Last Updated on February 3, 2026 11:01 am by Anthony Rome
Now the Penguins’ winning streak has been snap, are they vulnerable against the Islanders in New York at 7:30 p.m. ET tonight? Is the total in the Capitals-Flyers matchup at 7:00 p.m. ET set too high? Will the Maple Leafs and the Oilers combine for enough goals to cash the over at 8:30 p.m. ET? Our Tuesday NHL Best Bets Feb. 3 column offers selections for all three matchups.
NHL Best Bet: Islanders -104 (vs. Penguins)
Bettors get a decent moneyline here — not too long and grounded in what we’re seeing on the ice. The Islanders have been solid at home and actually hold a better recent home record at 15-10-2, while Pittsburgh has lost back-to-back games and has had lineup issues.
New York’s depth — led by Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, backed by goalie Ilya Sorokin — gives them a more consistent 60-minute game compared to the Penguins right now. Pittsburgh has also dealt with Bryan Rust’s suspension, affecting secondary scoring and line balance.
Why it matters: Even though Pittsburgh has Crosby and Malkin, their offense has been streaky and their situational play the last week (coming off losses) gives the Islanders value at their current price.
NHL Best Bet: Capitals/Flyers Under 6
This total stands out more than either side’s moneyline. Both teams trend toward tighter, lower-scoring affairs recently: Washington has seen several under-s hit in its last runs, and Philly has been leaky in goals allowed but still involved in lower total games.
Capitals are decent defensively, and while Philly’s home ice gives them a little edge on the puck, neither team has exploded offensively with consistency. With this matchup fighting for playoff positioning, you get a reasonable under total at odds that are palatable.
NHL Best Bet: Maple Leafs/Oilers over 6.5
This total is my favorite of the night because of how both teams have been playing in high-scoring games. Edmonton’s home environment has been fertile for goals and the Oilers have one of the most offense-friendly styles in the NHL — both in scoring and in pace. Toronto, on the other hand, has had defensive lapses this season, giving up more goals than they score.
Also, historical overlap suggests this series tends to produce goals (four straight Over hits between these two), and with guys like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Connor McDavid/Lionel (if healthy), you’ve got big guns on both ends. That makes the Over 6.5 a strong play.
Tuesday NHL Best Bets Feb. 3
- New York Islanders -104
- Capitals/Flyers under 6
- Maple Leafs/Oilers over 6.5
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