Best NHL Prop Bets For Thursday, Oct. 13

Best NHL Prop Bets For Thursday, Oct. 13

Thursday’s NHL action features some teams playing the second of back-to-back games, while others are opening their seasons. Here are the best prop bets for Thursday, Oct. 13.

Washington Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:30 p.m. ET

Maple Leafs the First To Reach 3 Goals (-133)

The Maple Leafs open the home portion of their schedule against the Washington Capitals after a disappointing implosion in Montreal, which resulted in the Canadiens scoring the winning goal with 19 seconds remaining. 

Toronto was 7-6 last season in the second of back-to-back encounters but saw more success against Metropolitan teams, going 4-2. The Maple Leafs won all three contests against the Caps, scoring at least four goals in each encounter. 

They beat Washington 7-3 in the only game played in Toronto. Expect Toronto to win the game and reach three goals before the visitors. 

Auston Matthews could not find the net on opening night in Montreal, so expect last season’s Rocket Richard winner to find the net and open his goal-scoring account. 

New York Rangers vs. Minnesota Wild, 10 p.m. ET

Time of First Goal 09:00 – 60:00 (+100)

The Rangers enjoyed a dominating performance in their season opener, beating the Lightning 3-1 on home ice. Neither New York nor Tampa Bay scored a goal in the opening 20 minutes, a likely scenario when the Blue Shirts travel to Minnesota on Thursday evening. 

Igor Shesterkin was outstanding in his 25-save performance against last year’s finalists, and the Rangers will defend stoutly in their first away encounter, particularly in the opening period. The Wild will want to push the tempo and should pummel Shesterkin in the first 10 minutes. 

The Rangers scored the ninth-fewest goals in the first period last season, while the Wild were prolific, netting the third most (93). 

That’s where Shesterkin comes into play. He should hold the fort, quell the Wild’s opening barrage, and, like every other night, give his team a solid chance to win the hockey game. 

Colorado Avalanche vs. Calgary Flames, 9:30 p.m. ET

Flames To Win and Over 4.5 Goals (+120) 

The new-look Calgary Flames open their season at home against the defending Stanley Cup champions. Easy, right? 

While Darryl Sutter’s team has a monstrous task, Colorado was forced to travel to Calgary late  Wednesday night after hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. 

The Avs were an outrageous 8-3 in the second game of back-to-back games last season. However, their lack of sleep and the absence of Gabriel Landeskog should help the Flames get over the line. 

Don’t expect a run-and-gun style of play from the home team, though. The Flames should have one of the best defensive crews in the NHL. 

Led by newbie MacKenzie Weegar, Chris Tanev, Rasmus Andersson, and Noah Hanifin, Calgary’s defense is, on paper anyway, a perfect complement to goaltender Jacob Markstrom. 

Markstrom didn’t skate on Wednesday due to illness. While the game’s complexion will invariably change if Markstrom isn’t ready to play, the Flames should still eke out an opening-night victory. 

Even if Markstrom plays, the game should see five goals or more.

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Gary Pearson is a freelance sports writer who contributes regularly to BetMGM, specializing in hockey, tennis and soccer coverage.