NHL Free Picks: Picks For All Games on Oct 20, 2026
On Sunday, we correctly predicted that under 4.5 goals would be scored in Columbus Blue Jackets @ Minnesota Wild. Â On Tuesday, there will be a seven-game slate of NHL games to look ahead to, which includes the Washington Capitals welcoming the Los Angeles Kings to the Capital One Arena and the Colorado Avalanche traveling to the New Jersey Devils. You can find NHL free picks and our best bets of Oct 20, here.
NHL Free Picks: Best Bets Today & Top Value Picks
- Best Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (@ Vancouver Canucks)
- Best Value: Montreal Canadiens (vs. San Jose Sharks)
- Team to Fade: Toronto Maple Leafs (@ Columbus Blue Jackets
- Best NHL Parlay Bet: Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets (+1.5), Anaheim @ NY Islanders (Over 6.5 Goals)
ALSO SEE: Breeders’ Cup Classic Picks, Odds, Leading Contenders, Betting Insights & Analysis
NHL Best Bets Today: Key Game Breakdown & Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes @ Vancouver Canucks Prediction & Odds
Date: Tuesday, October 20 | Rogers Arena, Vancouver
Game Preview
The Carolina Hurricanes will be back on the road on Tuesday after dropping to 7-2-1 following a 3-2 defeat at the Calgary Flames on Sunday. The Canes have largely been consistent throughout the campaign, reflected by their position at the top of the Metropolitan Division.
In contrast, the Vancouver Canucks have suffered four straight defeats. Carolina should be hard to beat based on their aggressive offensive nature, and they have typically thrived against teams struggling with early-season zone exits. A road win ranks among the leading NHL free picks today.
- Best Bet: Carolina Hurricanes   Â
San Jose Sharks @ Montreal Canadiens Prediction & Odds
Date: Tuesday, October 20 | Centre Bell, Montreal
Game Preview
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in front of their own fans on Tuesday, just days after a dramatic overtime success against the Buffalo Sabres at Centre Bell.
The Habs have won three of their last four, showing their never-say-die attitude with all victories being recorded in overtime or a shootout. The San Jose Sharks will play on back-to-back nights in Canada, with a visit to Toronto set for Monday. From a value perspective, the Habs will be the logical angle to consider with extra recovery time likely to play to their strengths.
- Best Bet: Montreal Canadiens
Best NHL Bets For Every Game on Oct 20, 2026
| NHL Game | Pick |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Kings @ Washington Capitals | Washington Capitals |
| Anaheim Ducks @ NY Islanders | NY Islanders (-1.5) |
| Toronto Maple Leafs @ Columbus Blue Jackets | Over 6.5 Goals |
| Colorado Avalanche @ New Jersey Devils | New Jersey Devils |
| Tampa Bay Lightning @ Vegas Golden Knights | Vegas Golden Knights |
How to Bet On NHL Today
These are the best sportsbooks for U.S. bettors to place wagers on the NHL today:
