Expert NHL Picks
The 2026–2027 NHL season begins September 29, and Doc’s Sports is ready with daily expert NHL picks as the Carolina Hurricanes look to defend their Stanley Cup title.
Every selection includes a detailed write-up explaining the reasoning behind the pick. Our NHL experts rate each play on a scale of 1–8, with 8 representing their strongest selection.
Purchase a full-season package in September or October to take advantage of our 3-for-1 NHL season offer. Click here for promotion details.
Each handicapper brings a unique approach to analyzing games. On most days, you can expect 1–3 expert picks, with ratings reflecting the strength of each play. We prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on the selections our experts believe offer the best value each night.
Package and credit policy: Extend mode is available only with weekly, monthly, and full-season packages. Daily purchases receive a $30 credit the following morning if the selections do not produce a profit.
Grading policy: All selections include overtime and shootout results unless otherwise specified. Regulation-only selections will be clearly labeled “60-minute line” or “win in regulation.”
Choose from one of our four guaranteed packages below, or call (866) 238-6696 toll-free to sign up by phone. For more information about our NHL handicappers, including results and recommendations, email service@docsports.com with “NHL Expert Picks Info” in the subject line.
NHL One Day Package - $30.00 With this package, you will receive every pick that your chosen handicapper makes for the purchase date. This will include any top picks that are released that day. If the package results in a loss (or profit less than $35) you will have a $30 credit put back into your account, the following morning. This package does not include college hockey (sold under other sports). Note: Extend mode is no longer offered on daily sales, all daily sales will be credit only distributed the following morning around 11 a.m. eastern time.
NHL One Week Package - $89.00 With this package you will receive all your chosen handicapper's NHL picks for a 7-day period including any top games that may fall during this period. If the package results in a loss your account can be extended for free with our self-extend program. Handicappers may pass on plays with days that feature smaller cards and extensions are only given if you are not shown a profit.
NHL One Month Package - $279.00 With this package you will receive every NHL pick that your chosen handicapper makes for a period of 30 days. This will include all top plays that fall during the 30-day period. This is the perfect way to try one of our fine handicapping experts and we are confident that you will not be disappointed. If the package results in a loss your account can be extended for free with our self-extend program. Handicappers may pass on plays with days that feature smaller cards. Extensions are not given for days passed unless you are not shown a profit.
NHL Complete Season Package (Early Bird Special) - $795.00 (Normally $950) - With this package you will receive every selection that your chosen handicapper makes through the end of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in June of 2027. You will get every top play your handicapper releases along with daily picks when you sign-up for this package. This package does not include college hockey plays. The Doc's Sports NHL Handicapping team is one of the best in the business. If you are interested in signing-up for multiple handicappers (3 for 1 offer), please give our sports office a call at (866) 238-6696 and ask about a special discount.
|
Yesterday's Expert NHL Picks from our handicappers.
Just so the public knows we are always transparent and honest with our reporting, in this spot we will list all of the previous days picks and analysis. This will be updated daily at around 5AM Eastern Time.
Get free NHL picks including expert parlays picks for betting NHL predictions today.
Results for Wednesday 7th of October 2026
| Handicapper | Units | Dollars |
| Doc's Sports | 5 | $500.00 |
| Robert Ferringo | 0 | $0.00 |
| Craig Trapp | -3 | $-300.00 |
| Scott Rickenbach | -4 | $-420.00 |
| Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy) | 0 | $0.00 |
| Raphael Esparza (VSI) | 0 | $0.00 |
| Tony George | 0 | $0.00 |
| Vernon Croy | 4 | $400.00 |
| Scott Spreitzer | -4 | $-400.00 |
| August Young | 4 | $400.00 |
| Strike Point Sports | 0 | $0.00 |
| Jason Sharpe | 0 | $0.00 |
| Griffin Murphy | 7 | $700.00 |
| Nick Menken | 3 | $300.00 |
Wednesday 7th of October 2026
Doc's Sports
5-Unit Play Take Edmonton/Anaheim OVER 6.5 (-135) (10 p.m. EST, Wednesday October 7)
We have a rematch from the playoffs here and this should be a real competitive game, and we think both squads will get their share of the total. Edmonton has averaged over 5.5 goals so far on the young season and Anaheim is in the Top 10 for offense early with 3.5 goals per game. We think both of these teams will be in the Top 10 offensively when the season ends, barring major injury, and Edmonton will be in the Top 5. Edmonton has also been very shaky on defense and we think this one will develop into a shootout. Six straight meetings have gone over this 6.5 goal line.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Robert Ferringo
Passing for today.
Craig Trapp
3-unit Pittsburgh moneyline (+140) at Washington, Capital One Arena (Wednesday, Oct. 7th, 7:30 p.m. ET)
The price is the bet: Washington is about -165 at home off a 1-3 loss in Tampa, while Pittsburgh is +140 despite a 2-1 start, five goals a game, a 40% power play, and a penalty kill that has not been beaten. Tommy Novak and Evgeni Malkin each have four points, Nick Robertson has two goals, and Arturs Silovs is the expected starter after winning both of his appearances. The Capitals are 1-1 with both games on the road, Rasmus Sandin is out, and Matt Roy is day-to-day, so this home opener is not as sturdy as the number. Pittsburgh is missing Bryan Rust, Justin Brazeau, and Ryan Graves, which is why it stays at 3 units. At +140, a one-goal win pays the same as a blowout.
Scott Rickenbach
4-Unit Play. Take #27/28 'Over' 6.5 (-105) Colorado at Winnipeg (7:37 p.m., Wed, Oct 7)
The Avs are rolling and have scored 7 goals per game last two games. The Jets off B2B wins also plus have scored 3 goals in all 3 of their games this season. More of the same here.
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
Passing for today.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
Passing for today.
Tony George
Passing for today.
Vernon Croy
4-Unit Play: #031 Edmonton -130 over Anaheim (Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 10:07pm ET)
Take Edmonton on the moneyline as my top NHL pick for Wednesday night. This pick falls into one of my top NHL systems and this is a very good revenge spot for Edmonton after losing in the playoffs against Anaheim last season a game I happened to be at. Edmonton is a much better team than we have seen so far this season and they still remain a top team despite not playing their best hockey yet this season. I do expect Edmonton to step up defensively in this spot and they are coming off that nice victory against Seattle allowing just one goal. Play Edmonton Moneyline
Scott Spreitzer
4-Unit Play: Take Ducks +110 over Oilers (10:07 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7)
We have the better goalie tonight for sure with Lukas Dostal. Edmonton goalie Devon Levi has been beaten often early this season, allowing eight goals on 42 SOG. Levi has a 4.03 GAA yet he’s the best the Oilers have. Edmonton will have their two stars but they’re a banged-up squad heading into this one. I’m backing the Ducks. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
4-Unit Play (030) Washington Capitals -150 over Pittsburgh Penguins (10/7 @ 7:30 PM ET) Washington's case rests on getting offense from more than one familiar combination. In practice, Anthony Beauvillier rejoined Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome, a trio that played more than 400 even-strength minutes together last season. Ryan Leonard moved alongside Justin Sourdif and Boone Jenner; Leonard and Sourdif outscored opponents 19-8 during their five-on-five minutes together last season. Those historical results do not guarantee a repeat, but the combinations give Washington a concrete route to supporting its leading scorers. The Capitals also had a day off and two practice days after splitting their opening road back-to-back. Pittsburgh presents a serious test, having scored seven and six goals in its first two games before losing 3-2 to Winnipeg. Washington cannot count on a quiet opposing attack, and Matt Roy's lower-body injury also leaves Washington's defensive depth a concern. The selection depends on the Capitals turning that familiarity and preparation into sustained five-on-five play, while limiting Pittsburgh's scoring opportunities.
Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.
Jason Sharpe
Passing for today.
Griffin Murphy
7 Unit Play - Take #31 EDM Oilers (-130) Over ANA Ducks. (10:00p.m, Wednesday, October 7th)
Edmonton comes into this game 2-0-1 on the year and has looked strong out the gate. Edmonton just beat Seattle on Saturday and has San Jose after this. There is no look ahead or zig-zag here. This is a spot play, and we believe Edmonton has the upper hand on a short price. We do believe the Ducks are coming into a strong season and have high expectations. We just believe this early on is too early for Anaheim to keep rolling against these high high-caliber teams. We believe the regression kicks in tonight, and Edmonton rolls. Take the Oilers here on the moneyline to win outright.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
3 Units: Take #31EDM Oilers ML (-130) over ANA Ducks (10:00PM, Wednesday, October 7th)
This Pacific Division matchup features a real contrast in momentum. The Ducks have surprised plenty of casual fans by opening their campaign 2-0 with impressive victories over Vegas and Florida. But Anaheim is stepping into a totally different weight class tonight against an Edmonton squad that is generating scoring chances at an absurd rate. The Oilers have already lit the lamp 17 times in their first three games, establishing a high-flying pace that few teams can match. Expect Edmonton to unleash relentless pressure from the opening drop, pepper the Anaheim net with high-danger rubber, and test the Ducks' defensive structure all night. While Anaheim's early-season energy makes this look competitive on paper, Edmonton simply boasts too much top-end scoring depth once this turns into a track meet. Backing the straight Moneyline gives us full protection if this one bleeds into overtime, but either way, Edmonton's firepower gets it done on the road.
Nick Menken
Expert NHL Picks History:
Doc's Sports
5-Unit Play Take Edmonton/Anaheim OVER 6.5 (-135) (10 p.m. EST, Wednesday October 7)We have a rematch from the playoffs here and this should be a real competitive game, and we think both squads will get their share of the total. Edmonton has averaged over 5.5 goals so far on the young season and Anaheim is in the Top 10 for offense early with 3.5 goals per game. We think both of these teams will be in the Top 10 offensively when the season ends, barring major injury, and Edmonton will be in the Top 5. Edmonton has also been very shaky on defense and we think this one will develop into a shootout. Six straight meetings have gone over this 6.5 goal line.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Robert Ferringo
Passing for today.Craig Trapp
3-unit Pittsburgh moneyline (+140) at Washington, Capital One Arena (Wednesday, Oct. 7th, 7:30 p.m. ET)The price is the bet: Washington is about -165 at home off a 1-3 loss in Tampa, while Pittsburgh is +140 despite a 2-1 start, five goals a game, a 40% power play, and a penalty kill that has not been beaten. Tommy Novak and Evgeni Malkin each have four points, Nick Robertson has two goals, and Arturs Silovs is the expected starter after winning both of his appearances. The Capitals are 1-1 with both games on the road, Rasmus Sandin is out, and Matt Roy is day-to-day, so this home opener is not as sturdy as the number. Pittsburgh is missing Bryan Rust, Justin Brazeau, and Ryan Graves, which is why it stays at 3 units. At +140, a one-goal win pays the same as a blowout.
Scott Rickenbach
4-Unit Play. Take #27/28 'Over' 6.5 (-105) Colorado at Winnipeg (7:37 p.m., Wed, Oct 7)The Avs are rolling and have scored 7 goals per game last two games. The Jets off B2B wins also plus have scored 3 goals in all 3 of their games this season. More of the same here.
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
Passing for today.Raphael Esparza (VSI)
Passing for today.Tony George
Passing for today.Vernon Croy
4-Unit Play: #031 Edmonton -130 over Anaheim (Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 10:07pm ET)Take Edmonton on the moneyline as my top NHL pick for Wednesday night. This pick falls into one of my top NHL systems and this is a very good revenge spot for Edmonton after losing in the playoffs against Anaheim last season a game I happened to be at. Edmonton is a much better team than we have seen so far this season and they still remain a top team despite not playing their best hockey yet this season. I do expect Edmonton to step up defensively in this spot and they are coming off that nice victory against Seattle allowing just one goal. Play Edmonton Moneyline
Scott Spreitzer
4-Unit Play: Take Ducks +110 over Oilers (10:07 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7)We have the better goalie tonight for sure with Lukas Dostal. Edmonton goalie Devon Levi has been beaten often early this season, allowing eight goals on 42 SOG. Levi has a 4.03 GAA yet he’s the best the Oilers have. Edmonton will have their two stars but they’re a banged-up squad heading into this one. I’m backing the Ducks. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
4-Unit Play (030) Washington Capitals -150 over Pittsburgh Penguins (10/7 @ 7:30 PM ET) Washington's case rests on getting offense from more than one familiar combination. In practice, Anthony Beauvillier rejoined Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome, a trio that played more than 400 even-strength minutes together last season. Ryan Leonard moved alongside Justin Sourdif and Boone Jenner; Leonard and Sourdif outscored opponents 19-8 during their five-on-five minutes together last season. Those historical results do not guarantee a repeat, but the combinations give Washington a concrete route to supporting its leading scorers. The Capitals also had a day off and two practice days after splitting their opening road back-to-back. Pittsburgh presents a serious test, having scored seven and six goals in its first two games before losing 3-2 to Winnipeg. Washington cannot count on a quiet opposing attack, and Matt Roy's lower-body injury also leaves Washington's defensive depth a concern. The selection depends on the Capitals turning that familiarity and preparation into sustained five-on-five play, while limiting Pittsburgh's scoring opportunities.Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.Jason Sharpe
Passing for today.Griffin Murphy
7 Unit Play - Take #31 EDM Oilers (-130) Over ANA Ducks. (10:00p.m, Wednesday, October 7th)Edmonton comes into this game 2-0-1 on the year and has looked strong out the gate. Edmonton just beat Seattle on Saturday and has San Jose after this. There is no look ahead or zig-zag here. This is a spot play, and we believe Edmonton has the upper hand on a short price. We do believe the Ducks are coming into a strong season and have high expectations. We just believe this early on is too early for Anaheim to keep rolling against these high high-caliber teams. We believe the regression kicks in tonight, and Edmonton rolls. Take the Oilers here on the moneyline to win outright.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
3 Units: Take #31EDM Oilers ML (-130) over ANA Ducks (10:00PM, Wednesday, October 7th)This Pacific Division matchup features a real contrast in momentum. The Ducks have surprised plenty of casual fans by opening their campaign 2-0 with impressive victories over Vegas and Florida. But Anaheim is stepping into a totally different weight class tonight against an Edmonton squad that is generating scoring chances at an absurd rate. The Oilers have already lit the lamp 17 times in their first three games, establishing a high-flying pace that few teams can match. Expect Edmonton to unleash relentless pressure from the opening drop, pepper the Anaheim net with high-danger rubber, and test the Ducks' defensive structure all night. While Anaheim's early-season energy makes this look competitive on paper, Edmonton simply boasts too much top-end scoring depth once this turns into a track meet. Backing the straight Moneyline gives us full protection if this one bleeds into overtime, but either way, Edmonton's firepower gets it done on the road.
Nick Menken
Expert NHL Picks History:
DOC'S SPORTS has cemented himself as one of the best hockey handicappers in the nation and is coming off consecutive winning seasons and three of four since their current handicapper took the job. Now they plan on their best season yet in 2026-27. Doc’s NHL is known for their fast starts to the season when the oddsmakers have their attention on football, NBA and college hoops. Last season Doc’s started off the season with +9,840 in earnings for their clients, and 2024-25 was even better as Doc’s picked up more than +10K by April 2025. They want you on board this year for another fun and lucrative NHL season!
ROBERT FERRINGO has racked up FOUR straight winning hockey seasons and has been one of the top hockey handicappers in the country over the last two decades, burning the books for 12 of 17 winning years on the ice. Robert had a wire-to-wire winning NHL season in 2025, meaning he won on Opening Night and his clients were in the black the entire season! He had a +7,810 hockey rush two years ago and he does it with a methodical, selective approach that focuses on plus-money situations. He is ready for another outstanding season on the ice as he goes for winning year No. 5 in a row.
AUGUST YOUNG is coming off one of his best seasons ever on the ice in 2025-26, burning the sportsbooks for over +11,000 last season alone! Young has tallied over +18,000 with his hockey service since joining Doc’s in 2021. Young has been phenomenal with his top hockey plays, including going 11-4, +3,440 with his 8-Unit NHL Game of the Year picks over the last five seasons. Young and his team are stacked with fresh data scientists and research experts and he is prime to deliver another big season on the ice!
JASON SHARPE is coming off a stellar hockey season, banking just under +8,000 for his clients on the ice. In 2023-24 he banked +6,700 with his hockey service, making it two of three monster years on the ice. Sharpe has gone 27-10 with his last 37 hockey plays rated 7.0+ and is an exceptional 66-39 (63%) with these top hockey picks over the last three years. Sharpe is a selective NHL handicapper and is the perfect option for people who enjoy betting just the best of the best expert NHL picks.
RAPHAEL ESPARZA is coming off a fantastic +5,735 hockey season and is looking to dismantle the sportsbooks again this winter. Esparza racked up +3,790 with his hockey plays rated 5.0+ and has been consistent on the ice, notching 10 of 15 winning NHL seasons. At one point Esparza was the sports book director in Vegas at MGM's Aria Race and Sports Book and other top books for 15 years. Put that experience to work for you today.
STRIKE POINT SPORTS had a dominating 2024-25 on the ice (+6,610 overall) and has produced two of three winning seasons for their clients. SPS hit 63% of their plays last season (68-40) and across 2023-2025 went an elite 83-44 (65%), +9,090 with their hockey service. SPS was also one of the best in the nation in 2019-20, and they are known for getting off to hot starts in the first six weeks of the season. SPS is going for three of four winning years and you can sign up now to join them!
SCOTT SPREITZER is coming off another winning NHL season, taking home over +2,000 last season after going off for a +8,085 run to open the 2024 season. Spreitzer loves the fact that the NHL is an under-the-radar sport, ignored by most bettors and the sportsbooks. Spreitzer has over a quarter-century of hockey betting experience and is looking to put it to work for your bankroll today. Sign up now and take advantage!
TONY GEORGE hired a new NHL handicapper prior to the 2022-23 hockey season and the result has been three of four winning years on the ice! Now George is looking forward to going for four of five. George is very selective with his top picks, going 9-6, +2,625 on hockey plays rated 7.0+ over the last two years. He has over 30 years of handicapping experience and is one of the most consistent, well known, and most respected handicappers in the sports betting industry. Get on board now.
SCOTT RICKENBACH is off a profitable season in NHL last year and carries a strong season-ending run of +5,615 NHL profit into the new season. Rickenbach’s top play success was a massive part of that run, going 21-12 (64%) with his hockey plays rated 5.0+. He is ready to add to these hot streaks and Rickenbach has had many huge NHL seasons in his two-decade career.
NICK MENKEN exploded onto the hockey scene at Doc’s in 2024, banking +5,165 in his first month releasing picks. Menken nailed the first eight hockey selections of his career and he is looking for another hot start on the ice this year. Menken was at his best with his top play and you can get signed up with him today!
GRIFFIN MURPHY is one of the newest handicappers at Doc's Sports and is looking for a big season. Murphy has 11 years of betting experience, with nine years of experience as a professional handicapper. Murphy is going to focus on totals and puck-line plays this winter and he is looking to build on his success with 7-Unit NHL Plays. Sign up and put him to work now!
ARUN SHIVA had back-to-back dominating NHL campaigns in 2020-21, banking over +13,000 those two years. Shiva banked a wire-to-wire winning season in 2020 and followed it up with a 61%, +8,700 season. Shiva’s one play per day style has made him one of the most sought-after handicappers in the country, and you can sign up today!
CRAIG TRAPP joined Doc’s Sports of 2024-25 and posted a winning season on the ice, hitting 57% of his picks on the year for +2,145 in winnings. Trapp is looking to get off to a hot start and carry that success through the eight-month season. Sign up and put his experience to work for you today!
VERNON CROY has always looked at NHL as one of his top sports over the last 25 years. Three years ago, Croy went 104-88, +6,910 in the NHL season and banked over +4,400 with his top hockey plays. He is looking for a big rebound season and looking to match that 2023 standard. He is chomping at the bit to start the season hot. Sign-up today!