The 2025-26 NHL season has delivered plenty of surprises through its first month, with the Montreal Canadiens’ resurgence atop the Atlantic Division catching the hockey world’s attention. As we head into a unique weekend featuring the NHL Global Series in Stockholm alongside regular-season action across North America, bettors have a fascinating slate of games to analyze.
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Weekend Schedule Overview
Friday, November 14:
- Nashville Predators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (Stockholm, Sweden – 2:00 PM ET) – Game 1 of Global Series
Saturday, November 15:
- Multiple North American games
- Open Practice at Avicii Arena (Stockholm)
Sunday, November 16:
- Nashville Predators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (Stockholm, Sweden – 9:00 AM ET) – Game 2 of Global Series
- Full slate of North American action
The Global Series Factor
This weekend’s marquee matchups take place in Stockholm as part of the 2025 NHL Global Series presented by Fastenal. The Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins will face off twice at Avicii Arena, and these international games present unique betting considerations.
Travel and Timing Considerations:
- Both teams left North America early in the week to adjust to the time zone
- European ice surfaces are identical to NHL standards (contrary to popular belief)
- Players often report feeling fresh after the trip due to extra rest days
- Afternoon/morning ET start times mean evening games in Stockholm
Historical Trends:
Global Series games tend to play tighter than regular-season matchups, with teams feeling each other out in an unfamiliar environment. Totals have historically gone under more often than expected, and home-ice advantage essentially disappears.
Montreal Canadiens: The Season’s Biggest Surprise
Before diving into this weekend’s specific picks, we need to address the elephant in the room: the Montreal Canadiens are for real, at least through the first 15 games.
Current Record: 10-3-2 (First in Atlantic Division)
Cole Caufield’s Historic Start:
- Tied for NHL lead with 12 goals (with Nathan MacKinnon)
- Three overtime game-winners this season
- Set franchise record with 11 career OT goals
- On pace for 64 goals (would shatter his career-high)
Why the Canadiens Matter for Betting:
- Nine of their first 12 games decided by one goal (live betting opportunities)
- Nick Suzuki on a 10-game point streak (14 assists, 2 goals)
- Lane Hutson (Calder Trophy winner last season) has 10 points in 15 games
- Averaging 3.6 goals per game (up from 3.0 last season)
- Goaltender Jakub Dobes perfect at 6-0-0
Betting Strategy: Target Canadiens in close games and consider their team total over. They’re generating 17.7 quality scoring chances per game (5th in NHL) and have proven they can win in multiple ways. Home games at Bell Centre offer particular value when the line is pick’em or better.
Value Picks for the Weekend
Nashville vs. Pittsburgh (Game 1 – Friday)
The Matchup:
These teams haven’t played yet this season, making this a true measuring stick game. Both franchises have experienced coaching changes and roster turnover in recent years, creating uncertainty that savvy bettors can exploit.
Nashville’s Season:
The Predators have struggled to find consistent offensive production despite adding veteran talent in the offseason. However, they’ve shown flashes of the defensive structure that made them perennial contenders.
Pittsburgh’s Season:
The Penguins are in transition mode with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the twilight of their careers (both 38 years old this season). However, they’ve remained competitive through strong goaltending and system play.
Betting Angle:
- Best Bet: Under 6 goals – Global Series games historically play tighter, and both teams emphasize defense. European audiences often see lower-scoring affairs.
- Value Play: Draw after regulation (+270 to +300) – With jet lag factoring in and unfamiliar surroundings, this has “3-on-3 overtime” written all over it.
- Prop Bet: Crosby anytime goal scorer (+180) – The 38-year-old legend loves the big stage, and international games have historically brought out his best.
Saturday’s North American Action
While the Global Series takes Sunday off for an open practice and Bolaget concert at Hovet, Saturday features a full slate of NHL games across North America.
Teams to Target:
- Montreal Canadiens (home games): The Bell Centre has been electric, and the Habs are 6-1-1 at home
- Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon is tied for the league lead in goals and shows no signs of slowing down
- Vegas Golden Knights: Jack Eichel leads the Pacific Division leaders with 19 points
Teams to Fade:
- Any team on the second game of a back-to-back
- Bottom-feeders playing elite opponents (but watch for trap games)
Parlay Builders
Conservative Two-Leg Parlay (+250 approx.)
Leg 1: Canadiens Team Total Over 3.5 Goals
Montreal is averaging 3.6 goals per game and has proven they can score in bunches. This hits more often than not.
Leg 2: Avalanche Moneyline (vs. mid-tier opponent)
With MacKinnon playing at an MVP level and Colorado’s depth, they’re a safe foundation for any parlay.
Why This Works: You’re not relying on a specific game outcome for Leg 1, just Montreal’s ability to score (which they do consistently). Colorado provides the stability.
Aggressive Three-Leg Parlay (+650 approx.)
Leg 1: Nashville/Pittsburgh Under 6 (Friday)
As discussed, Global Series games trend under.
Leg 2: Cole Caufield Anytime Goal Scorer (+140)
The hottest scorer in hockey right now. He’s found the net in bunches and plays heavy minutes.
Leg 3: Over 6 Goals in high-scoring matchup
Target games featuring Edmonton, Toronto, or other offensive juggernauts. The Oilers especially have been involved in track meets.
Risk Assessment: Medium-high. The under and Caufield goal are solid, but overs are always volatile. Shop for the best total (6 vs. 6.5 makes a huge difference).
Longshot Specials
Global Series Game 2 (Sunday Morning)
Nashville Regulation Win (+200 to +240)
After losing Game 1 (our projected scenario), the Predators will come out motivated in the series finale. The team that loses the first Global Series game often bounces back strong in Game 2, having adjusted to the environment.
Cole Caufield First Goal Scorer (+900 to +1000)
With three overtime winners already this season and a knack for clutch goals, Caufield represents tremendous value at these odds. The Canadiens frequently jump to early leads, and Caufield is often on the ice for the opening shift.
Sunday Underdog Parlay
Target 2-3 road underdogs in the +140 to +180 range on Sunday. NHL Sundays often produce upsets as teams deal with travel fatigue and playing the third game in four nights.
Advanced Betting Strategies
The “Ov-ational” Play
Alexander Ovechkin made history on November 5, 2025, becoming the first player to score 900 career goals. While the milestone is complete, Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record (894 goals) continues. Betting Strategy: When the Capitals play, consider Ovechkin anytime goal scorer props, especially on power plays where he remains elite.
The Jet Lag Adjustment
For the Global Series specifically, consider these factors:
- Game 1: Both teams adjusting = Under likely
- Game 2: Both teams comfortable = Potential for more offense
Home Ice Matters (Except in Stockholm)
While home teams typically win 55% of NHL games, the Global Series neutralizes this advantage. Both Nashville and Pittsburgh are essentially road teams, making moneyline values more genuine.
Prop Bets to Target
Over/Under Player Points
High-Confidence Overs:
- Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 Points – He’s on a 10-game point streak and quarterbacks Montreal’s power play
- Nathan MacKinnon Over 1.5 Points – Tied for the goal lead and putting up MVP numbers
- Jack Eichel Over 0.5 Points – Leading Vegas and the Pacific Division in scoring
Value Unders:
- Target players returning from injury or in prolonged slumps
- Secondary scorers on defensive teams
Goaltender Props
Sam Montembeault (Montreal) Over 28.5 Saves
Montreal’s games tend to be high-event, and Montembeault faces quality chances despite the team’s success. At 6-0-0, he’s found his groove.
First Period Betting
Under 1.5 Goals First Period
Global Series games especially see teams feeling each other out early. First period unders in Stockholm should hit at a higher rate than normal.
Bankroll Management for the Weekend
With a unique schedule featuring morning ET games from Europe, proper bankroll management becomes crucial.
Suggested Unit Distribution:
High Confidence (2-3 Units):
- Montreal Canadiens related bets (home games only)
- Global Series under bets
- Proven superstars (MacKinnon, Caufield, Suzuki props)
Standard Plays (1 Unit):
- Individual game moneylines with clear edges
- Player prop overs on hot streaks
- Team totals with supporting analytics
Longshots (0.25-0.5 Units):
- Three-leg parlays
- First goal scorer props
- Regulation wins in toss-up games
Red Flags: Games to Avoid
Back-to-Back Situations:
Teams playing their second game in as many nights, especially on the road, should be faded unless you’re getting significant value (dog +180 or better).
Post-Global Series Adjustment:
When Nashville and Pittsburgh return to North America for their next games (November 19-20), expect adjustment periods. Both teams will be dealing with trans-Atlantic jet lag in reverse.
Trap Games:
Elite teams playing bottom-feeders on the second night of back-to-backs. The favorite is often overvalued, and the underdog provides live betting value if they jump to an early lead.
Special Considerations: The Olympic Season
This is a unique season with the NHL participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy (February 6-25, 2026). The season features a 20-day break, which affects several betting considerations:
- Players are playing for Olympic roster spots, increasing effort levels
- Teams may manage star players’ ice time leading into the break
- The trade deadline dynamics will be different with the Olympic break
Weekend Watchlist: Teams and Trends
Hottest Teams (Target for Moneylines):
- Montreal Canadiens (10-3-2, six-game point streak)
- Vegas Golden Knights (leading Pacific Division)
- Colorado Avalanche (MacKinnon rolling)
Coldest Teams (Fade or Target as Underdogs):
- Chicago Blackhawks (playing much better, but they are still learning to win)
- San Jose Sharks (improved but still not top-tier)
- Anaheim Ducks (young roster still learning to compete despite early success)
Best Over Bets:
- Any game involving Edmonton Oilers (high-event hockey)
- Montreal Canadiens home games (Bell Centre produces goals)
- Colorado games featuring MacKinnon
Best Under Bets:
- Global Series Games (Nashville vs. Pittsburgh)
- Defensive matchups (check goaltender matchups)
- Afternoon games (historically lower-scoring)
Final Thoughts and Betting Philosophy
The 2025-26 NHL season has already provided twists and turns, from Montreal’s shocking resurgence to Ovechkin’s historic 900th goal. As bettors, we must remain adaptable while sticking to core principles:
- Line Shopping is Essential: Different sportsbooks offer different odds. A half-goal on a total or 10 cents on a moneyline adds up over a season.
- Bet Sober, Bet Smart: Morning games from Europe test discipline. Don’t chase losses on afternoon games because you lost on the 9 AM ET Sweden game.
- Respect the Trends, But Don’t Be Enslaved: Montreal’s hot start is real, but regression comes for everyone. Ride hot streaks but know when to pull back.
- Goaltending Wins Championships (and Bets): Always confirm starting goalies before placing bets. A backup goaltender can completely change the value of a total or moneyline.
- The Olympic Factor: As the season progresses toward February’s Olympic break, player effort and team strategies will shift. Adjust accordingly.
Responsible Gaming Reminder
The NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint. Maintain strict bankroll management, never chase losses, and remember that no bet is a “lock.” If you find yourself betting more than you can afford to lose or gambling is negatively impacting your life, seek help immediately.
Resources:
- National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
- Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
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Quick Picks Summary
Best Bets:
- Nashville vs. Pittsburgh Game 1 Under 6 goals
- Montreal Canadiens Team Total Over (home games)
- Cole Caufield anytime goal scorer
Parlay Play:
- Canadiens Over 3.5 + Avalanche ML = Approx. +250
Longshot Special:
- Cole Caufield First Goal Scorer (+900)
- Nashville Regulation Win Game 2 (+220)
Prop to Hammer:
- Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 Points (10-game point streak)
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All odds and statistics current as of November 13, 2025. Always verify current lines before placing wagers, as odds shift based on betting action and breaking news (injuries, lineup changes, etc.). The Global Series games feature unique start times – Friday at 2:00 PM ET and Sunday at 9:00 AM ET.
Good luck, and may the hockey gods be with you this weekend!