Hockey Betting October 7-12: NHL Best Bets to Make This Week

NHL Betting Schedule Highlights for Opening Week

The NHL released its full 1,312-game schedule, and the first slate has everything. Opening night on October 7 features a tripleheader:

• Panthers vs Blackhawks (banner night in Florida)
• Penguins vs Rangers (classic rivalry)
• Avalanche vs Kings (two Western Conference powers)

The action doesn’t stop there. Through October 12, every team takes the ice at least once. Bettors should note travel spots, back-to-backs, and high-profile matchups. Sports betting odds shift quickly as rosters settle into the season.

Best NHL Betting Lines: Panthers vs Blackhawks

The defending champions open at home against Chicago. Banner-raising games often spark big home performances, but they can also distract. NHL betting lines have Florida listed as heavy favorites.

Example: Panthers -200 moneyline vs Blackhawks +170.

• If you want safety, Florida moneyline is the play.
• For value, the puck line at Panthers -1.5 (+130) offers a bigger payout if they win by two or more.

This is also a good game for totals. If sportsbooks set the over/under at 6.0, the combination of Florida’s firepower and Chicago’s young defense leans to the over.

NHL Best Bets Today: Penguins vs Rangers

This rivalry game has value written all over it. Both teams are playoff contenders, and sportsbooks usually price these tight.

Example line: Rangers -125, Penguins +105.

Sports betting picks in this spot:

• Penguins moneyline at plus odds. Veteran depth plus Crosby’s leadership makes them live dogs.
• Under 6.0 goals if Igor Shesterkin is confirmed in net for New York.

Sports betting sites often boost odds on star props in rivalry games. Look for sports betting promos tied to Crosby or Artemi Panarin anytime goals.

Avalanche vs Kings: Totals and Live Bets

Colorado vs Los Angeles is a clash of styles. The Avalanche push pace, while the Kings grind. NHL betting sites usually post totals around 6.5 in Colorado games.

Example: If the first period ends scoreless, live betting totals may drop to 5.0. That’s a chance to jump on the over if you expect stars like Nathan MacKinnon to break out later.

Sports betting apps shine here. Live betting totals and props update instantly, making it easier to grab value mid-game.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Spotting NHL Betting Trends in Week One

Early in the season, oddsmakers adjust slowly. Bettors who spot trends first get paid. Look for:

• Teams struggling with new systems under fresh coaches.
• Backup goalies in back-to-back situations.
• Young rosters overperforming before the market catches up.

Example: If the Senators win their first two and their odds are still +140 as underdogs, sharp bettors jump before sportsbooks adjust.

Sports betting online makes it easy to follow stats like shots on goal and save percentages to spot these edges.

NHL Betting Sites and Props to Target

Opening week is promo central. NHL betting sites roll out props and boosted odds to grab attention.

Popular props to watch:

• First goal scorer in high-profile games.
• Over/under shots for stars like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews.
• Team totals for powerhouse offenses like the Oilers or Avalanche.

Example: If McDavid’s shots prop is 4.5 at -110, bettors who know his early-season averages lean to the over. Sports betting promos often boost these props on primetime nights.

Sports Betting Odds and Futures Impact

Opening week results swing futures markets too. A hot start can shorten Stanley Cup odds quickly.

Example: If the Devils go 3-0 in the first week, their Cup price may drop from +1800 to +1500. Bettors who placed futures early lock in better numbers.

Sports betting sites update these odds daily. NHL best bets don’t always have to be single-game picks—futures are in play from week one.

Example Parlay for October 7-12

For bettors looking to flex, here’s a sample parlay from opening week lines:

• Panthers -1.5 puck line vs Blackhawks (+130)
• Penguins moneyline vs Rangers (+105)
• Avalanche vs Kings over 5.5 goals (-110)

A $50 bet returns over $350 if all three hit. Sports betting apps often boost opening week parlays, so shop promos.

Tips for Smarter NHL Betting This Week

1. Always confirm starting goalies before betting.
2. Shop across multiple NHL betting sites for best lines.
3. Use sports betting promos on risky bets like long-shot props.
4. Bet unders early in the season—defenses often settle faster than offenses.
5. Don’t overreact to one game. Trends matter more than single results.

NHL betting today is about speed, context, and knowing where the value is.

The Bottom Line

Opening week of the NHL season is loaded with opportunities. From banner night in Florida to rivalry clashes and Western Conference showdowns, the board is stacked. Bettors using sports betting sites and apps can find value in moneylines, puck lines, totals, and props.

NHL best bets today aren’t about chasing every game—they’re about finding the sharp spots. October 7-12 sets the tone for the season, and savvy bettors will jump on value before lines shift.

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

‍