NHL Picks Today: Friday, October 24
Here is a tabular depiction of my NHL picks today.
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET
The matchup and the situation indicate that this is a strong “under” game: we have two teams here who have solid defenses, both ranking top-two at limiting goals allowed, and who are coming off unusually high-scoring outings. Expect both offenses to fall back down to earth while both defenses continue to thrive.
In its last game, Columbus scored five goals even though it has failed to exceed two goals in half of its games. Likewise, Washington scored four goals in its last game even though it has failed to exceed two goals in regulation in three out of its seven games. When Columbus last scored over three goals in a game, it followed by scoring two goals in its following game, and Washington is averaging two goals per game in the two games that directly followed a game in which it scored four or more goals. Therefore, play the under.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET
Toronto is favored because oddsmakers fail to account for current form. The Maple Leafs were supposed to display a determined bounce-back effort in their most recent game after they had lost their previous game. Instead, they looked clueless and unmotivated. Instead of having a sound plan, they looked like a different team in every period. Instead of being mean and physical, they were outworked by what was a more determined opponent enjoying good form.
Such an opponent is Buffalo: the Sabres are coming off a win in which they defeated Detroit 4-2. They have proven to be a different team at home than on the road. In their last three road games, they are 3-0 with wins by a margin of four, three, and two goals, respectively. Don’t expect Toronto to turn things around on the road, where it lost its only game by three goals. In conclusion, wager on the Sabres to win.
Calgary Flames vs. Winnipeg Jets
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET
This is a great plus-money opportunity. I get that the Flames are on this big losing streak, but streaks have to end some time. The Flames are not a Toronto team coming off a pathetic three-goal loss. They are so close to getting a win. Two games ago, the Flames led Winnipeg 1-0 in the third period before the Jets improbably came back. Last game, Calgary took a 6-3 Montreal team to overtime. The Flames can’t keep losing while playing like this. Their goalkeeper has regained form, resembling again the rock that he proved to be last year. Their defense is showing strong energy, creating these low-scoring affairs. Their offense, based on the quality of shots that they are taking, is due to score much more. Based on expected goals for, the Flames’ offense belongs around 15 spots higher in the goal-producing rankings than it is. In sum, bet on the Flames to win.
Here is a tabular depiction of my NHL picks today.
| Matchup | Pick | Odds | Confidence Level | Sportsbook |
| Washington vs. Columbus | Under 6 | -105 | Highest | Caesars |
| Toronto vs. Buffalo | Sabres ML | +105 | Highest | Caesars |
| Calgary vs. Winnipeg | Flames ML | +135 | Highest | BetMGM |
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET
The matchup and the situation indicate that this is a strong “under” game: we have two teams here who have solid defenses, both ranking top-two at limiting goals allowed, and who are coming off unusually high-scoring outings. Expect both offenses to fall back down to earth while both defenses continue to thrive.
In its last game, Columbus scored five goals even though it has failed to exceed two goals in half of its games. Likewise, Washington scored four goals in its last game even though it has failed to exceed two goals in regulation in three out of its seven games. When Columbus last scored over three goals in a game, it followed by scoring two goals in its following game, and Washington is averaging two goals per game in the two games that directly followed a game in which it scored four or more goals. Therefore, play the under.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET
Toronto is favored because oddsmakers fail to account for current form. The Maple Leafs were supposed to display a determined bounce-back effort in their most recent game after they had lost their previous game. Instead, they looked clueless and unmotivated. Instead of having a sound plan, they looked like a different team in every period. Instead of being mean and physical, they were outworked by what was a more determined opponent enjoying good form.
Such an opponent is Buffalo: the Sabres are coming off a win in which they defeated Detroit 4-2. They have proven to be a different team at home than on the road. In their last three road games, they are 3-0 with wins by a margin of four, three, and two goals, respectively. Don’t expect Toronto to turn things around on the road, where it lost its only game by three goals. In conclusion, wager on the Sabres to win.
Calgary Flames vs. Winnipeg Jets
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET
This is a great plus-money opportunity. I get that the Flames are on this big losing streak, but streaks have to end some time. The Flames are not a Toronto team coming off a pathetic three-goal loss. They are so close to getting a win. Two games ago, the Flames led Winnipeg 1-0 in the third period before the Jets improbably came back. Last game, Calgary took a 6-3 Montreal team to overtime. The Flames can’t keep losing while playing like this. Their goalkeeper has regained form, resembling again the rock that he proved to be last year. Their defense is showing strong energy, creating these low-scoring affairs. Their offense, based on the quality of shots that they are taking, is due to score much more. Based on expected goals for, the Flames’ offense belongs around 15 spots higher in the goal-producing rankings than it is. In sum, bet on the Flames to win.