Ryan Hodges
The Wednesday night NHL slate should be a great follow up to an exciting opening night on Tuesday commencing the NHL’s 2025-26 season! Of the 8 teams in action, there are 6 teams that were in the playoffs last year and look poised to contend for a postseason spot once again. This slate also includes a few division rivalry games between teams that are not very fond of one another. With healthy and fresh players, this should be a great night of some fast, physical hockey.
Also be sure to check out all of our NHL predictions for every game throughout the season.
Maple Leafs ML (-155)
Bruins vs Capitals game total under 5.5 (-112)
Edmonton Oilers team total over 2.5 goals (-290)
Golden Knights -1.5 (+124)
Wednesday parlay odds: +838
Maple Leafs ML (-155)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook and available at time of publishing.
In recent years, it has been the Maple Leafs that have been on the more successful side of the rivalry. Entering this game, Toronto has won 8 out of the last 9 matchups against Montreal. The Maple Leafs have also won 7 consecutive games played at home against the Canadiens. Although the Canadiens were much better last year than in seasons prior, success against the Maple Leafs was still elusive.
Toronto won 3 out of 4 head to head matchups last year by a combined score of 11-5. While this season series could be more competitive, this one looks a bit better for the Maple Leafs once again. On paper, they still appear to be the deeper team with more higher end talent, they are fresh as they will be all season, and they are at home. Last year, the Canadiens were 17-19-5 on the road with a -19 goal differential. Without a sample size yet this year, the dominant side of this rivalry from recent years looks to be the more reliable play.
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Bruins vs Capitals game total under 5.5 (-112)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook and available at time of publishing.
There are very valid questions around whether the Capitals are actually as good as they performed last season, as well as if the Bruins are as bad as they finished last season. Looking at roster turnover, Boston appears to be deficient on offense, but has a very solid defense core and goaltender. Meanwhile, Washington is returning several players, but last season was so great that it almost does not seem repeatable.
Granted, all of the above is pure speculation until there is a sample size this season. But to the naked eye, the pure matchup here looks bleak for goals. As mentioned, the Bruins do not look to have much offensive firepower. That already bodes well for the under. If they cannot muster up much offense, they will try to stay competitive in the game by locking down Washington. That is something that they have the ability to do. It is a bit difficult to see where the goals will come from in this one.
Check out our best NHL futures picks for the new season!
Edmonton Oilers team total over 2.5 goals (-290)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook and available at time of publishing.
This pick may not exactly seem like going on a limb. But it is not a formality given their opponent. It also is a nice addition to this parlay to pump the overall odds a little bit. Any given Oilers game has a great chance to go over a team total of 2.5 goals considering they have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But this game has the makings of a bit of an extra special one for Edmonton.
McDavid officially extended his contract to the end of 2028 season on a very team friendly deal. With that, there will be a feeling of relief and excitement in the building for the Oilers’ season opening game at home. Edmonton’s Stanley Cup window is still very open. The players and fans know it. The team has more scar tissue from losing their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final, and they have started slow each of the last 2 seasons. Look for a very motivated Oilers team to try to run up the score in an emotional, exciting game against a rival and get off to a fast start.
Read our full Flames vs Oilers prediction
Golden Knights -1.5 (+124)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook and available at time of publishing.
The Golden Knights already look like the better team on paper. Vegas has already been a fantastic team year in and year out for years. Then in the offseason, they got even better by acquiring star winger Mitch Marner. Despite losing defenseman Alex Pietrangelo to injury, Vegas still has a loaded defense group. This is a great team that has the benefit of a home opener while hosting a Kings team that will already be on the second of back to backs.
The Kings played on Tuesday night against a very good Avalanche team. Colorado makes for a very challenging opponent against any team. Having to play a team like the Golden Knights a day after having to play a team like the Avalanche is just pure difficult. It is a bit of a gauntlet for the Kings. Vegas is a bigger, more physical, potentially more talented team than Los Angeles. They also get the advantage of being more fresh and at home. Last year, the Kings were 17-19-5 on the road with a -15 goal differential. They have their work cut out for them against the Golden Knights in this one.
Read our full Kings vs Golden Knights prediction
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