In this article, I’ll outline the most noteworthy odds, news, and betting notes from the marquee matchups from Friday’s three-game NHL slate, and I’ll also offer up my best bet.
Best Bet—Washington Capitals -1.5 Puck Line: +110
Capitals -1.5 puck line vs. Islanders
The Washington Capitals are in an ideal situation to snap their two-game losing skid Friday evening, as they host a New York Islanders side that has looked entirely unconvincing thus far, while skating with a significant rest advantage.
The Islanders suffered a 6-2 loss Thursday evening versus the Carolina Hurricanes and will be playing their third game in four nights in this matchup. They hold a record of 4-5-1 and a -5 goal differential this season and rank 31st in the NHL in even-strength expected goal share.
2025 first overall selection Matthew Schaefer has been more impactful than anybody expected and has had some enthralling sequences in the offensive zone with Mathew Barzal, in particular. Aside from that, though, the Islanders have looked entirely unconvincing and have been surprisingly putrid defensively, which is a significant concern given that their roster does not project to steal many games with lofty offensive outputs.
The Capitals’ solid 6-4-0 record likely undersells their actual play to some extent. They hold the second-best expected goal share in the NHL this season and, thanks to their strong depth and excellent puck movement from the back end, lead the league in xGF/60 in even-strength play.
The Capitals no-showed Saturday’s matchup versus the Senators while playing the second leg of a back-to-back, suffering a 7-1 loss. They then suffered a tough-luck 1-0 loss versus the Dallas Stars, a game in which they carried most of the play and hit three posts. In this spot we should see them bring a comparably strong effort, and they will likely have much more offensive success versus an Islanders side that has allowed 3.80 goals per game this season.
At +110, I see value in backing the Capitals to snap their losing skid with a comfortable win in this cushy spot.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights
| Avalanche moneyline odds | -120 |
| Golden Knights moneyline odds | +100 |
| Game total | Over 6.5 goals (+100), Under 6.5 (-120) |
| Time | 4 p.m. ET |
- Not believing that the Avalanche were worth betting on to win the Central Division or the Presidents’ Trophy is looking like one of my worst preseason takes. They have been more than deserving of their 6-1-4 record and have been particularly dominant defensively in allowing only 2.62 xGA/60.
- The Knights rank second in the NHL with an xGA/60 of 2.73. Both teams have plenty of offensive firepower and Akira Schmid (VGK) is not the most convincing starting goaltender, but a high total of 6.5 is interesting considering these are statistically the two best defensive teams in the NHL.
- Martin Necas will play his first game since inking an 8-year, $92 million extension Thursday. Necas has recorded seven goals and 13 points in 11 games this season while spending the vast majority of his minutes alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen on the top line.
- Noah Hanifin, Mark Stone, and Adin Hill will remain sidelined for the Knights.
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals
| Islanders moneyline odds | +190 |
| Capitals moneyline odds | -230 |
| Game total | Over 6 goals (-110), Under 6 (-110) |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
- The Islanders will be playing the second leg of a travelling back-to-back and for the third time in four nights in this matchup.
- Ilya Sorokin has been confirmed as the Islanders’ starting goaltender. Sorokin has struggled to a -3.6 GSAx rating and .868 save percentage in seven appearances this season.
- Mathew Barzal was a healthy scratch Thursday for disciplinary reasons, and could be a good target from a prop betting perspective given his added rest relative to the rest of the team and perhaps a little added urgency. Barzal has put up eight points in nine games this season.
- Dylan Strome is considered a game-time decision, but seems to be more so probable than unlikely after being a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Rasmus Sandin is also eligible to return from the IR, but is seemingly closer to improbable.
- Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record versus the Islanders last year, and it is now possible that they will be on the wrong end of another Ovechkin milestone as he enters this matchup with 899 career goals.
Alex Ovechkin to score vs. Islanders
Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks
| Red Wings moneyline odds | -105 |
| Ducks moneyline odds | -115 |
| Game total | Over 6.5 goals (-105), Under 6.5 (-115) |
| Time | 10 p.m. ET |
- Both teams have played an exciting brand of hockey this season and rank 11th (DET) and 12th (ANA), respectively, in goals scored per game average. They are also both looking to snap lengthy playoff droughts and are off to a strong start with records of 8-3-0 (DET) and 5-3-1 (ANA), respectively.
- The Red Wings will be playing the second leg of a back-to-back after earning a 4-3 shootout win over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. Cam Talbot started last night, which means John Gibson will presumably be offered the start versus his former side in this matchup.
- Gibson holds an .876 save percentage and a 3.20 GAA in six appearances this season.
- Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has had an exceptional start to the season, recording eight goals and 16 points in 11 matchups. He may not be able to sustain this level of play, but if the vote were today, observers that have paid attention to the Red Wings would likely have Larkin on their Hart Trophy ballots.
- Rookie Emmitt Finnie has put up eight points in his first 11 NHL contests, playing mainly alongside Larkin and Lucas Raymond on the Red Wings’ top line.
- 2023 second overall pick Leo Carlsson appears poised for a full-fledged breakout this season, having recorded 11 points in his first nine games.