NHL Picks: Predators vs Lightning, Blackhawks vs Penguins and Kraken vs Knights

This is a picture of the Penguins stadium for the NHL Picks article preview

After waiting more than 4 months, the NHL is finally back and I’m excited to give you the first matches that will happen tonight. Last season, the Vegas Golden Knights made history by winning the Stanley Cup for the first time. Now, the question is, who will be this year’s champion? In this NHL Picks: Predators vs Lightning, Blackhawks vs Penguins and Kraken vs Knights article, I will try to give you the best odds and all the information about those teams. 

If you want more information about betting, check out our sports betting page.

  Nashville Predators vs Tampa Bay Lightning

The season’s inaugural game promises an exciting showdown between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning, two formidable teams set to deliver an undoubtedly thrilling performance. In the previous season, the Predators faced challenges, finishing in fifth place in the Central Division with a record of 42 wins and 32 losses, ultimately missing out on the playoffs. However, this season brings new hope as they’ve made intriguing signings, including Kevin Lankinen and Dante Fabio. 

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning had a strong regular season last year, finishing in third place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 46 wins and 30 losses. However, their playoff performance was not up to par. Nevertheless, this year presents another excellent opportunity for them to demonstrate why they are considered one of the top teams in the NHL. They’ve also bolstered their roster with intriguing signings such as Brandon Hagel, Conor Sheary, and Tanner Jeannot.

This is a picture of Nashville Predators vs Tampa Bay Lightning for the NHL picks article preview
  Nashville Predators vs Tampa Bay Lightning
SportsbookNashville Predators Moneyline OddsTampa Bay Lightning Moneyline Odds
BetDukes+125-167
BetOBet+129-161
iBet+210-102
PowerPlay Sports+120-150
Odds were correct at the time of writing. Please check the specific site for the most up-to-date odds.
Sportsbook  Nashville Predators Puck Line OddsTampa Bay Lightning Puck Line Odds
BetDukes(-192) +1.5(+142) -1.5
BetOBet(-201) +1.5(+135) -1.5
iBet(-175) +1.5(+142) -1.5
PowerPlay Sports(-175) +1.5(+138) -1.5
Odds were correct at the time of writing. Please check the specific site for the most up-to-date odds.

How the game will play out

It’s always challenging to predict the outcome of the first match of the season. However, with the Lightning playing in their hometown, I believe they have a strong chance of securing the win. The last time these two teams faced each other was back in September during the preseason, and Tampa Bay emerged victorious in both games.

My pick: The Tampa Bay Lightning with a puck line of -1.5 at (+142) iBet.

Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins

The Chicago Blackhawks had one of their worst seasons in history last year, and this season presents a golden opportunity to put that behind them and aim for at least a playoff spot. To achieve this, they need a strong start to the season, beginning with a win in their first match. In the previous season, they finished at the bottom of the Central Division with a record of 26 wins and 49 losses. Regarding their new signings, the Blackhawks made a significant move by acquiring Connor Bedard, a rising star expected to become one of the NHL’s best athletes in the near future. I’m genuinely excited to see this 18-year-old player on the ice.

On the flip side, the Pittsburgh Penguins are determined to kick off the season on the right note and erase the memory of their challenging campaign last year. They finished in fifth place in the Metropolitan division with a record of 40 wins and 31 losses. Looking ahead to this season, they’ve made intriguing acquisitions, including Colin White, Will Butcher, and several others. It will be fascinating to see how these new additions integrate into the team.

 

This is a picture of the Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins for the NHL Picks article preview
Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins
SportsbookChicago Blackhawks Moneyline OddsPittsburgh Penguins Moneyline Odds
BetDukes+185-256
BetOBet+196-250
iBet+300-143
PowerPlay Sports+175-225
Odds were correct at the time of writing. Please check the specific site for the most up-to-date odds.
SportsbookChicago Blackhawks Puck Line OddsPittsburgh Penguins Puck Line Odds
BetDukes(-135) +1.5(+102) -1.5
BetOBet(-141) +1.5(-103) -1.5
iBet(-123) +1.5(+100) -1.5
PowerPlay Sports(-125) +1.5(+100) -1.5
Odds were correct at the time of writing. Please check the specific site for the most up-to-date odds.

How the game will play out

If you’ve been following my previous articles, you probably know that I’m a dedicated Penguins fan. When it comes to predicting the winner of this game, I have to place my bet on them. Not only are they playing on their home turf, but they also boast superior quality. The last encounter between these two teams took place in April, with the Blackhawks emerging victorious.Ā 

My pick: The Pittsburgh Penguins puck line of -1.5 at (-103) BetOBet.

Seattle Kraken vs Vegas Golden Knights

The Seattle Kraken pleasantly surprised fans last season by finishing in fourth place in the Pacific Division with a record of 46 wins and 28 losses, securing a playoff berth. Yet, the question lingers: can they replicate that success this season? It will be intriguing to witness how things unfold in the upcoming games. One thing is certain ā€“ they’ve made noteworthy signings, including P. Bellemare and C. Carrick, that you won’t want to miss.

On the other hand, the Vegas Golden Knights undeniably stand as the NHL’s top team at the moment, which should come as no surprise given their Stanley Cup victory last season. They finished atop the Pacific Division with a remarkable record of 51 wins and 22 losses, dominating their way through the playoffs to clinch the Cup against the Florida Panthers. With the addition of Max Comtois and David Edstrom to their roster, there’s heightened anticipation to see these players on the ice.

This is a picture of Seattle Kraken vs Vegas Golden Knights for the NHL picks article preview
Seattle Kraken vs Vegas Golden Knights
SportsbookSeattle Kraken Moneyline OddsVegas Golden Knights Moneyline Odds
BetDukes+135-182
BetOBet+142-186
iBet+225-110
PowerPlay Sports+138-175
Odds were correct at the time of writing. Please check the specific site for the most up-to-date odds.
SportsbookSeattle Kraken Puck Line OddsVegas Golden Knights Puck Line Odds
BetDukes(-185) +1.5(+138) -1.5
BetOBet(-193) +1.5(+131) -1.5
iBet(-169) +1.5(+138) -1.5
PowerPlay Sports(-163) +1.5(+125) -1.5
Odds were correct at the time of writing. Please check the specific site for the most up-to-date odds.

How the game will play out

It’s not difficult to predict the winner of this match. The Vegas Golden Knights, being the superior team and playing in their hometown, appear poised for victory. The most recent encounter between these two teams took place in April, with the Knights securing a 3-1 win.

My pick: The Vegas Golden Knights puck line bet of -1.5 at (+125) PowerPlay Sports.

These were my NHL Picks: Predators vs Lightning, Blackhawks vs Penguins and Kraken vs Knights. You can check our online sportsbook reviews so you can get all the details about Canadian sportsbooks. Have a look at SNNOW to watch all NHL games.

About the Author

JoĆ£o Pedro Freitas

JoĆ£o Pedro Freitas has been working in online gambling since 2022, being the most recent addition to the team. He loves to write sports articles and likes to analyse all kinds of sports, especially soccer and UFC. JoĆ£o focuses on writing content and creating strategies to ensure that the team is up to date on all Canadian and American sports.
LinkedIn