NHL Betting Picks: Wednesday 10/25/23

After the 16-game slate yesterday, we're down to a single game today as just two teams play in a back-to-back.

Whether it's moneylines or total goals, there are plenty of ways to bet on the NHL action all season. It's a long 82-game campaign, meaning that the best selections of each night can be very different based on backup goalies coming into play, injuries that add up, and if teams are due for positive or negative swings.

Let's dive into the best bets for tonight.

Note: Lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. All NHL betting odds and totals are from the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. All advanced statistics are used from MoneyPuck.com and NaturalStatTrick.com.

Washington Capitals at New Jersey Devils

Under 6.5 (+110)

Another day, another time picking the under with the Washington Capitals playing.

The Capitals' inability to score continues to be a problem for them but a solution for bettors. They're averaging a bottom-of-the-league 1.18 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) along with a 23rd-ranked 56.12 Corsi For (Total Shot Attempts Created) per 60 minutes -- making them one of the league's worst offensive teams.

On the other side of the ice will be a top-tier New Jersey Devils team. The Devils, unlike the Capitals, rank towards the top with 3.9 GF/60 (sixth) and 69.7 Corsi For per 60 minutes (second).

The difference not only gives the Devils the edge to win at home (-255) but further proves they'll control the game. New Jersey is also a great defensive team, though, again pushing us toward the under. They place second in Corsi Against (Total Shot Attempts Allowed) per 60 minutes at a 50.57 clip.

The Capitals will roll out netminder Hunter Shepard, who will be making his NHL debut. In his AHL career, he has a 2.11 goals against average (GAA) and a .920 save percentage over 47 games. While those numbers are all well and good, an NHL debut against this Devils team could very well put the Capitals on their heels early.

In the opposite net will be Akira Schmid. Schmid has 1.0 goals saved above expectation (GSAx), giving them the advantage between the pipes, as well.

It's worth noting that not only is this a back-to-back (so both teams should be tired), but the Capitals' game totals have been under the 6.5 mark in four out of five games.

numberFire's model gives the under 6.5 a 60.77% likelihood to happen, 13.17 percentage points better than the 47.62% implied probability at these odds.

Looking for more NHL betting opportunities? Check out all of the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.