Skip to content

Expert prediction

NHL: Best Picks Today — Rangers to Battle to Win Over Islanders?

  • Alex Dudley
  • Oct 5, 2026 at 6:17 AM EDT

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

The NHL regular season continues on Oct 6, 2026, with fascinating action across North America. The New York Rangers will battle against cross-city rivals the New York Islanders in the Big Apple, while the St. Louis Blues are expected to be red-hot favorites to overcome the Chicago Blackhawks. You can find our NHL moneyline picks for today here.

NHL Best Picks & Top Value Picks

  • Best Pick: New Jersey Devils (vs. Utah Mammoth)
  • Best Value: Minnesota Wild (vs. Buffalo Sabres)
  • Team to Fade: Chicago Blackhawks (vs. St. Louis Blues)
  • Best NHL Parlay Bet: New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues & Carolina Hurricanes All To Win

ALSO SEE: Breeders’ Cup Classic Picks, Odds, Leading Contenders, Betting Insights & Analysis

NHL Best Bets Today: Key Game Breakdown & Predictions

New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders Prediction & Odds

Date: Tuesday, October 6 | Madison Square Garden, NY

Game Preview

Intense rivals collide in the NHL on October 6, as the NY Rangers host the NY Islanders. Both teams bring reliable form into this encounter, with the Rangers having recorded successive wins against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Utah Mammoth.

Meanwhile, the Islanders were excellent in a recent 6-0 demolition against the New Jersey Devils. Home advantage could count for a lot at MSG on Tuesday, with Igor Shesterkin showing excellent form in the Rangers’ goal in home encounters.

New Jersey Devils vs. Utah Mammoth Prediction & Odds

Date: Tuesday, October 6 | Prudential Center, NJ

Game Preview

The New Jersey Devils were easily beaten on Sunday evening, as they were made to pay for defensive mistakes against a vibrant NY Islanders.

However, a return to form should be expected if they reach the same levels that they did in an opening night win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Utah typically struggles defensively on the road, notably in a recent 4-2 loss at MSG against the Rangers.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild Prediction & Odds

Date: Tuesday, October 6 | KeyBank Center, Buffalo

Game Preview

The Buffalo Sabres have endured a mixed start to the new season, losing heavily against the Columbus Blue Jackets on opening night, before beating the Chicago Blackhawks over the weekend.

In contrast, the Wild have been in red-hot form at the start of the new season, scoring seven goals in successive wins over the Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators. With the home win likely to take a lot of money, it could be worth chancing the Sabres to upset the odds when making NHL moneyline picks today.

How to Bet On NHL Today

These are the best sportsbooks for U.S. bettors to place wagers on the NHL today:

Sportsbook ratings

1

BetOnline

Our rating 9.8/10

RegionsAustraliaCanadaUnited States

No Strings Welcome Offer50% up to $250

Minimum deposit$10 Crypto

2

BetUS

Our rating 9.8/10

RegionsCanadaUnited States

Welcome Bonus125% up to $2500

Minimum deposit$100

3

Lucky Rebel

Our rating 9.6/10

RegionsCanadaUnited States

Welcome Bonus125% Free + 50 Free Spins

Minimum deposit$50

NHL

More Predictions

NHL Insight

NHL Predictions Today: Best Bets and Picks for Friday, Nov 6

Free NHL Pick: Minnesota Wild Moneyline (-255) Best Value Pick: Calgary Flames Moneyline (-120) Puck Line Pick: Minnesota Wild -1.5 (+105) NHL Parlay: Sabres, Wild, Flames (+305) Bet Today’s NHL Games at BetUS After having a winning best bet and a correct value play on Thursday, our attention turns to Friday’s slate of games in […]

Alex Dudley 3 min read

NHL Insight

NHL Betting Picks: Best Bets For All Games on Oct 27, 2026

Seven games make up the NHL regular season schedule on Oct 27. We landed our best pick and best value selection on Oct 25, and we will be aiming to maintain our red-hot form with the games on Tuesday. Standout clashes include the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Boston Bruins, while the Florida Panthers travel to […]

Alex Dudley 3 min read

NHL Insight

NHL Picks and Parlays Today: Best Bets For All Games on Oct 26, 2026

Three games make up the NHL regular season schedule on Oct 26. We landed our best pick and best value selection on Oct 25. The New York Rangers will be in action on Monday when they host the Los Angeles Kings, while the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings travel to the Calgary Flames […]

Alex Dudley 3 min read

NHL Insight

NHL Picks and Parlays Today: Best Bets For All Games on Oct 25, 2026

Four games make up the NHL regular season schedule on Oct 25, with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Florida Panthers and the Dallas Stars welcoming the New York Islanders to the American Airlines Center. You can find our NHL picks and parlays for the slate of NHL games this Sunday here. NHL Picks and Parlays: […]

Alex Dudley 2 min read

NHL Insight

NHL Predictions for Today: Best Bets for All Games on Oct 24, 2026

A busy Saturday evening of NHL regular season action is set for Oct 24, as we chase another winning night of picks after correctly predicting nine of our eleven selections on Oct 22. Our NHL predictions for today can be found below, including our standout best pick and a potential value angle that could earn […]

Alex Dudley 3 min read