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
My NHL first period picks today are Senators and Red Wings on the moneyline and the under in St. Louis and Utah.
| Game | First Period Moneyline | First Period Over/Under | Pick | Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa vs. Buffalo | -120 / +100 | o1.5 -125 / u1.5 +105 | Senators 1P ML | |
| Florida vs. Detroit | -130 / +110 | o1.5 -120 / u1.5 +100 | Red Wings 1P ML | |
| Chicago vs. St. Louis | +149 / -170 | o1.5 -125 / u1.5 +105 | 1P Under 1.5 | |
| Calgary vs. Utah | +149 / -170 | o1.5 -125 / u1.5 +105 | 1P Under 1.5 |
Best First Period Bets Today
Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres
This first period bet will come down to the fact that Ottawa can score, whereas Buffalo cannot score. The Sabres’ offense has been horrendous thus far: the entire team is worth fading in the first period and, for that matter, the entire game. In three games, Buffalo has scored a combined total of two goals.
One of those goals came in the first period. It’s not like the Sabres are facing defensive juggernauts. For example, their last opponent was a Boston team that conceded three goals to Chicago and four to Tampa Bay.
So, while Ottawa’s defense is far from the best, that fact doesn’t constitute a reason to dislike the Senators. Ottawa has a capable offense that has scored two first-period goals in three games thus far.
Florida Panthers vs. Detroit Red Wings
Just because the Panthers are the defending champs, doesn’t mean that they are blindly worth investing in. This is especially true on the road, where they have not looked like the version of themselves that thrives in Florida. At home, Florida beat Philadelphia 2-1. On the road, Florida lost to Philadelphia 5-2. In the latter game, the Flyers led 1-0 after the first period.
Conversely, Detroit has apparently figured out how to avert slow starts. The Red Wings led 1-0 after the first period in their latest game, which was against Toronto. The Maple Leafs tried to stage a comeback, as they dominated shot attempts in the final period. They had to try to come back because the Red Wings had asserted themselves so effectively to begin the game. Expect another strong beginning effort from the Red Wings at home tonight.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues
This is a game between two slow-starting teams. Chicago has two first-period goals in four games. Likewise, the Blues have one first-period goal in three games. The fact that Chicago is a slow-starting team is not negated by the fact that they struggle to score goals in general.
Most recently, Chicago scored three goals in its game against Utah, and zero of those goals came in the first period. The same is true of the Blues, who scored five goals in their last game against Vancouver, with four of those goals coming in the last two periods.
Calgary Flames vs. Utah Mammoth
Location matters. Amped by the home crowd and the home atmosphere, the Flames start strong in games that take place at home. Most recently, they scored two goals in their last home game, with both of those goals taking place in the first period. However, the Flames are the complete opposite on the road, where they don’t get the benefit of their home fans and home atmosphere.
For example, they won at Edmonton by scoring four goals even though they scored zero first-period goals. Overall, they have zero first-period goals in two road games. Utah’s offense struggles similarly. The Mammoth have scored one first-period goal in three games.
Place Your First Period Bets Now
We have a great selection of first period bets to recommend: Ottawa, underdog Detroit, and the under in St. Louis and Utah. Be sure to sign up with a reputable sportsbook in order to take advantage of these bets. Ideally, you’ll sign up with multiple good sportsbooks in order to survey the NHL first period betting odds, as they differ across sportsbooks, and earn the biggest possible overall payout.
Tips for Betting NHL First Period Picks
Here are my favorite NHL first period betting tips:
- 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
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
