Top NHL Picks for Today

The NHL is back and here at BetQL, we spend hours researching to find the best NHL computer picks and predictions every day of the week. We will provide you with the analysis you need to make more informed bets for all of your favorite bet types and some you might not have considered in the past.

Check out our favorite NHL Predictions, top picks today and subscribe to BetQL to get full-game NHL expert picks from our computer model!

Los Angeles Kings at New York Islanders

NHL Prediction: New York Islanders vs. Los Angeles Kings

BetQL has this exciting NHL prediction for the game taking place on Thursday, 22nd October 2026, at the UBS Arena where the New York Islanders will host the Los Angeles Kings. The puck drops at 19:30, setting the stage for a competitive showdown in the NHL.

New York Islanders Home Performance

The New York Islanders currently hold a solid record in the season with 5 wins and 4 losses, placing them in the middle of the league standings at 13th. Against their opponents, the Islanders have shown strong capabilities, especially playing on home ice where they boast 4 victories out of 5 games. Their offensive prowess is highlighted by scoring 27 goals while allowing 20, providing a positive goal difference of 7.

In their last five games, the Islanders have demonstrated impressive form:

1. Won against Anaheim Ducks - 3:2
2. Won against Toronto Maple Leafs - 4:1
3. Lost against Ottawa Senators - 1:2
4. Won against Vancouver Canucks - 3:2
5. Lost against Tampa Bay Lightning - 3:5

Los Angeles Kings Away Performance

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Kings find themselves at the bottom of the standings with just 1 win out of 7 games. Their struggle is evident as they’ve accumulated only 4 league wins compared to their 6 losses, resulting in a disappointing -10 goal difference after scoring 17 while conceding 27.

The Kings' recent performances have not been favorable:

1. Won against Washington Capitals - 5:2
2. Lost against Boston Bruins - 1:4
3. Lost against Edmonton Oilers - 1:4
4. Lost against Vegas Golden Knights - 1:2
5. Lost against Florida Panthers - 1:2

Game Prediction

Considering the current form and league standings, the New York Islanders are favored to win this encounter. The odds reflect this sentiment, with a moneyline of Home win for New York Islanders -116 at Fanatics Sportsbook. A spread bet on the Islanders to win by at least 1.5 goals offers an enticing +220 as well. For totals, betting on Under 5.5 goals -116 may be a wise choice given the teams' recent goal scoring performances.

With the match-up leaning heavily in favor of the Islanders, fans can expect an exhilarating game as both teams vie for crucial points in this early season rivalry. Tune in to catch all the action!

Anaheim Ducks at New Jersey Devils

NHL Prediction: New Jersey Devils vs. Anaheim Ducks

BetQL has an exciting NHL prediction for you, detailing the upcoming game between the New Jersey Devils and the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Prudential Center. Puck drop is set for 19:00.

Home Team Performance: New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils have shown some promising performance this season, recording 5 wins and 4 losses over their last nine games. They currently sit at 19th in the NHL standings, but with a strong offensive showing, they've scored 29 goals while allowing 30 against them, giving them a negative goal difference of -1.

Here are the last five games for the Devils:

1. Oct 20, 2026 - New Jersey Devils 4, Colorado Avalanche 3
2. Oct 17, 2026 - Washington Capitals 4, New Jersey Devils 2
3. Oct 15, 2026 - New Jersey Devils 7, New York Rangers 1
4. Oct 13, 2026 - Detroit Red Wings 4, New Jersey Devils 5
5. Oct 12, 2026 - New Jersey Devils 1, Ottawa Senators 4

The Devils’ offense seems to be heating up, especially with their recent 7-1 victory over the Rangers, hinting at a resurgence in confidence.

Away Team Performance: Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks find themselves struggling with their form, standing at the bottom of the league at 26th place with 4 wins and 5 losses in the early season. They've managed to score 26 goals but have conceded 29, resulting in a goal difference of -3.

Here are the last five games for the Ducks:

1. Oct 20, 2026 - New York Islanders 3, Anaheim Ducks 2
2. Oct 19, 2026 - New York Rangers 5, Anaheim Ducks 2
3. Oct 16, 2026 - Anaheim Ducks 2, Boston Bruins 4
4. Oct 13, 2026 - Anaheim Ducks 2, Calgary Flames 4
5. Oct 10, 2026 - Calgary Flames 2, Anaheim Ducks 4

The Ducks need to improve their defensive strategies and find their rhythm if they want to compete effectively in this matchup.

Game Prediction

As the New Jersey Devils face off against the Anaheim Ducks, current odds give a strong prediction for a home victory for the Devils. The Moneyline is set at -217 for a home win for the Devils through FanDuel Sportsbook. If you’re considering a spread bet, the Devils at -1.5 goals is +117 with the same bookmaker. Lastly, you can also bet on the totals at under 6.5 goals at -116.

With the Ducks struggling for form and the Devils showing potential firepower, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter for fans. Don’t miss the action on October 22nd!

Tips for Betting NHL Player Props

• Dig deep: Utilize resources like BetQL that analyze past performance, matchup trends, and statistical models to identify potentially undervalued picks.
• Compare odds: Check different sportsbooks for variations in NHL prop odds. Sometimes, slight differences can offer a valuable edge.
• Follow the trends: Analyze team and player hot streaks, cold spells, and specific matchup histories to find consistent performers in certain situations.
• Listen to the pros: Follow reputable NHL analysts here at BetQL to gain insights on matchups, player motivations, and potential impact of injuries.
• Understand the narrative: Consider factors like line changes, power play opportunities, and team strategies that might influence player performance.
• Go beyond the obvious: Don't just target superstars. Look for hidden gems – players on hot streaks, facing weak opponents, or with specific roles that could lead to prop success.

Types of NHL Player Props

NHL player props add an exciting layer of strategy and engagement to watching hockey games. They allow you to bet on individual player performances, independent of the final outcome of the game. Here's a rundown of the most popular types of NHL player props:

NHL player props add an exciting layer of strategy and engagement to watching hockey games. They allow you to bet on individual player performances, independent of the final outcome of the game. Here's a rundown of the most popular types of NHL player props:

Goal-Scoring Props:

• Anytime Goal Scorer: Bet on whether a player will score a goal at any point during the game. This is the most common type of prop bet, and odds vary depending on the player's scoring prowess and matchup.
• First Goal Scorer: Predict which player will light the lamp first in the game. This can be a high-risk, high-reward proposition, with longer odds for less likely scorers.
• Over/Under Goals: Wager on whether a player will score more or less than a set number of goals in the game. This can be a good option for players with consistent goal-scoring tendencies.

Other Offensive Props:

• Points: Bet on whether a player will record at least one point (goal or assist) in the game. This is a safer option than betting on goals alone.
• Assists: Predict whether a player will record at least one assist in the game. Players known for their playmaking abilities are good targets for this prop.
• Power Play Points: Wager on whether a player will score a goal or assist on the power play. This can be a good option for players who excel with the man advantage.

Performance Props:

• Shots on Goal: Bet on whether a player will record more or less than a set number of shots on goal in the game. This can be a good indicator of a player's offensive involvement.
• Penalty Minutes: Predict whether a player will take more or less than a set number of penalty minutes in the game. This can be a risky proposition, as penalties can be unpredictable.
• Time on Ice: Wager on whether a player will receive more or less than a set amount of ice time in the game. This can be a good option for key players or those in close battles for playing time.

Goaltender Props:

• Saves: Bet on whether a goalie will make more or less than a set number of saves in the game. This can be a good indicator of a goalie's workload and performance.
• Shutouts: Predict whether a goalie will keep the opposing team scoreless throughout the game. This is a high-risk, high-reward proposition, as shutouts are relatively rare.

Remember, NHL player props are all about making predictions based on your knowledge of the players, if you need help finding some informed picks for tonight check out the best NHL player props tonight above.

How do Player Prop Odds Work?

NHL player prop odds work similarly to other sports betting odds, but with a focus on individual player performance instead of the overall game outcome. Here's a breakdown:

• Decimal Odds: Most common format in Europe and Canada. A decimal of 2.00 means your win equals your stake, 3.00 means a 2x win, and 1.50 means a 50% profit.
• American Odds: Used in the United States. Positive odds (+200) tell you the potential profit you win per $100 stake (a +200 bet pays $200 for every $100 wagered). Negative odds (-200) tell you the amount you need to risk to win $100 (a -200 bet requires a $200 stake to win $100).
• Fractional Odds: Used in the UK and Ireland. 1/2 odds imply a 50% chance of winning (double your stake), 2/1 odds offer a 2x profit, and 4/1 odds offer a 4x profit.

Tips for Using Odds:

• Don't blindly chase high odds – analyze the player's situation and matchup before betting.
• Look for value bets – where the odds offer a better chance of winning than implied by the player's performance.
• Shop around for the best NHL player prop odds across different sportsbooks.
• Manage your bankroll responsibly and set betting limits.

Best Sportsbooks to Bet NHL Props

The thrill of hockey just got amped up with NHL prop bets! But with so many sportsbooks vying for your action, choosing the right one can be a game-changer. Worry not, puckheads, for I've got your back with the top contenders for placing your NHL prop bets:

1. DraftKings:

• MVP for Prop Variety: DraftKings reigns supreme in the prop game, offering an insane selection of player props, team props, and even game props. You'll find everything from "Will Auston Matthews score a hat trick?" to "Which team will score first in the power play?".
• King of Live Betting: Crave the adrenaline rush of live betting? DraftKings is your palace. Their lightning-fast platform and constantly updated props keep you glued to the action, letting you react to every slapshot and breakaway with a potential win.
• Boosts and Bonanzas: DraftKings showers its players with bonuses and promos like confetti after a Stanley Cup goal. From deposit match bonuses to parlay boosts, you'll have extra fuel for your prop-betting fire.

2. FanDuel:

• The User-Friendly Favorite: FanDuel's sleek interface and intuitive app make navigating the prop market a breeze, even for first-timers. Finding your desired prop is as easy as a slap shot from the blue line.
• Same-Game Parlay Playground: Feeling adventurous? FanDuel's same-game parlays let you weave multiple props from the same game into a single, high-reward bet. Think Ovechkin goal and a Capitals win? FanDuel lets you parlay your hockey hunches.
• Free Bets for All: FanDuel loves giving away free bets, and their promos often include prop-specific offers. Keep an eye out, and you might score a free bet to spice up your next prop play.

3. BetMGM:

• The Odds Oracle: BetMGM boasts consistently competitive odds, especially for NHL futures and player props. They're the go-to for savvy bettors seeking maximum value on their wagers.
• Live-Betting Lightning: BetMGM's live betting platform is another contender for the throne. The props update quickly, and the cash-out feature lets you lock in your winnings before the puck even hits the net.
• Rewards on Repeat: BetMGM's loyalty program rewards you for every bet, prop or otherwise. Rack up points, climb tiers, and unlock exclusive perks like free bets and bonus boosts.

Remember, the best sportsbook for NHL player props depends on your preferences. DraftKings is your playground for variety and live betting, FanDuel excels in user-friendliness and parlays, while BetMGM shines with competitive odds and rewards. So, lace up your skates, explore these top contenders, and find your perfect platform for prop-betting glory!

Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to shop around! Check out bonus offers, compare player prop odds, and find the sportsbook that fits your playstyle and bankroll. The more informed you are, the better your chances of dominating the NHL prop market!

Need More Betting Picks?

While our NHL player props are hotter than McDavid on a breakaway, BetQL's got a whole Zamboni full of tools to level up your hockey betting game! Dive into our ocean of expert analysis with:

• NHL Over/Under Picks: Forget nail-biting score predictions – our data-driven models crack the code on goal totals, giving you clear-cut over/under edges for every game.
• NHL Line Movement Tracker: Watch the odds dance like figure skaters with our real-time tracker. Spot sharp money shifts before they explode, and capitalize on changing market whispers.
• NHL Public Betting: Don't get swept up in the crowd! See exactly where the masses are placing their bets, and use that intel to fade the herd and find hidden value gems.

And hey, the puck isn't the only show in town! Check out our sizzling NBA prop picks for today, featuring slam-dunk insights on player performances and game-changers.

So ditch the one-trick ponies and join us at BetQL. We've got the tools, the insights, and the puck-savvy expertise to turn you into a betting beast. Unleash your inner Zamboni driver and smooth the path to betting victory, one game at a time!