NHL Betting Picks: Monday 10/23/23

It's a rather simple night with just one game on the NHL slate.

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.

Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres

Canadiens +1.5 (-152)

An Atlantic Division matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres is our one game today, and based on where these teams are in the early season, all signs point to it being a close game.

In five games this campaign, the Sabres have been involved in four one-goal games. Buffalo hasn't repeated the offensive numbers that they carried last year, as can be seen by their 58.78 Corsi For (Total Shot Attempts Created) per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is 20th-best in the league and a step behind Montreal's 19th-ranked 58.81.

The Canadiens entered the season with few expectations. However, the offense -- led by Cole Caufield -- is about a league-average unit, giving them an edge tonight.

Heading into the game as the underdogs, the Canadiens have a better expected goals for rate per 60 minutes (xGF/60) than the Sabres do, sitting at a 2.67 clip (14th) compared to Buffalo's 2.4 (25th). With the Sabres underperforming, it makes the pick of Montreal all the more intriguing.

The netminders are expected to be Jake Allen and Devon Levi tonight.

Allen has been strong in the net, putting together a 3.34 goals against average (GAA) and .907% save percentage, while also recording a 2.33 goals saved above expected (GSAx). On the other hand, Levi has been a step below. The Sabres goaltender has an improved 3.26 GAA but a .892% save percentage. He hasn't made the major saves as much, either, putting together a -0.27 GSAx.

With all the numbers supporting the Habs tonight, the Canadiens should be able to keep it close in Buffalo.

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

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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.