Hello and welcome everyone to the Friday edition of the NHL Best Bets on October 18, 2024! As we continue our early season charge of pushing money back and forth, I am reminded of years past and recall that October is normally a fluke when it comes to betting hockey. 

These teams are still finding their identity and the sportsbooks lines are all over the place! We are going to hit the ground running soon though I can feel it!

 

 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 10/18

A note though for this first month of the season, all bets until November will be half unit plays while we figure out the identity of these teams so don’t go wild on the bankroll just yet, let’s learn some things! 

In this NHL Best Bets Today article you will find a wide array of choices from some Money Lines and Team totals to plenty of player props for the action today in NHL Picks! 3 games on this end of week slate let’s dive right into it!

Now, let's dive into my expert NHL Best Bets today!

***ALL BETS ARE HALF-UNIT PLAYS***

  • Regular Season Record: 15-15-0
  • Bankroll: +0.2 Units

*Follow me on X/Twitter @jwaggs10!

 

 

 

Ducks vs. Avalanche Prediction: Friday, October 18th

Early season stats can be deceiving; the sample sizes are just too small to trust! I say that on the basis of the Ducks defense right now which ranks 7th best in terms of goals against per game. This team might be improved from last season but not that much more, and the fact they are allowing under 3 goals per game is a ruse. 

The competition they’ve played thus far isn’t up to snuff either as they took on Utah twice and the Sharks twice. Neither of those teams play up-tempo offense the way the Avalanche do and they’re in for a rude awakening!

Colorado plays ‘live by the sword and die by the sword’ hockey these days and what I mean by that is all offense no defense. It works out more times than not normally, but it gives good insight into wagering on their games. 

I like them to score over 3.5 goals tonight and while that’s chalky there’s nothing wrong with building some bankroll early in the season! I also love the Avalanche to cover the spread tonight. They've started the season 0-5 and it’s a must-win game for this team – they should come out firing!

 

 

 

Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 10/18