NHL Picks & Predictions

Here is a free guide for your 23/24 NHL picks and betting tips. Keep reading to boost your hockey betting knowledge and make smarter picks this season!

23/24 NHL Presentation and Picks

The NHL remains the top hockey competition in the world, bringing together the finest players from around the world in its 32-team format. Celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2017, the NHL has adapted to changes and continues evolving, offering fans the highest quality hockey experience on the planet.

Currently, the NHL consists of 32 teams across Canada and the US, divided into geographically located divisions. During the regular season, each team plays a total of 82 games making for a lengthy competition and a haven for sports betting. Divided into two conferences, the teams compete for a spot in the playoffs, chasing the ultimate prize of the Stanley Cup.

Given the extensive number of games, teams often face the challenge of playing more than one, and sometimes three games a week. This dense schedule inevitably leads to injuries and drops in performance across all of the teams, without exception. This is perhaps the most important factor to consider when making NHL predictions. Here, we offer top expert tips and insights along with free NHL picks that could help you increase your hockey betting literacy. 

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NHL Prediction: Who will win the 23/24 Stanley Cup?

With 32 teams divided into 4 divisions, teams must face the difficulty of balancing division rivalries with cross-continent travel to various cities in the US and Canada. This often results in significant physical and mental strain for the players and coaching staff. Just reaching the playoffs is therefore a significant achievement.

Understanding these factors is key for accurately predicting each team’s chances of being competitive within their division which directly impacts their Conference standings, the top 8 teams from each Conference advance directly to the playoffs. The NHL’s salary cap and signing regulations ensure a level playing field on paper. This means that at any point in the season, the lowest-ranked team in a Conference could pull an upset and defeat the current top team. 

Last season, the Vegas Golden Knights were truly exceptional, managing to dominate the competition from start to finish. While it has been a recent trend for reigning champions to secure back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, this doesn’t appear to be likely for the Golden Knights this season. The current favorites for the 2024 Stanley Cup are the Edmonton Oilers.

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23/24 Stanley Cup Contenders: Who are the top teams this season? 

For the 23/24 season, it’s evident that the teams with strong offenses are naturally favored to advance to the playoffs, taking the top seeds in their respective Conferences. Teams like the reigning champs, the Vegas Golden Knights, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New Jersey Devils, which were the highest-scoring teams last season, are contenders for the top spot again this year.

It’s also worth mentioning that other teams, such as the Dallas Stars and Seattle Kraken, showed significant offensive presence during the regular season and cannot be written out of contention for the top spot. 

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23/24 NHL Prediction: Odds on the Favorites to take the Stanley Cup

The 23/24 is shaping up to be a thrilling race for the top playoff seeds, with several teams standing out. The Oilers, led by the stellar performances of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are current favorites at +800. Not far behind, the Avalance, featuring stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, are hot on their heels at +850. 

Nothing is set in stone at this stage in the competition as the Panthers and Hurricanes are both positioned just behind the two top-ranked teams, at +900. Meanwhile, the Stars are having a great season and the books currently have them in 5th place at +950. You can never rule out the strength of the Bruins who are poised to shake up the playoff picture, bringing a significant amount of experience and post-season success. 

Rounding out the list of contenders we have the Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Jets, teams with rosters that have a strong blend of young talent and seasoned players, making this season’s race for the Stanley Cup an exciting journey. With such a closely matched lineup of teams, this season is set to be a roller coaster of high-octane hockey action. 

• Edmonton Oilers: +800
• Dallas Stars: +850
• Colorado Avalanche: +850
• Florida Panthers: +900
• Carolina Hurricanes: +900
• Boston Bruins: +1000
• New York Rangers: +1100
• Toronto Maple Leafs: +1300
• Winnipeg Jets: +1300
• Vancouver Canucks: +1400
• Vegas Golden Knights: +1600
• Los Angeles Kings: +2000
• New Jersey Devils: +2500
• Tampa Bay Lightning: +2500
• Pittsburgh Penguins: +4500
• Detroit Red Wings: +7000
• Philadelphia Flyers: +7000
• New York Islanders: +7500
• Minnesota Wild: +10000
• Nashville Predators: +11000
• Calgary Flames: +12000
• Seattle Kraken: +15000
• St. Louis Blues: +16000
• Ottawa Senators: +25000
• Arizona Coyotes: +25000
• Buffalo Sabres: +35000
• Washington Capitals: +35000
• Chicago Blackhawks: +50000
• Anaheim Ducks: +50000
• San Jose Sharks: +50000
• Montreal Canadiens: +50000
• Columbus Blue Jackets: +50000

Odds provided by FanDuel.

As you can see from these odds, there are some real contenders for the championship but the books haven’t chosen an absolute favorite to win the title this season. The truth is, that there are several teams in close competition for the ultimate prize. 

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Western Conference Picks: Who will be the champs?

The NHL’s Western Conference features a tight race for the top seed as the Edmonton Oilers and the Colorado Avalanche continue to dominate this season. With the Oilers currently leading the charge toward the Conference Finals, there are still plenty of games left before the coveted #1 seed can be awarded. There’s no question that in the west, the Oilers and Avalanche are the two teams to beat as they seek to round out their incredible seasons. 

Close behind the Conference leaders, the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets have found success in bolstering their rosters with talent which has placed them as credible threats. Both teams have the offensive firepower to stake their claim as top contenders in this 23/24 season. 

We can’t quite rule out the reigning champs, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Vancouver Canucks who have showcased their ability to disrupt the order this season with some surprising comebacks. At the same time, the Western Conference is home to some strong underdog teams such as the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames, each residing at the middle of the Conference table but capable of springing some surprises. This season’s Western Conference battle is shaping up to be a nail-biter as the season comes to a close. 

Odds for the Best Western Conference Teams:

• Edmonton Oilers: +370
• Colorado Avalanche: +380
• Dallas Stars: +460
• Winnipeg Jets: +600
• Vancouver Canucks: +650
• Vegas Golden Knights: +700
• Los Angeles Kings: +1200
• Minnesota Wild: +5500
• Nashville Predators: +6000
• Calgary Flames: +6500
• Seattle Kraken: +7500
• St. Louis Blues: +8500
• Arizona Coyotes: +13000
• Chicago Blackhawks: +25000
• Anaheim Ducks: +25000
• San Jose Sharks: +25000

Odds provided by FanDuel.

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Eastern Conference Picks: Who will be the champs?

In the NHL’s Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes are tied for the top spot currently, as both teams seek to secure their playoff berth as the #1 seed. The NY Rangers are close behind though, with a strong team on both sides of the puck. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins can’t be ruled out, led by a strong core of reliable veterans like Patrice Bergeron and the remarkable Brad Marchand, the Bruins are bound to put up a good fight.

Following their strong post-season run last season, the Carolina Hurricanes seem poised for victory with their deep roster of post-season experienced players. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are our picks for the dark horses of the Eastern Conference with their strong recent performances against some of the league’s top teams. 

The 23/24 Eastern Conference is brimming with competition this season with a compelling cast of teams poised to make a run for the playoffs. With a blend of young talent and post-season veterans, the race for the prize is bound to be a thrilling one. 

Odds for the Best Eastern Conference Teams

• Carolina Hurricanes: +410
• Florida Panthers: +410
• Boston Bruins: +470
• New York Rangers: +500
• Toronto Maple Leafs: +700
• Tampa Bay Lightning: +1200
• New Jersey Devils: +1200
• Pittsburgh Penguins: +2400
• Philadelphia Flyers: +3700
• Detroit Red Wings: +4000
• New York Islanders: +4000
• Ottawa Senators: +13000
• Buffalo Sabres: +18000
• Washington Capitals: +18000
• Columbus Blue Jackets: +25000
• Montreal Canadiens: +25000

Odds provided by FanDuel.

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Prediction for the 23/24 NHL Hart Trophy

The 23/24 NHL season’s Hart Trophy race is near its end with several names still in the running for the league's MVP award, featuring a blend of the NHL’s brightest stars. Nathan McKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche joins Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs a the top of the list. Both players are having incredible seasons, showcasing their exceptional abilities. 

Not far behind in the conversation for the top player this season is Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, known for his scoring prowess and playmaking skills. Of course, no current-era Hart Trophy race would be complete without Connor McDavid as the Oilers’ captain continues to dazzle fans with a remarkable blend of skill, speed and team leadership, firmly landing himself a spot in the mix for the MVP honors.

This season’s Hart Trophy features a star-studded list of the league's top talent, with each of the top candidates bringing their unique strengths to the table. The stage is set for the 23/24 Hart trophy race to be one of the most closely watched MVP battles in recent NHL history. 

23/24 NHL Hart Trophy Odds

• Auston Matthews: +190
• Nathan MacKinnon: +210
• Nikita Kucherov: +260
• Connor McDavid: +340 
• David Pastrnak: +5000
• Elias Pettersson: +5000

Odds provided by FanDuel.

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23/24 NHL Calder Trophy Prediction: Who will be the best rookie player this season?

The current race for the league’s top rookie is currently dominated by one clear favorite: Connor Bedard. The Chicago Blackhawks’ 1st round draft pick isn’t just any newcomer, he’s a hockey prodigy with a highly anticipated venture into the top league. Given his performances in the WHL and on the international stage with Team Canada, Bedard was the rookie to watch this season and he has truly lived up to the hype.

Before entering the NHL, Bedard was the WHL’s leading scorer, earning the league's MVP award as well as the Canadian Hockey League’s Player of the Year award. Internationally, he helped Team Canada to championships, setting all sorts of records along the way and even landing the IIHF Male Player of the Year award.

There are some other remarkable rookies this year including the likes of Brock Faber, Luke Hughes, and Marco Rossi but Bedard’s exceptional performance so far this season firmly places him as the favorite to win the award. His highly anticipated transition to the NHL has been a success with hockey fans and experts alike buzzing about his potential to forge a legendary NHL career.

Odds for the 23/24 Calder Trophy

• Connor Bedard: -550
• Brock Faber: +420
• Luke Hughes: +2000
• Marco Rossi: +2500

Odds provided by FanDuel.

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How to Bet on the NHL?

Betting on the NHL is an exciting experience due to the fast-paced nature of the sport and the high amount of upsets each season. That being said, there is a trio of popular bets that NHL bettors typically gravitate towards. The three most common NHL bets are Money Line bets, Puck Line bets, and Goal totals. 

Money Line bets are straightforward bets on who will win the match. These are the go-to bets for anyone looking to keep things simple and have a clear favorite for the matchwinner. Puck Line bets are the second most popular NHL bets which spice things up a bit by offering a goal spread. This spread is usually set at +/- 1.5 goals, meaning that you’re not just predicting the match winner but by how many goals. Betting on the favorite? They will need to win by 2 goals or more for you to win your bet. Fancy the underdog? You’ll win your bet if they either pull off an upset or keep the game within a single goal. 

The third most popular NHL bet is the Goal Totals bet (also known as a traditional over/under). Here you’ll bet on the the total number of goals to be scored by both teams in any given period or throughout the match. The sportsbook will set the expected amount before the match and the bettor decides if they think it will be over or under that number. 

Each of these three types of bets offers a different way to increase the thrill of an NHL game. Whether you’re new to NHL betting or a seasoned pro, understanding these common bet types will make your NHL viewing much more exciting. 

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NHL Betting Tips for Beginners

Getting started with NHL betting is an exciting new adventure that can be as thrilling as a game-winning overtime goal. For beginners, making sense of all of the new terms, betting options, and betting strategies can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind when starting out as a new NHL bettor. 

• Understand the basics
• Start small
• Do your homework
• Shop for the best odds
• Manage your bankroll

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Tip #1: Understand the basics

Before you go about placing a bet, be sure to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of the NHL match you’re thinking about wagering on. Check team standings, injuries/absences, and recent performance trends. Having a good grasp of this basic info along with an understanding of the different bet types available will go a long way in determining your betting success. 

Tip #2: Start small

As a new bettor, it’s easy to get carried away with excitement, especially when you see a potentially profitable line. It’s always wise for new bettors to start with small, manageable bets. Allow yourself a chance to gain some experience without risking a significant portion of your bankroll. As you become more comfortable and have a few wins under your belt, you can gradually increase your stakes.

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Tip #3: Do your homework

Unfortunately, sheer love for the game isn’t enough to make you a successful sports bettor. Be sure to take time to research teams, players, and head-to-head records. Pay attention to factors like home advantage, rivalries and inter-division records. Having a good grasp of this info will pay dividends. You need to study this point before all hockey picks you make.

Tip #4: Shop for the best odds

There are several great online sportsbooks available to US bettors. Each book will offer different odds for each match, future, or player prop. Shopping around for the best odds on a line you’d like to take is essential in increasing your potential return on investment. Taking the time to compare odds will have a significant difference in the long run. 

Tip #5: Manage your bankroll

Our final tip for beginners is perhaps the most important, bankroll management. Effective bankroll management is setting aside a specific amount of money for betting and sticking to it. It’s about avoiding that temptation to chase losses with bigger bets or splurging on that new line because of the potential payout. This often leads to a slippery slope of risky betting behavior. Remember that sports betting should be enjoyed more as a hobby and shouldn’t put your financial well-being at risk. 

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What Not to Do for NHL Predictions

Steering clear of common pitfalls is just as important as following best betting practices. When the stakes are high, a misstep can quickly derail your strategy and lead to an unnecessary loss. Here are some common betting mistakes to avoid when betting on the NHL: 

• Ignoring team schedules or back-to-back games
• Overvaluing home ice advantage
• Chasing losses
• Overreliance on star players
• Ignoring Defensive metrics
• Failing to shop for the best betting lines
• Disregarding the special team's performance

Taking these seven things into account when placing your NHL bet will help you make sure that you’re making the best decisions possible. Don’t forget that losses are part of the sports betting experience. How you react to a loss however can end up making all of the difference. 

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Stats to Consider for Your NHL Predictions

Perhaps the most essential topic when it comes to sports betting is statistical data. This info is critical because it allows the bettor to see the actual performance and individual players in recent games. By analyzing this data, you can make a more informed decision about future performance. Using a stats-based approach will ultimately help you increase your chances of success. 

With this in mind, here are the most notable stats from the 22/23 NHL season: 

• Most offensive points: Connor McDavid (153 points)
• Top scorer: Connor McDavid (64 goals)
• Leading player in assists: Connor McDavid (89 assists)
• Goalkeeper with least goals scored: Linus Ullmark (1.89 goals per game)
• Most defensive points: Erik Karlsson (101 points)
• Rookie Player of the Season: Matty Beniers (57 points)
• Team with the most points: Boston Bruins (135 points)
• Team with the most wins: Boston Bruins (65 wins)
• Team with fewest losses: Boston Bruins (12 losses)
• Team with fewest overtime losses: Winnipeg Jets (3 losses)
• Team with the most goals scored: Edmonton Oilers (325 goals)
• Team with fewest goals against: Boston Bruins (174 goals)
• Team with the most shots taken per game: Florida Panthers (36.8 shots)
• Team with the most shots received per game: Carolina Hurricanes (26 shots)

These stats highlight a surprising truth: having the best performance doesn’t always lead to a Stanley Cup victory. Take for example the Boston Bruins. They had not only the highest-powered offense, but also the top defense of the 22/23 season, yet they were knocked out by the Panthers in the first round. Let this outcome serve as a cautionary tale for the 23/24 season, reminding us to approach our predictions with care, even when a team seems aboslutlye dominant from a statistical standpoint. 

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Conclusion: How to get Your NHL Predictions Right Today?

Given the unpredictability of the NHL, where superior stats don’t always guarantee playoff success, it’s key for bettors to approach their picks with a nuanced understanding. As you refine your NHL predictions, remember the importance of considering a broad spectrum of factors, including schedules and roster changes. Let this guide serve as a stepping stone for success and remember to check out our free expert predictions available for each match of the 23/24 NHL season.

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