The best NHL plays this week start on Wednesday when the Washington Capitals host the Boston Bruins. On Thursday, the Florida Panthers head to New York to take on the Islanders and then on Friday, it’s east versus west when the Winnipeg Jets host the New York Rangers. Keep reading for analysis and free picks for six of this week’s top National Hockey League matches.

Top NHL Betting Picks of the Week (October 10th, 2022)

Another NHL season is here! Where do the Caps stand amid the other 31 teams in the league? https://t.co/cpoaRy6mnR

— NBC Sports Washington (@NBCSWashington) October 11, 2022

Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals

• When: Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 7:00 PM ET
• Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
• TV: TNT
• Radio: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub (Bruins) // WJFK 106.7 FM (Capitals)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Betting Odds: TBA

Boston ended their preseason with a loss at home versus the New Jersey Devils. No doubt, the Bruins weren’t all in against NJ knowing they had to open the regular season on the road versus the Caps in D.C.

Washington won their final 2 preseason matches. Low expectations surround the Caps in 2022- 2023 but this happens on Washington’s ice. D.C. starts out with a win.

NHL Betting Pick: Washington Capitals

Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders

• When: Thursday, October 13, 2022, 7:30 PM ET
• Where: UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
• TV: MSGSN, BSFL
• Radio: 560 WQAM (Panthers) // WRHU 88.7 FM (Islanders)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Betting Odds: TBA

Florida has become one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. So when odds come out for this Thursday match, don’t be surprised if the road Panthers offer lower odds than the home team Islanders.

The Panthers are a solid bunch for sure. But Florida went 2-4 SU in their preseason games. Yes, preseason is meaningless. Still, the Islanders tightened things on both ends of the ice by winning their last 4 preseason matches. The home team prevails.

NHL Betting Pick: New York Islanders

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

• When: Friday, October 14, 2022, 7:00 PM ET
• Where: UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
• TV: NHL Network, BSOH, BSSUN
• Radio: 102.5 The Bone (Lightning) // 97.1 The Fan (Blue Jackets)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Betting Odds: TBA

Columbus has a tough first week. The Blue Jackets battle Cup contender Carolina on Wednesday. Then on Friday, Columbus hosts another Cup contender in Tampa Bay.

Tampa takes on the Rangers on Tuesday night. By the time this match happens, the Lightning should be ready to show their best. The Blue Jackets will play hard and Tampa isn’t the same team from the championship winning years. But the Lightning’s core, Victor Hedman, Nikita Kucherov, and Steven Stamkos, remain. So does goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. Tampa wins.

NHL Betting Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning

New York Rangers vs. Winnipeg Jets

• When: Friday, October 14, 2022, 8:00 PM ET
• Where: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB
• TV: TSN3, MSGSN
• Radio: 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio (Rangers) // 680 CJOB (Jets)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Betting Odds: TBA

The Jets don’t start their season until this Friday matchup versus the Rangers. Winnipeg went through so many changes during the offseason that many hockey fans believe the Jets won’t make the playoffs.

The Rangers are a tepid pick to win the Stanley Cup. Most expect NYR to finish behind the Panthers, Lightning, and Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers, though, are ultra-talented. NYR grabs a road win.

NHL Betting Pick: New York Rangers

Nashville Predators vs. Dallas Stars

• When: Saturday, October 15, 2022, 8:00 PM ET
• Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
• TV: BSSW, BSSO
• Radio: 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio (Predators) // 680 CJOB (Stars)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Betting Odds: TBA

Both the Preds and the Stars enter the season under the radar. Nashville finished their preseason with 3 straight wins. Then on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, the Preds blasted the San Jose Sharks in a couple of victories.

Dallas doesn’t start their season until Thursday when they travel to Nashville. The Stars head into the season losers of 5 straight preseason tilts. Again, preaseason matches don’t matter but it’s tough to back a team that plays as badly as the Stars did. Nashville is the play.

NHL Betting Pick: Nashville Predators

Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers

• When: Saturday, October 15, 2022, 10:00 PM ET
• Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB
• TV: CBC, SN1, CITY
• Radio: Sportsnet 960 The FAN (Flames) // 630 CHED (Oilers)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Betting Odds: TBA

Most believe the Pacific Division will come down to the Oilers and Flames. Calgary hopes to get a win up over rival Edmonton. But the Flames may not be at their best on Saturday.

Calgary faces defending Stanley Cup Champion Colorado on Thursday. Edmonton takes on Vancouver on Wednesday. The home team has the much easier early week assignment. Edmonton takes this all-Canada match.

NHL Betting Pick: Edmonton Oilers

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READ MORE: Top NHL Betting Picks of the Week – October 17th, 2022