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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 Sunday, November 1, Greg Liodice has us covered.
NHL Picks, Predictions Tonight
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- Washington Capitals ML
- Utah Mammoth 60 Minute Line
- Oilers vs Rangers — Over 6.5
Wild vs Capitals Pick
This is a battle between two teams that are riding significant hot streaks.
The Capitals have won seven out of their last 10, including three in a row, while the Wild have secured points in eight out of their last 10.
Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt is locked in. After the injury to his partner Filip Gustavsson, Wallstedt is doing what he always wanted to do: be the man in the blue paint. In 13 games played, Wallstedt is playing to an 8.7 GSAx and a .916 SV%.
Meanwhile, Logan Thompson of the Capitals is fresh off a win against the Flyers, but before that was nursing an injury. Thompson has been one of hockey's most consistent netminders, but consistent he hardly has been this season. He showcases a flash of brilliance, and then throws up a dud like the game on the 20th against the Kings, where he let up four goals on 25 shots faced.
I do think, though, today is a game that the Capitals will walk away with a victory. The Wild are such a fascinating team, with tantalizing talent, but playing on the road has not been their strong suit, with a 5-3-2 record. Washington, on the other hand, is 6-2 in front of its home fans.
Not only that, the Wild have been very lackadaisical with the puck. Minnesota averages 14.2 giveaways per game, and 7.1 of them in its own zone.
This game is evenly matched on FanDuel, so I'll back the Caps moneyline.
Pick: Washington Capitals ML
Mammoth vs Flyers Pick
This has been a bad season for the Flyers. Real bad.
After showing some promise last season, it feels like the wheels have fallen off. Obviously, it's too early to tell, but Rick Tocchet does not seem happy with what he's seen from his group.
Defensively, this team is a total disaster. The Flyers are ranking second to last in expected goals against, with the only team behind them being the Canucks.
This offense has also only been run by Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras. The injuries to Travis Konecny, Rasmus Ristolainen and Owen Tippett hurt, though. With those three out, you're missing most of your offense, which is why it's been so top-heavy.
For goaltending, Dan Vladar has gone back to being mediocre after signing a five-year extension, and I've always been a big Joseph Woll fan. Even though the wins don't add up, I think Woll gives the Flyers the best chance to win with his 3.4 GSAx.
All that rambling to say that the Flyers are a disappointment, and they host the Mammoth, who have been one of hockey's most fun teams. Utah has the second-best offense in hockey, with a 34.49 xGF% and a top-10 defense with a 24.93 xGA.
Goaltending can be a bit of a crapshoot with the Mammoth, as both Sebastian Cossa and Karel Vejmelka rank in the bottom 1% in GSAx. Luckily, Utah's offense can carry the load if need be.
Because there's so much juice on Utah, I like the Mammoth winning in regulation a lot here. I don't see the Flyers hanging around in this matchup with Utah's active offense.
Pick: Mammoth 60 Minute Line (+100)
Oilers vs Rangers Pick
Edmonton just throttled the Islanders on Halloween afternoon, 4-0.
And dare I say, Tristan Jarry looks like a competent goaltender all of a sudden? But with Jarry starting yesterday, that opens the door for Matt Tomkins to start, and I just don't know how I feel about that.
Tomkins only has six games of experience and that was in the 23-24 season with the Lightning, so he hasn't seen NHL action up close and personal in quite a while.
If you're talking about who's the better team, it's the Oilers and it's not close. But the goaltending matters.
The Rangers have been really strong on the offensive end, ranking in the top 10 in expected goals, while also holding their own on the defensive end. They have also been unbeatable at home so far, with their only loss being this past Monday against the Kings.
I love the over here. Even though I feel like Oiler overs are starting to lose steam, I don't think I can pass up the opportunity.
The Rangers have had a long time to rest, and sometimes you can come out stale after such a long break. I think we see Edmonton come in and chip a few in early, and then the Blue Shirts start to light up Tomkins afterwards.
Pick: Over 6.5
