Want to get ahead of the action early? Our NHL first period picks highlight the best bets for fast starts, including moneylines, totals, and props.
We’ve analyzed recent trends, scoring stats, and matchup data to help you find value in today’s first-period markets.
NHL First Period Odds & Picks for Today
Here’s a look at today’s NHL first-period picks and betting odds for each matchup.
| Game | 1P Moneyline | 1P Over/Under | Pick | Sportsbooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Panthers vs. Detroit Red Wings | Florida -115 | 1.5 | Florida -115 | Caesars |
| Ottawa Senators vs Buffalo Sabres. | Ottawa +105 | 1.5 | Tie +200 | Caesars |
| Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues | Blues -130 | 1.5 | Over -120 | Caesars |
| Calgary Flames vs. Utah Mammoth | Utah -135 | 1.5 | Over -110 | Caesars |
Best First Period Bets Today
We haven’t had many games thus far to trust teams’ first-period stats this season, with just a small sample size, but we still have enough ammo to make some first-period picks today.
Panthers First Period ML (-115) at Caesars
Panthers vs. Red Wings – Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 PM EDT
The Florida Panthers were the best team on the moneyline in the first period last season and have had a positive start again this year, having gone 2-1-1. Detroit has gone 1-2-0 on the ML during the first period.
Detroit has scored ten 1P goals this season compared to Florida’s thirteen 1P goals. Both teams have allowed ten 1P goals this season. We like the Panthers to continue their strong start to each game with a win tonight during the first period.
First Period Tie (+200) at Caesars
Senators vs. Sabres – Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 PM EDT
We can’t separate the Buffalo Sabres or Ottawa Senators in this first period. This should be a pretty even game throughout, and we feel the tie at +200 is the best bet for this matchup’s 1P.
Last season, the Sabres had the 2nd-best 1P moneyline record. This season, though, both the Sabres and Red Wings have gone 0-2-1 throughout the 1P of the game.
Had the Sabres been at home, we might have favored them, but on the road, we can’t look past the plus money available for this matchup’s first period.
First Period Over/Under Predictions
First Period – Over 1.5 Goals (-120) at Caesars
Blackhawks vs. Blues – Wednesday, October 15, 9:30 PM EDT
The Chicago Blackhawks have gone 2-2 this season when looking at the first period over/under total, while the St. Louis Blues have gone 1-2.
Last season, the Blackhawks were in third place for most games going over the total throughout the first period, with a 29-12 record. Chicago also made the most money on the total over on home ice, with +13.5 units made (based on 1 unit per bet).
St. Louis was in sixth place for most units when playing on the road, having gone 27-18 to the over. Both teams combined average 2.8 1P goals so far this season. We expect goals in this matchup, but wouldn’t lay any less than the current -120 1P odds available.
First Period – Over 1.5 Goals (-110) at Caesars
Flames vs. Mammoth – Wednesday, October 15, 9:30 PM EDT
It’s been a poor start to the season for Calgary, and we expect some goals in this matchup‘s first period. The Flames have gone 2-2 to the over in the 1P this season, with their opponents Utah Mammoth, going 1-2 to the over.
We are going against the trends in this game with the Flames leading the league last season in 1P totals going under. The Flames should come out flying in this game, considering their poor start to the season.
The previous three games between these teams have seen 2/1/3 first-period goals. We like the -110 for over 1.5 first-period goals to be scored in Calgary tonight.
Place Your NHL Bets Now
The Florida Panthers should look to get the ball rolling early throughout the first period in tonight’s matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. Florida’s odds won’t get any better than -115, so get locked in on these odds as soon as possible.
To always ensure you get the best odds, it’s advised to sign up with multiple sportsbooks for the best lines and odds across the board, as well as promotional advantages to first-time customers.
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Tips For Betting NHL First Period Picks
Before placing your wagers, keep these five NHL first-period betting tips in mind. They’ll help you spot value, react to market movement, and make smarter decisions with tonight’s NHL odds.
- Track team scoring trends in the opening period.
- Watch for hot goalies who shut down early scoring chances.
- Check head-to-head first-period histories.
- Target games with elite offensive matchups.
- Compare lines across sportsbooks for better payouts.
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
