Hockey Betting October 20–26: NHL Best Bets to Make This Week

Anytime Goalscorer Props: Who to Back This Week

One of the fastest-growing NHL betting props is the anytime goalscorer market. The lines shift nightly, but some names are worth circling right now:

• Artemi Panarin (Rangers): He’s been hot on the power play and gets a string of games against defenses giving up heavy shot volume.
• Seth Jarvis (Hurricanes): Sliding into top-six minutes, his odds are often undervalued compared to higher-profile teammates.
• Kyle Connor (Jets): Winnipeg’s most consistent scorer remains a solid play, especially against opponents with struggling goaltenders.

These aren’t locks, but they’re the kind of spots where public money usually overlooks value. Pairing anytime goal props in a parlay bet adds juice to your NHL betting odds this week.

Totals to Target: Overs and Unders

NHL betting isn’t just about picking winners. Totals (the over/under on goals scored) often carry more value. For October 20–26, here are the matchups where totals stand out:

• High-scoring tilt: Games featuring fast-paced teams like the Oilers or Avalanche tend to produce goal totals in the 6.5–7 range. Overs are risky, but when both teams average 30+ shots per game, it’s worth a look.
• Defensive grind: Matchups like Islanders vs Devils scream under. Elite goaltending plus slower pace can keep totals below the posted number.

Sharp bettors know to grab overs and unders early in the week before lines shift. By the time NHL betting public action floods in, you’re often stuck with a worse number.

Puck Line Value: Hunting Underdogs

The puck line (NHL’s version of the spread) is usually set at –1.5 for the favorite. It’s tough to cover consistently, which makes betting the underdog +1.5 a profitable play when used selectively.

This week, keep an eye on teams like the Flyers or Kraken. They’re scrappy enough to hang around, even if they don’t win outright. Betting them +1.5 lets you cash tickets when they lose by a goal or steal a shootout.

Smart hockey betting isn’t always about the moneyline—it’s about knowing when the puck line is safer.

Big TV Games vs. Under-the-Radar Spots

Nationally televised NHL games this week will draw big betting volume. Think Original Six matchups or playoff rematches. The problem? Those games get sharp lines with little wiggle room.

The real value often hides in smaller-market games. A Tuesday night tilt between two mid-tier teams might not trend on social media, but sportsbooks don’t price them as tightly. That’s where you can find off totals, mispriced props, and underdog value.

If you’re betting NHL this week, don’t just chase the big TV games. Look deeper into the schedule where casual bettors aren’t paying attention.

Props Beyond Goals: Shots, Assists, Saves

Anytime goalscorers get headlines, but the best NHL betting props often come from less flashy categories:

• Shots on Goal: Star wingers like David Pastrnak or Auston Matthews consistently clear 3.5+ shots per game. Even if they don’t score, volume makes these overs reliable.
• Assists: Playmakers like Leon Draisaitl pile up helpers, and their assist props usually sit at 0.5 with plus money.
• Goalie Saves: Facing a shot-heavy team can boost a goalie’s save total, even in a loss. Betting overs on save props is a sharp angle most fans ignore.

These props aren’t as public as goals or moneylines, which means sportsbooks can misprice them. That’s where sharps find consistent profit.

Parlay Bets for October 20–26

Parlay bets are about fun and flexing, and this week’s slate has plenty of combo potential. Here’s one worth building:

• Anytime goalscorer: Kyle Connor
• Over 6.5 goals: Oilers vs Avalanche
• Puck line: Flyers +1.5

That three-leg ticket combines a player prop, a total, and a puck line. It’s risky, sure, but if you’re playing NHL betting this week, parlays are your brag ticket.

Early Line Shopping Wins

Just like NFL betting, timing is everything in NHL markets. Lines move fast once sportsbooks take money. An over opening at 5.5 can close at 6.5 by puck drop. That’s a huge swing for totals bettors.

Online sports betting apps in the USA make it easy to shop lines across multiple books. Don’t just take the first number you see—compare puck lines, totals, and props across platforms. That half-goal difference is often the edge between cashing and losing.

Fading the Public in NHL Betting

The NHL betting public loves favorites and overs. That bias creates value on unders and dogs. This week, when everyone piles on big-name teams like the Rangers or Maple Leafs, consider playing the opposite side.

It’s not about always fading—it’s about knowing when the line is inflated by public action. If a favorite jumps from –150 to –190 overnight, you’re better off finding value on the other side or playing alternate markets like totals or props.

Final Thoughts: NHL Betting for October 20–26

Hockey betting this week is about balance. Ride anytime goalscorer props for stars in good matchups. Lean unders in defensive grinds. Take value on puck-line underdogs who hang tough. And don’t forget to shop lines across online sports betting apps before the market moves.

The NHL schedule from October 20–26 is packed. The betting public will chase overs and big favorites. Sharps will fade, pivot to props, and find underdog edges.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.