Check out the NHL odds with our expert picks and predictions for the lone hockey game on Monday, October 21.
The NHL odds board tonight features just one game: Lightning vs. Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m. ET, NHL Network). The Atlantic Division rivals clash as Nikita Kucherov, Auston Matthews and other stars highlight this featured matchup.
It's the eve of Frozen Frenzy, and the Lightning (3-1-0, 6 points) travel to Scotiabank Arena for tonight's early-season battle with the Maple Leafs (3-2-0, 6 points).
So, why is there only one NHL game tonight? On Tuesday night, all 32 NHL clubs will be in action as Frozen Frenzy kicks off at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) with the puck dropping for additional matchups every 15 minutes all over North America.
Tonight, though, it's all about the Lighting (+110) vs. Maple Leafs (-130), and our hockey experts have scoured the NHL odds board for value. However, rather than picking a moneyline side or a total (6.5, -105/-115), our pros are targeting a trio of player props for tonight's NHL best bets.
NHL odds for the matchup as of Monday evening and via ESPN BET. Bet on the NHL with our ESPN BET promo code.
NHL Odds Monday & Best Bets
In the table below, you'll find each of our NHL betting staff's top player prop picks from today's slate of games. Click on any pick or team logo to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Time (ET) | Player Prop |
|---|---|
| 7:30 p.m. | |
| 7:30 p.m. | |
| 7:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NHL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | |
Lightning vs. Maple Leafs
Nikita Kucherov
Kucherov 5+ Shots (+160)
By Greg Liodice
Nikita Kucherov is on a ridiculous run.
The funny thing is, I’m not sure people are understanding just how sensational he truly is. We talk about the superstars in our league, inluding Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, etc. Why not Kucherov?
In four games this season with the Lightning, Kucherov has peppered 22 shots on goal, which is an average of 5.5 SOG per game. I understand it’s been only four games, but not even McDavid can generate that many shots per game. The only one who is on that level is Matthews, who is known to be a shot maestro.
The fact of the matter is that Kucherov is a superstar in this league, and he’s proven year after year that no challenge is tall enough for someone who’s essentially undersized.
Tampa Bay tonight meets the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are doing decently so far to start the season. The goaltending situation in “The 6” is always a carousel, and with Joseph Woll out, Anthony Stolarz has taken the reins for the time being and is posting a .937 SV% and a 3.7 goals saved above expected (GSAx).
It hasn’t been easy, though. Defensively, the Leafs have struggled, and Stolarz has had to carry them. Toronto is ranked 20th in xGA/60 while also ranking fifth in total Save%.
So, instead of banking on Kucherov to light the lamp tonight, I have a feeling he’s going to at least pepper a ton of shots Stolarz’s way. In three of the four games played, he’s thrown six shots toward the netminder, and in the other game, he registered four shots.
He also leads the team in shot attempts per game with 10, so expect him to hammer them home. I love my chances with Kucherov taking 5+ shots tonight at plus money.
Greg's Pick: Nikita Kucherov Kucherov 5+ Shots (+160 at DraftKings)
Lightning vs. Maple Leafs
William Nylander
Nylander Anytime Goalscorer (+165)
By Nick Martin
It's been only five games, but William Nylander looks poised for a third consecutive 40-goal season.
After two quiet performances to open the season, Nylander has been noticeably dominant in the Leafs' last three matchups while netting three goals.
Nylander's found recent success skating at even strength alongside Max Domi and Bobby McMann, and it looks like Craig Berube is keeping that unit together for this matchup. In 22.1 minutes of play, Nylander, Domi and McMann have generated 3.8 xGF/60.
Nylander managed eight shots on goal and 1.1 expected goals versus New York, but he could not break through Igor Shesterkin.
These rivals could easily finish 1-2 in the division this season, and this could be viewed as an early "four-point." Nylander has been a clutch scorer in big moments, including against the Lightning and Vasilevskiy in specific, with 15 goals in his last 29 playoff games.
At +165, we are getting a good number to back Nylander to find the net on Monday.
Nick's Pick: William Nylander Nylander Anytime Goalscorer (+165 at BetMGM)
Lightning vs. Maple Leafs
Victor Hedman
Hedman Anytime Goalscorer (+650)
The Tampa Bay Lightning are off to a great start, and once again, Nikita Kucherov is leading the way. The former Hart Trophy winner has nine points in four games and leads the Bolts with 22 shots on goal, which is 10 more than the next player, Victor Hedman.
Hedman has been a polarizing player the last couple of seasons as his overall play has trended down, but the Swedish rearguard is off to a strong start in 2024-25 with four points and 12 SOG in four games. He is also leading Tampa in ice time, averaging nearly 24 ticks a contest.
The only thing Hedman hasn’t done yet is put a puck in the back of the net, but that will come eventually, and the fact that he hasn’t scored has allowed this price to hang around at a great number.
The Bolts have not been up to their usual dominance on the power play, but that should sort itself out, and when it does, we’ll start to see Hedman find the scoresheet with regularity.
