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This is Daily Dangles, a column featuring our top expert’s NHL picks, predictions, and best bets.
Every day, one of our experts will provide you with some of the sharpest, high-value betting analysis on what the NHL schedule offers us.
For Saturday, October 3, Frank Ammirante has us covered.
NHL Picks, Predictions Tonight
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- Devils/Islanders Over 5.5 (-130, DraftKings)
- Mammoth ML at Blue Jackets (-115, FanDuel)
- Hurricanes/Flyers Under 5.5 (+115, bet365)
Devils vs Islanders Pick
The Devils beat the Flyers 3-2 in overtime to start the 2026-27 NHL season. But the results are better than that when you dig a bit deeper.
New Jersey outshot Philadelphia 44-25 in that game. According to MoneyPuck, the Devils are 2nd in xG% and 1st in Shot Attempts%. In other words, in that one game, they generated a lot of scoring chances. This isn't surprising when you consider the talent this team has up front, led by Jack Hughes.
The Islanders lost 2-1 to the Leafs in their first game, but there were encouraging results there as well. This team is 7th in xGoals% and 4th in Shot Attempts%. You can make a legit argument that they deserved better than only one goal in that loss to Toronto.
With both teams looking good in generating scoring chances in their opener, I'm on the Over 5.5. It's a low bar to clear, so I'm willing to pay -130 on this pick.
Pick: Over 5.5 (-130)
Mammoth vs Blue Jackets Pick
The Mammoth looked extremely impressive in their season debut, blowing out the Blackhawks 6-0. Dylan Guenther led the way with two goals, while Clayton Keller notched two assists.
The analytics look great as well, as Utah currently ranks 3rd in xGoals% and 3rd in ShotAttempts%. Yes, you can say that's skewed because they faced the lowly Blackhawks, but there are still reasons for optimism here.
That's because they're going up against the Blue Jackets tonight. Columbus beat the Sabres 6-3 in their opener, but they're only 21st in xG% and 29th in ShotAttempts%.
Despite that, we're getting the Mammoth at a reasonable price on the road. We'll take Utah to win in this one.
Pick: Mammoth ML (-109)
Hurricanes vs Flyers Pick
The Hurricanes have lost 5-2 and 1-0 in overtime to start the season. The defending champions have had issues generating scoring chances so far, ranking 28th in xGoals% and 17th in ShotAttempts%.
The same goes for the Flyers, who have a 7-0 and 3-2 loss so far. Philadelphia is 32nd in xGoals% and 32nd in ShotAttempts%.
We all know how Carolina can dominate possession and limit scoring chances, so that's bad news for a struggling Flyers team. It makes me lean towards a low-scoring game, especially since we can get it at plus money.
Don't be surprised if this game ends up with something like a 3-1 type of scoreline with the Hurricanes getting on track with a win on the road.
Pick: Hurricanes/Flyers Under 5.5 (+115)
