Hockey Betting October (October 13-19): NHL Best Bets to Make This Week
The NHL season is just getting started, and week two runs October 13-19. This stretch is where teams shake off rust and betting markets start to stabilize. For fans diving into NHL betting this week, the slate is loaded with rivalry games, back-to-backs, and early trends that sportsbooks may not have priced in yet. Whether you’re using sports betting apps or comparing odds across sports betting sites, here’s how to find NHL best bets today.
Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season
Why NHL Betting This Week Matters
Early-season hockey betting is full of edges. Sports betting sites often lean on last year’s numbers, but new lines, goalies, and coaching changes shift results fast. NHL betting lines can lag behind reality, giving everyday fans chances to grab value.
Example: If a team like the Devils starts hot offensively but sportsbooks still hang totals at 6.0 goals, bettors who take the over get paid before books adjust to 6.5 or higher. That’s how NHL betting this week creates sharp opportunities.
Key Games for Hockey Betting October 13-19
Looking at the ESPN schedule, here are some of the marquee matchups for NHL betting this week:
- Oct 13: Flames vs Oilers – The Battle of Alberta is always high-scoring.
- Oct 14: Maple Leafs vs Bruins – A classic Original Six matchup that draws heavy public money.
- Oct 15: Avalanche vs Jets – Colorado’s firepower meets Winnipeg’s elite goaltending.
- Oct 17: Rangers vs Islanders – A rivalry where unders have historically been strong.
- Oct 19: Golden Knights vs Kings – Two playoff-caliber teams closing the week.
Sports betting odds on these games will move quickly. Shopping lines across NHL betting sites is key to grabbing the best number.
Best Bets: Flames vs Oilers (October 13)
Sports betting picks for this rivalry usually lean to the over. Both teams have elite offensive players, and goaltending often struggles in these showdowns.
Example line: Total set at 6.5 goals.
- Bet: Over 6.5 (-110).
- Reason: McDavid and Draisaitl push Edmonton’s pace, while Calgary tends to get dragged into track meets.
Sports betting promos on opening rivalry weekends often include odds boosts on player props. Look for boosted goal scorer odds on McDavid or Huberdeau.
NHL Betting Today: Maple Leafs vs Bruins (October 14)
This game is usually priced tight. NHL betting lines may show Toronto as a slight favorite, but Boston’s defensive system always keeps them live.
Example line: Maple Leafs -120, Bruins +100.
- Bet: Bruins moneyline +100.
- Reason: Toronto tends to get inflated odds from heavy public betting, creating value on Boston.
Sports betting apps often push promos on star props in primetime games. Matthews anytime goal props are popular, but fading the public side can be smarter for NHL betting this week.
Over/Under Angle: Avalanche vs Jets (October 15)
This is a classic offense vs defense matchup. Colorado pushes totals higher, while Winnipeg relies on Connor Hellebuyck to shut things down.
Example line: Total at 6.0 goals.
- Bet: Under 6.0 (-110).
- Reason: Jets at home with Hellebuyck in net often trend to unders, especially against fast-paced teams.
Sports betting online markets adjust totals based on goalie news. Confirm starting goalies before locking bets.
Underdog Spot: Rangers vs Islanders (October 17)
The Battle of New York often trends low scoring. Underdogs have sneaky value in these rivalry games, where energy and physicality close the talent gap.
Example line: Rangers -135, Islanders +115.
- Bet: Islanders moneyline +115.
- Reason: Home underdog with a defensive edge and strong goalie. Unders at 5.5 also worth a look.
Sports betting sites may post parlay boosts for rivalry week. Pairing Islanders moneyline with the under could be a sharp angle.
Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season
Closing the Week: Golden Knights vs Kings (October 19)
This matchup features two playoff-caliber Western Conference teams. Sports betting picks here focus on depth and pace.
Example line: Golden Knights -125, Kings +105.
- Bet: Kings +105.
- Reason: LA’s defensive structure slows Vegas, and plus odds make them the value side.
Sports betting odds may also boost props on big names like Eichel or Kopitar. Bettors should target shots-on-goal props when pace slows but stars log heavy ice time.
General Tips for NHL Betting This Week
- Track goalie confirmations every morning. Starters move lines fast.
- Watch for back-to-back games on the schedule. Fatigue hurts defenses.
- Shop sports betting sites for the best line. Even 5 cents difference adds up.
- Use sports betting promos for riskier plays like parlays.
- Don’t overreact to one hot streak. Trends matter more than single games.
NHL best bets today come from blending sharp stats with market awareness. Sports betting apps and sites give fans the tools, but it’s on bettors to react before lines shift.
The Bottom Line
October 13-19 brings one of the first full weeks of NHL betting this season. With rivalry games, goaltending matchups, and early-season edges, the board is packed. Bettors using sports betting online platforms can find value in moneylines, totals, and props if they know where to look.
From the Flames vs Oilers shootout to Islanders underdog value, NHL betting this week offers plenty of sharp spots. Act fast, shop lines, and grab the best numbers.
Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.
Want an edge before you even place a bet?
Start with a sportsbook that gives you real value from your first bet.
Related posts
Check out the latest picks from Shurzy AI and our team of experts.
