Free NHL Betting Picks - Today's Best Bets, Expert Predictions, Odds (10/18/23)

We have a short two-game NHL schedule on tap but that certainly does not mean there isn't money to be made!

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In this article, I'll provide my favorite betting picks for the NHL games on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. We will focus on money line bets, totals, and team totals. With all of that said, let's break down some hockey games. Follow me on Twitter @BKemp17.

Today's NHL Betting Picks - Washington Capitals vs. Ottawa Senators

O/U: 6.5 | Moneyline: OTT (-166)

A pair of Capital cities get together tonight north of the border as it's the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators from the Candian Tire Centre in Ottawa.

The Caps have split their first two games of the season while the Senators have claimed victory in two of their first three contests. As was anticipated, goal-scoring hasn't been an issue for the Senators as their 4.33 goals per game in the season's infancy is tied for the second-best overall offense in the league.

However, neither club has defended particularly well, especially Washington. Their six goals against in two games isn't horrendous but they also rank 29th in expected goals against per 60 minutes of five-in-five hockey so far. The Senators rank 17th in the same department and have averaged three goals against per game as well in the early going.

It also appears Ottawa could be getting some firepower back into the lineup for this evening's tilt. Center Josh Norris, who has battled continued shoulder issues this fall, could make his season debut tonight. The young pivot has been limited to just 74 games over the last two seasons due to the aforementioned shoulder problems but also bagged 35 goals in just 66 games in the 2021-22 season. His addition down the middle is huge for this hockey team.

I like the offense across the board for Ottawa but their ability to consistently defend remains to be seen. The same goes for Washington who has had early-season defensive woes with some of the worst defensive metrics in the league.

With both back ends in question, we'll look for a high-scoring affair tonight in Ottawa.

Pick: Over 6.5 total goals (-115, DraftKings sportsbook)

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Today's NHL Betting Picks - Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Detroit Red Wings

O/U: 6.5 | Moneyline: PIT (-125)

The second contest of the night heads slightly south of the border to Detroit where the Red Wings play host to the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins.

The veteran-laden Penguins have bounced back nicely from an opening-night upset at the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks as they have claimed wins over the Capitals and Flames over their last two games. The Red Wings have also won two of their first three contests, winning each of their last two games while combining for 10 goals against the Blue Jackets and Lightning.

Offense should be able to be had in this one as well. The Penguins can still score with the best of 'em with firepower both up front and on the blueline. A younger Red Wings team has shown early they too can put the puck in the back of the net while newcomer Alex DeBrincat has made an immediate impact with three goals and five points in his first three games in a Red Wings uniform.

For good measure, the Red Wings enter this one ranked seventh in terms of expected goals for per 60 at 5v5 while the Penguins check in at 13th. In terms of actual results, the Red Wings have averaged 4.33 goals per game in their first three contests while the Pens sit in a share of seventh with a 3.67 goals-per-game clip while potting nine tallies over their last two games after managing just two goals on opening night.

Hey, early-season NHL hockey is chock-full of high-scoring games and sloppy defensive play. Let's have some fun and grab another over, this time from Detroit.

Pick: Over 6.5 total goals (-125, DraftKings sportsbook)

Good luck, Rotoballers! Let's cash some bets and make some money today!

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