Sunday brings an eight-game NHL card with legitimate betting opportunities across multiple time slots. Early-season trends are solidifying, goaltending matchups are becoming clearer, and scheduling spots are creating exploitable edges. We've analyzed every game and identified the sharpest angles for today's action.
Afternoon Slate
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Line: Devils -130 | Total: 6.5
New Jersey laying a short price at home against a Colorado team that's been inconsistent on the road. The Devils' offense has been clicking, and their home ice gives them a slight edge here. Colorado's got the firepower to hang around, but the Avalanche's defensive structure on the road leaves gaps that New Jersey can exploit. The total feels right at 6.5 both teams can score, but the Devils' checking game at home has been tighter than expected. Slight lean Devils, but not enough edge to fire heavily.
Evening Games (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET)
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Line: Lightning -140 | Total: 6.5
Tampa laying chalk at home is usually money, but Vegas has been one of the league's more complete teams this season. The Knights' road record is solid, and their goaltending has been getting the job done. Tampa's offense can light it up, but Vegas has the defensive structure to limit chances and keep this close. The total of 6.5 is reasonable expect a tight, playoff-style game. If you're betting this one, Vegas +1.5 on the puck line offers safer value than laying -140 on Tampa.
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Line: Wild -215 | Total: 6.5
Minnesota's a heavy favorite at home, and rightfully so San Jose has been one of the league's worst teams. The Sharks struggle to generate offense and their goaltending has been inconsistent. Minnesota should dominate possession and control the pace, but -215 is steep for a regular-season NHL game. The Sharks can hang around long enough to make this uncomfortable. The total might be the play here under 6.5 makes sense if Minnesota grinds this out defensively and San Jose can't find the net.
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Line: Jets -165 | Total: 5.5
Winnipeg's been solid at home, and Utah's still finding their identity as a franchise in their first NHL season. The Jets have the goaltending edge and the home crowd behind them, but Utah's shown flashes of competence. The total of 5.5 is the lowest on the board today, which tells you both teams play structured, defensive hockey. Winnipeg should win, but the number's not attractive enough to lay heavy juice. Pass or lean Jets puck line if you need action.
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Line: Kings -145 | Total: 5.5
The Kings on the road as short favorites against a young Blackhawks team that's been inconsistent. LA's defensive system travels well, and their goaltending has been above average. Chicago's got offensive talent with Connor Bedard, but they struggle defensively and give up too many quality chances. The total of 5.5 suggests a defensive battle, which favors LA's style. Kings should handle this, but Chicago's speed can create problems in transition. Lean Kings, and the under might be the sharper play if LA locks it down.
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Line: Stars -145 | Total: 5.5
Dallas on the road as a favorite tells you everything about how Nashville's season has started. The Predators have been underwhelming, and their offense hasn't found consistency. Dallas plays a complete 200-foot game and has the goaltending to steal points on the road. The total of 5.5 feels low, but both teams emphasize defense. Stars should control this game from start to finish they're the better team, and the number's fair. Dallas moneyline or puck line both work here.
Late Night Action
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Line: Rangers -135 | Total: 5.5
The Rangers laying a short price on the road against Calgary, who's been inconsistent at home. New York's got Igor Shesterkin in net, which is an immediate advantage. Calgary's offense can score, but their defensive lapses cost them games. The Rangers play structured hockey and rarely beat themselves. The total of 5.5 suggests a tight game, which fits New York's style perfectly. Rangers should grind out a win here, and the under might offer value if Shesterkin's on his game.
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Line: Oilers -140 | Total: 6.5
A Pacific Division matchup under the lights. Edmonton's offense is elite when McDavid and Draisaitl are clicking, but their defensive consistency remains questionable. Vancouver's got home ice and a crowd that shows up, and Thatcher Demko in net gives them a puncher's chance. The total of 6.5 is high for a game that could go either way. If Edmonton's offense fires, this goes over easily. If Vancouver tightens up defensively and Demko stands tall, the Canucks win outright. Lean Oilers, but the line's not screaming value.
Final Thoughts
Sunday's NHL slate rewards patience and discipline. The sharpest edges come from identifying scheduling disadvantages, goaltending mismatches, and teams whose recent results don't match their underlying process. Don't force action on every game the best bettors pick their spots and bet with conviction when the numbers align. Monitor injury reports, track line movement, and trust your research. Let's cash these tickets.