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Welcome to Daily Dangles, a daily column featuring our top expert’s NHL picks, predictions, and best bets for today’s slate.
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 Opening Night of the 2026-27 season, Nick Martin has us covered.
NHL Picks, Predictions Tonight
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- William Nylander Over 2.5 Shots on Goal -105 (DraftKings, Play to -110)
- Vasily Podkolzin Over 0.5 Points +105 (Bet365, Play to -110)
- New York Rangers Moneyline -105 (DraftKings, Play to -110)
Canadiens vs Maple Leafs Pick
Nylander recorded 30 goals and 79 points in 65 games last season, in what was a clear down year for the team and for himself. Though the depleted roster was far from convincing, head coach Craig Berube employed a tactical approach that was not remotely conducive to controlling play at a high rate, or to letting his offensive stars spend much time with the puck in the offensive zone.
Nylander's shot volume was down last season, but he should be well situated to put pucks on target at a higher rate in 2026-27. First overall pick Gavin McKenna's ability to distribute at the NHL level remains to be seen, and there will likely be some growing pains defensively, but he does project to be a pure playmaker and showed strong vision in the preseason.
The fact that Nylander is lining up with McKenna should also mean fairly cushy deployment, as it would not make much sense for head coach Jim Hiller to line on his newly formed second unit to handle overly difficult defensive assignments or to allot the unit many defensive zone starts given the way that McKenna may be exposed.
And while Montreal is a safe bet to be a postseason team once again, it is still a side that will likely allow a fair number of chances against this season.
Pick: William Nylander Over 2.5 Shots on Goal -105 (DraftKings, Play to -110)
Canucks vs Oilers Pick
It's surprising to me that Bet365's price for Podkolzin to record a point has actually gone up to +105, after opening at -105 several days ago. The first thing I did when I saw the adjusted price was double-check Edmonton's lines from Tuesday's practice, and Podkolzin was reportedly still skating alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, which is the main argument in favour of this chalky bet.
Podkolzin was the Oilers' best forward in last year's highly disappointing exit versus the Ducks, even if that's not saying a lot. While there's obviously a drop-off between him and his linemates, he's not simply a third option placed in that role to keep the lines moderately balanced.
Per EvolvingHockey, Podkolzin finished the 2025-26 campaign with a +10.1 expected goals above replacement rating. Based on the eye test, it's not overly surprising that he holds strong underlyings, as he's a dogged forechecker with the ability to keep plays alive in small areas of the ice.
The Oilers are massive -300 favorites at home Tuesday versus a Canucks side favored to finish dead last, and McDavid is priced at -135 to record two points. Based on Podkolzin's underrated play last season and his role alongside two Hart Calibre players, a price of +105 for him to record a point looks to be a good way to tap into what should be a productive evening for Edmonton's superstars.
With many of the more popular regulated sportsbooks offering strong parlay boost options for opening night, a play of McDavid, Draisaitl and Podkolzin to each record a point also offers a strong option (as most require 3+ legs).
Pick: Vasily Podkolzin Over 0.5 Points +105 (Bet365, Play to -110)
Rangers vs Bruins Pick
This pick comes from my first full-game guide of the season, which I will link here.
The Rangers' blue line should be much improved this season and offers a clear edge over the Bruins for the time being, with Charlie McAvoy serving a six-game suspension. Boston seemed to be a clear overachiever last season, and may likely still be getting a little too much credit based on the roster entering the season.
Pick: New York Rangers Moneyline -105 (DraftKings, Play to -110)
