monkey off its back by defeating the Blackhawks on Thursday night, and Patrick Marleau looks 25 again. I get the sense the Sharks are about to hit their stride. They're too good not to.

Anaheim Ducks at Boston Bruins (Monday, 1 p.m. ET)

Over the past three seasons, the Ducks are 3-10 in away games after playing a back-to-back, which they have Thursday-Friday against Pittsburgh and Columbus. Making matters worse for Anaheim is an early start against the Bruins, with puck drop scheduled for 10 a.m. PT.

Game props

Winnipeg Jets at Chicago Blackhawks (Saturday)

Not only are a lot of goals scored when these teams meet, but it tends to happen early: Of the 34 goals across their four matchups last season, the highest percentage of them came in the first period (12). Hit the over in the opening 20 minutes here and don't look back.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings (Saturday)

This is another spot to double down. The last 12 meetings between these teams in Detroit produced just eight first-period goals. Under 1.5, anyone?

Columbus Blue Jackets at Carolina Hurricanes (Saturday)

Both of these teams play Friday and Saturday. The Hurricanes are on a 12-1 run in the second game of a home back-to-back, while the Blue Jackets were 0-5 last season on the road when playing at home the night before. Lower the likely juice on the Canes here by taking them to win in regulation.

Calgary Flames at Vegas Golden Knights (Saturday)

The Flames have never won in Vegas and have four goals in four visits. They were shut out twice by the Golden Knights. Take their team total under and their alternate team total under 1.5 if you're feeling especially frisky.

Player props

Florida Panthers at Buffalo Sabres (Friday)

Aleksander Barkov is still looking for his first goal in the infant stages of the season and you know an explosion is coming soon. Back the Panthers sophomore as he faces a Sabres team he put up eight points on (four goals, four assists) in four games last season.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings (Saturday)

Keep riding Auston Matthews to score in October. He's up to 31 goals in 37 October games in his career, more than he has in any other month by far. He will run cold soon - he always does - but take him Saturday; he has 10 goals in 11 career contests against the Red Wings.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Carolina Hurricanes (Saturday)

The Andrei Svechnikov breakout is upon us. I promise. He's yet to find the back of the net but he has been buzzing, with six assists through Carolina's first four games. He's driving play and it's a matter of time before the goals follow. Against a Blue Jackets team that's conceding goals in bunches, back Svech to get on the scoresheet.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.

It sure is nice to have hockey back. Of course, with so many games to watch, it can be hard to find the time to properly dig into each matchup to find the best spots.

Well, now you don't have to. Here, we'll delve through the midweek slate so you have time to stop at the store on your way home from work to restock the beverage fridge.

Game betting

St. Louis Blues at Toronto Maple Leafs (Monday)

This will mark the fourth game in six nights for the Maple Leafs, who are coming off an emotionally taxing shootout loss to the Canadiens on Saturday night. The Blues come into this one rested and on a six-game winning streak against Toronto. Goals could be at a premium in this one.

Winnipeg Jets at Pittsburgh Penguins (Tuesday)

The Jets are looking for their first win in Pittsburgh since moving back to Winnipeg. They've lost all nine of their games away to the Penguins - 18 straight dating back to the Atlanta Thrashers days, with their last win coming in December 2006. This will also be the fourth contest in six nights for the Jets.

Los Angeles Kings at Calgary Flames (Tuesday)

Goals might be hard to come by when the Kings and Flames square off at the Saddledome. They had a run of five unders snapped in their final meeting of last season, while eight of their last 11 encounters have finished with fewer than 5.5 goals.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs (Thursday)

The Leafs certainly have their hands full this week as their date with the defending champion Blues is followed by a visit from the Cup favorite Lightning. Tampa will be rested, having been off since Sunday and should be motivated following its loss to the Hurricanes if Steven Stamkos' recent comments are anything to go by.

Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens (Thursday)

The Canadiens have won nine straight over the Red Wings, including six by at least two goals. The Bell Centre should be loud with this being the Habs' home opener. The puck line warrants a long look here.

Vegas Golden Knights at Arizona Coyotes (Thursday)

The Coyotes are still looking for their first victory over the Golden Knights in Arizona, with Vegas winning all four of its visits to the desert.

Game props

Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets (Monday)

Goals have been plentiful in the early stages of this season, and Monday night in Columbus should be no different. Nine of the last 10 meetings between the Sabres and Blue Jackets in Ohio have gone over 1.5 first-period goals.

San Jose Sharks at Nashville Predators (Tuesday)

Nashville's forwards must light up when they see a visit from the Sharks on the calendar. The Predators have scored 23 goals in their last four home games against San Jose. They've also potted at least four goals in each of their last seven contests at SAP Center versus the Sharks. Fire up that team total over.

Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres (Wednesday)

If you bet the over in the first period each time these two teams met over the past few years, you'd have flushed a large amount of money down the toilet. Just twice in the last 11 meetings have there been more than one goal in the first frame.

Calgary Flames at Dallas Stars (Thursday)

The Flames haven't scored a first-period goal in any of their last five visits to Dallas. The Stars haven't managed many either. None of those games have seen a first-period over hit. Calgary's team total under is worth a look here as well.

Vegas Golden Knights at Arizona Coyotes (Thursday)

As mentioned above, Vegas is 4-0 in franchise history in Phoenix. What wasn't mentioned is that the Coyotes have scored a combined six goals in those games. I'll take the under on that team total, thanks.

Player props

Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens (Thursday)

Brendan Gallagher will be rolling out the red carpet for the Red Wings. He's scored 13 goals in 21 career games against Detroit for a higher goals-per-game mark than he's managed against any other franchise. You should be able to get him at close to +200 to score in this one, too.

San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks (Thursday)

Tomas Hertl scored a goal in each of his three games against the Blackhawks last season, adding three total assists for good measure. Back him to score again Thursday. Alex Debrincat is worth a flier as well after scoring a trio of goals in as many contests against the Sharks in 2018-19.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.

Opening night was fun. More importantly, you won money if you followed along with the opening night betting guide. The Washington Capitals won, the Ottawa Senators hit the over 2.5 goals, Auston Matthews found the back of the net, and Brock Boeser scored.

It was a fun night, but things are about to kick into high gear. Here's how to approach betting a busy four-day slate over the weekend:

Game betting

New Jersey Devils at Buffalo Sabres (Saturday)

I'm not as high on the Devils as most this season, but the Sabres are bad and New Jersey has won in seven of its last eight visits to Buffalo. The Devils will likely be very short favorites, making a play on them even more appealing.

Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs (Saturday)

The Leafs should be huge favorites again in this one, sapping any value in backing them. They will be flying home for the second half of back-to-back games after playing on Friday night in Columbus, a situation that's produced six consecutive unders for them.

With Carey Price and Frederik Andersen likely in goal, the under is worth a hard look for this Saturday night showdown.

New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators (Saturday)

The Senators won't win much in 2019-20, but this is a great spot to back them at plus money. The Rangers have lost eight straight in Ottawa and are hardly deserving of the love the oddsmakers will probably give them in this spot.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins (Saturday)

If losing streaks are your thing, then this is one of those empty-the-account type of plays. The Penguins have won 10 straight over the Blue Jackets in Pittsburgh, with seven of those victories coming by at least two goals, making the puck line well worth a look.

Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues (Saturday)

The Stars and Blues play fundamentally sound defense and limit goals. Six of the last seven meetings between the two teams in St. Louis have gone under the 5.5 total.

The game should be profitable again on Saturday.

Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers (Saturday)

This is another spot where goals have typically been scarce. Six of the last seven meetings between the Kings and Oilers in Edmonton have gone under. The Kings have also lost six of those games. Oilers and the under parlay, anyone?

San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks (Saturday)

The Sharks have hit six consecutive overs when on the road and in the second leg of back-to-back games. Both their contests against the Ducks in Anaheim went over last year as well, so let's stick with tradition here.

Game props

Minnesota Wild at Nashville Predators (Thursday)

The Wild haven't beaten the Predators in Nashville since 2016, and the team has scored just seven goals over its last five games there. Take the team total under 2.5.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Columbus Blue Jackets (Friday)

Since Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner came into the league three seasons ago, the Leafs have played six games in Columbus, with each contest featuring two-plus goals in the first period. Hit that over 1.5 in the opening 20 minutes and don't look back.

Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche (Saturday)

The Avalanche are going to score a lot this season, and they should come out of the gate firing against the Wild. The first period has gone over 1.5 goals in each of the last five meetings between these two teams in Colorado.

San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks (Saturday)

Let's revisit this game for a second. You saw the over trend in this spot for the Sharks (see above). Combine that with their last five games in Anaheim producing two-plus goals in the first period, and we get a tasty play here.

Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames (Saturday)

At this rate, we might as well play the first period over in every game this weekend and hope for the best. This could be the strongest play of them all though, with 11 of the last 12 meetings between the Canucks and Flames in Calgary featuring two-plus goals in the opening frame.

Player props

Montreal Canadiens at Carolina Hurricanes (Thursday)

Andrei Svechnikov scored 20 goals as a rookie last season for the Hurricanes, and he could realistically come close to doubling that tally this year. The sniper potted three against the Habs last season, and he's well worth a look to score his first this campaign in Carolina's season opener at +180.

Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs (Saturday)

Max Domi has made no attempt to hide his disdain for the Maple Leafs. The Toronto-born forward enjoyed a breakout first season with the Canadiens in 2019-20, including six points in four games against the Leafs. Back him to go over 0.5 assists on Hockey Night in Canada.

Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals (Saturday)

There's nothing like celebrating a new contract with a goal. Sebastian Aho got paid this summer, and he's enjoyed plenty of success against the Capitals during his young career.

With eight goals and 17 points in 12 career games against Washington, don't bet against him adding to that total on Saturday. Take the over on 0.5 points.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins (Saturday)

If you've already bet on the Pens in this game, why not spice it up even more with a wager on Jake Guentzel to score? He's recorded more goals against Columbus (seven) than any other team in his career.

Winnipeg Jets at New York Islanders (Sunday)

Have you seen who's playing defense for the Jets these days? It's not great.

Anders Lee has scored 11 goals over 12 career games versus Winnipeg, while Mathew Barzal has netted four in four clashes against the Jets. Backing both Islanders forwards to score would return a profit as long as one of them finds the back of the net. If they both do, happy Sunday.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.

It's been 112 days since the St. Louis Blues raised the Stanley Cup, and while I'm sure your team's comeback win in your rec league last week was as memorable as you've hyped it up to be, it's a relief to have real, meaningful NHL hockey back in our lives.

The league has cooked up a banger for opening night, too. The last two Stanley Cup champions meet in The Lou, there's a pair of all-Canadian matchups, and the San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights renew what's quickly developed into the greatest rivalry in hockey (shame about that whole Evander Kane suspension, though). Now, let's make a great night even better by winning some money:

Game betting

The Toronto Maple Leafs open as heavy favorites over the basement-dwelling Ottawa Senators, with the two teams projected to be at opposite ends of the standings by the end of the season. There's little value in backing the Leafs at -290, while even the -1.5 puck line has you laying juice. Could there be value with the road underdog, though? The Sens won three of four in the Battle of Ontario last season. With expectations high for the Leafs this year and the team expected to reveal its new captain before the start of the game, it's hard to envision anything other than a home win here.

Toronto's captaincy decision won't hold a candle to the pregame ceremony in St. Louis, though, as the Blues are set to raise their Stanley Cup banner before taking on the Washington Capitals. The Caps were in this spot on opening night last season and went on to beat the Boston Bruins 7-0 after raising their banner. However, since the lockout in 2005, defending Stanley Cup champions are 4-9 on banner raising night. The Caps are also 39-19-3 over the last four seasons on the road against Western Conference teams. Perhaps a play on the road team is in order here.

The Edmonton Oilers are hoping to put a disappointing year behind them as they begin their campaign Wednesday at home to the Vancouver Canucks. They're 7-2 at home to the Canucks in the Connor McDavid era.

Meanwhile, in Vegas, the Golden Knights will be out for revenge after their improbable collapse in Game 7 against the Sharks last season. This should be a highly entertaining game to cap off the night - albeit slightly less so now that Kane and Ryan Reaves won't be going three rounds at center ice. Vegas is 9-4 in franchise history at home in October.

Game props

While the Leafs can rack up goals with the best of them, they have their problems with keeping pucks out of their own net. The Senators scored nine times in two games in Toronto last season and averaged 4.16 goals per game at Scotiabank Arena over the last three years. A bet on the Sens' team total over 2.5 goals sits at +110 and is worth a look, as is the over 3.5 at +285 if you're feeling especially frisky.

The first-period goal total prop is intriguing in Edmonton, as there have been 11 opening-frame tallies in the last four meetings between the Canucks and Oilers in Alberta. There have been at least two markers during the initial 20 minutes in each of those contests, making the over 1.5 first-period goals (-110) an attractive bet. The first-period over has also hit in three of four regular-season meetings between the Sharks and Golden Knights in Vegas.

Player props

Auston Matthews tends to pad his stats against the Senators, with 10 goals and seven assists in 12 contests against them since he entered the league. Backing him to score at any time in the game is appealing, but less so at the -120 price tag. Instead, take a look at him to be the game's first scorer at +850.

Another name to look at in this game is Ottawa's Thomas Chabot. He's the quarterback of the Senators' power play and should have ample opportunity to get on the scoresheet against a Leafs team that is without its top four penalty killers from last season (Nikita Zaitsev, Ron Hainsey, Zach Hyman, and Connor Brown). Chabot has four goals in six games against the Leafs and presents good value at +250 to find the back of the net. The over 0.5 assists prop is also definitely worth a stab at +105.

There's plenty of value in Vancouver's Brock Boeser to record an assist at +160, as he had four in as many games against the Oilers last season. Stay away from the McDavid and Leon Draisaitl goal props, though. The former hasn't scored in any of his last five home games against the Canucks, while Draisaitl has just five goals in 21 career games against Vancouver.

A much stronger bet in the scoring market would be William Karlsson to find the back of the net for Vegas, as he's scored seven goals in eight games as a Golden Knights player against the Sharks, including four in four at home. I'd much rather back him at +155 than someone like McDavid (-125) or Draisaitl (-125).

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.