NHL Best Bets October 18 – Expert Picks & Predictions

NHL Best Bets October 18 — Today’s Picks

1) Panthers @ Sabres — Panthers ML (−150) | 1:08 PM ET

• Official Line: Panthers −150 / Sabres +130 — Total 6.0 (Over −105 / Under −115) | PL FLA −1.5 (+163) / BUF +1.5 (−190)
• Analysis: Florida’s forecheck drives sustained zone time and forces Buffalo’s young defense into extended shifts. With the total neutral and both sides on regular rest, the Panthers’ depth and forecheck advantage make the straight moneyline the cleaner exposure.

2) Oilers @ Devils — Over 6.0 (−115) | 3:38 PM ET

• Official Line: Oilers −115 / Devils −105 — Total 6.0 (Over −115 / Under −105) | PL EDM −1.5 (+215) / NJD +1.5 (−260)
• Analysis: Both teams push pace with elite top-six skill and quick power-play setups. Edmonton’s transition and New Jersey’s off-puck speed make neutral-zone containment difficult. Even-strength scoring potential and special-teams minutes push this total toward seven goals.

3) Kraken @ Maple Leafs — Maple Leafs −1.5 (−135) | 7:08 PM ET

• Official Line: Maple Leafs −198 / Kraken +168 — Total 6.0 (Over −112 / Under −120) | PL TOR −1.5 (−135) / SEA +1.5 (+160)
• Analysis: Toronto has controlled the interior early in the season, generating high-danger chances through zone cycling and backside seams. Seattle’s travel spot and limited scoring depth make it difficult to trade goals; if the Leafs land the first, their puck line holds value.

💰 Find The Best NHL Prices Before You Bet

Odds & Goalie Notes

• Panthers @ Sabres (1:08 PM ET): FLA −150 / BUF +130; Total 6.0; PL FLA −1.5 (+163) / BUF +1.5 (−190). Goaltending: Florida’s rotation keeps fresh legs behind a structured blue line; Buffalo needs rebound control to counter volume.
• Oilers @ Devils (3:38 PM ET): EDM −115 / NJD −105; Total 6.0 (Over −115 / Under −105). Goaltending: Both starters project average save rates; shot quality and puck movement favor higher-event sequences.
• Kraken @ Maple Leafs (7:08 PM ET): TOR −198 / SEA +168; Total 6.0 (Over −112 / Under −120). Goaltending: Toronto’s starter gets home rest; Seattle must slow the middle-lane rushes to avoid odd-man situations.

Saturday Parlay Play

• Maple Leafs ML (−198) × Avalanche ML (−260) × Stars ML (−125)
• Overview: Three stable favorites who dominate OZ possession and first-unit PP leverage. Parlay pays roughly +260 at composite market prices. Ideal exposure for bettors seeking modest variance and correlated home edges.

Expert Summary — NHL Best Bets October 18

Card recap: Panthers ML (−150), Oilers–Devils Over 6.0 (−115), Maple Leafs −1.5 (−135). Parlay add: TOR ML × COL ML × DAL ML. With multiple totals anchored at 6.0, monitor late steam for any shifts to 6.5 and adjust exposure accordingly.

Responsible Gaming

Wager responsibly and set limits. If betting stops being fun or feels out of control, seek help immediately. Read our full policy at Responsible Gaming, and visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for confidential resources, including live chat and helpline support.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase or deposit, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are editorially independent and based on analysis. For more information, please review our full policy: Affiliate Disclosure.