NHL Picks and Parlays Today: Best Bets For All Games on Oct 23, 2026
The NHL regular season continues on Oct 23, with two games slated for Friday evening. A quiet night still means that there is opportunity for value when making picks, with eye-catching clashes seeing the Chicago Blackhawks host the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning to Ball Arena. You can find our NHL picks and parlays for today below.
NHL Picks and Parlays: Best Bets Today & Top Value Picks
- Best Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (@ Colorado Avalanche)
- Best Value: Montreal Canadiens (@ Chicago Blackhawks)
- Team to Fade: Chicago Blackhawks (vs. Montreal Canadiens)
- Best NHL Parlay Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens to Win
How to Bet On NHL Today
These are the best sportsbooks for U.S. bettors to place wagers on the NHL today:
ALSO SEE: Breeders’ Cup Classic Picks, Odds, Leading Contenders, Betting Insights & Analysis
NHL Best Bets Today: Key Game Breakdown & Predictions
Montreal Canadiens @ Chicago Blackhawks Prediction & Odds
Date: Friday, October 23 | 8:00 PM ET | United Center, IL
Game Preview
It has been an underwhelming start to the NHL season for the Chicago Blackhawks, as they sit eighth in the Central Division after going 3-6-0. Their weak defensive record is alarming, having already allowed a Central Division-high of 36 goals.
The Montreal Canadiens have been reliable in the opening month of the regular season, winning four of their nine games. Cole Caufield has been a standout performer over that period, scoring in four straight games. Based on the fact that the Habs will likely be plus-odds on Friday, they are undeniably the value play to consider.
- Best Bet: Montreal Canadiens
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Colorado Avalanche Prediction & Odds
Date: Friday, October 23 | 9:00 PM ET | Ball Arena, CO
Game Preview
The Colorado Avalanche were the dominant force in the regular season last term, winning the Presidents’ Trophy. However, they are yet to hit the same level of form so far this season, sitting fourth in the Central Division, having suffered back-to-back defeats against the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils.
A road win for the Tampa Bay Lightning is the logical betting angle this week, as confidence within the camp will be high following three straight wins. Their attacking quality should prove crucial against a defensively weak opponent at Ball Arena.
- Best Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning
Best NHL Bets For Every Game on Oct 23, 2026
| NHL Game | NHL Picks |
|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens @ Chicago Blackhawks | Montreal Canadiens |
| Tampa Bay Lightning @ Colorado Avalanche | Tampa Bay Lightning |
