NHL Week Two: Betzky’s Tastiest Best Bets and Props 10/08/2026
Written by: Brad Blakemore
Last Update: Thu Oct 08, 2026, 4:06 pm ET
Read Time: 7 minutes
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It's Week 2 of the NHL season. And while last week we had to lean into what we already knew, we finally are getting enough data to target leaky defenses and ride hot lines. Unfortunately we went 1-2 on our kickoff NHL best bet article last week, so let's get into the green today with three NHL player props I love. Also, don't forget, it is not too late to get some action on NHL futures and awards. Make sure to check out some of my favorite award picks, covering the Norris Trophy, the top goalie in the league and the Calder for the top rookie.
Early into the season rosters are fresh, motivations are clear, and oddsmakers are still calibrating. That's our edge and why we are specifically pouncing on three NHL player props whose value may plummet in the next couple weeks. Here are three player props, almost ALL at plus money, worth putting money on tonight.
We will be breaking down NHL best bets here at Betting News all season long! Each article will look for VALUE, as in straights you can take to build up your bankroll or pieces you can use to beef up your parlays. All bets will be -135 or better odds. And while we will focus on NHL player props, there are times we will take sides and totals. So keep your eyes peeled here as we will drop these throughout the week.
And if you haven't already, be sure to check out some of my favorite futures and awards. So time to lace them up and get ready to ride with Betzky for my favorite NHL best bets of the day.
1. David Pastrnak o3.5 SOG: +110 on Lucky Rebel
Bruins right winger David Pastrnak reacts after scoring a goal.
I was at the Bruins game on Monday. They STUNK. They looked lifeless and unable to gain any momentum against the Senators. So what better team to bet on than a group that is looking to bounce back. And we are going straight to their Captain David Pastrnak. David Pastrnak has hit the over on 3.5 shots in 3 of his the 4 games this season — averaging 3.8 SOG per game over that stretch. And just like the Bruins, he slumped last game against Ottawa and should also be due for a bounce-back and that's exactly why he is an NHL best bet tonight.
Boston is coming off an embarrassing loss to Ottawa and they need to make a statement at home. That urgency only helps us here. When the Bruins need to assert themselves, Pastrnak becomes even more of a focal point — he shoots, he creates, he puts the puck on net relentlessly.
Utah is a tough opponent, but "tough" doesn't mean Pastrnak stops shooting. The Mammoth are currently allowing the 7th least amount of shots against. However, if you lean into Pastrnak's history vs this franchise, a different picture is painted. He has hit his SOG prop in 88% of the last 8 games against them, averaging a whopping 5.4 SOG and 9.5 shots against when playing Utah.
The Mammoth are also middle of the pack in penalties allowed per game. That means Pasta should get a good amount of time on the power play to fire pucks at net. Getting him at +110 to do what he does in practically every game is a steal and an NHL best bet.
Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick
2. William Eklund Assist: +135 on Lucky Rebel
Ottawa Senators players celebrate after scoring a goal.
Sometimes it can take a moment to gain chemistry on a new team. That isn't exactly the case for William Eklund. While he went pointless in the first two games of the season for his new team the Ottawa Senators, he netted his first goal and assist of the season two nights ago against Detroit. The young Swedish forward notched two points in Ottawa's last game against Detroit — an even-strength goal and a power-play assist — and he's playing with the kind of confidence that's contagious.
This is a player who many thought would have broken out when he was in San Jose. And while it seemed like he was almost there, it never quite happened. Now he is stapled to the Senators' top center Tim Stutzle who has three goals in his last two games and has been over a point per game throughout his career. This could be a line stack that is an NHL best bet week after week.
The matchup tonight couldn't be much kinder. The Flyers are a team in transition. While their goaltending seemed elite last season, they have had a slow start this year. The Flyers are 6th in goals against in this young season. Many thought the Flyers outperformed last season, and early into the season it seems like they are still trying to figure out their system.
Eklund is a top-line player for the first time in his career. He's logging 18:06 per game, operates on the top power-play unit, and is surrounded by enough talent in Ottawa's lineup to manufacture scoring chances. A guy who just had a multi-point night against Detroit isn't going cold against Philadelphia, and that's why he looks like an NHL best bet. Take his point, stack it with Stutzle or his assist.
Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick
3. Taylor Hall Point: -120 on Lucky Rebel
Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall celebrates after scoring goal vs. the Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Taylor Hall is in full form and he's playing for a team whose offense is rolling. After scoring two goals against Montreal on Tuesday, Hall heads into tonight's home matchup against Vancouver with all the momentum in the world. Carolina is 2-1-1 and chasing a third straight win — and their power play has scored in each of the last four games.
Vancouver's goaltending is, how do I say it politely, MISERABLE. Kevin Lankinen has started the majority of Canucks games this season, and the team sits at 2-2-0 — largely due to the offense scoring at a ridiculous pace. The Canucks are 4th for goals against per game, so that record is pretty impressive. The Canucks are beginning a grueling six-game road trip, against last year's Stanley Cup winner. The Hurricanes' depth should smother the Canucks
Hall has always had a nose for the scoresheet against Vancouver, and tonight he's playing alongside Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake on the 2nd line and the 2nd power play unit. But why this is really an NHL best bet is Hall's history vs the Canucks. He has a point in 5 straight games against them and has 42 points in 44 games against them in his career. He LOVES feasting on Vancouver and that's why this is NHL best bet.
Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick
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Brad Blakemore, better known as Betzky, is a desert rat who was born and raised in Tempe Arizona. Shockingly this didn't stop Betzky from becoming a hockey fanatic. He specializes in NHL capping, and is (unfortunately) a diehard Coyotes fan, through all the highs and (mostly) lows. When not consuming NHL action Betzky collects records of all genres, attends tons of concerts and spends time with the Mrs, their cat Brain and doggo Ned. Follow Betzky on Twitter/X @gretzkybetzkys or on the Parlay Science discord.
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