Check out the Betway Insider's NHL predictions page for best bets throughout the 2020-21 NHL season.

Buffalo Sabres to beat Philadelphia Flyers

This might seem out of left field since the Flyers were so strong last season and the Sabres were so weak, while the Flyers are undefeated and the Sabres are winless so far, but records this early can be misleading.

Through two games, the Flyers rank sixth-bottom in expected goals for percentage at 5-vs-5 at 43.6 per cent, while the Sabres are among the league leaders at 59.7 per cent.

The Flyers are excellent on special teams so discipline will be key for the Sabres, but they’re due a win. 

Columbus Blue Jackets to beat Detroit Red Wings 

The Blue Jackets haven’t had a great start to the season, scoring only three goals in two losses to the Predators, but a matchup against one of the league’s worst teams might be the perfect cure for their form. 

Columbus have controlled shots and shot attempts in all situations so far this season, but have failed to penetrate the middle of the ice and get good scoring chances.

Against a team that gives up more clear-cut opportunities than almost everyone else, they have a great chance to build some confidence.

Carolina Hurricanes to beat Nashville Predators 

The Hurricanes are a team that dominate play in all situations, but they can struggle to finish at times, and their goaltending tends to be a little suspect.

Juuse Saros has been brilliant to start the season for Nashville, sporting one of the top save percentages in the league. This is, however, the second half of a back-to-back between the two teams, and Saros isn’t going to start both.

In the second game, the team with more depth has the advantage: that’s Carolina.

Colorado Avalanche to beat Los Angeles Kings 

By most models, the Colorado Avalanche are the Stanley Cup favourites this season.

They had a rough start with a tough loss against the St. Louis Blues, including a cheap shot on newly-acquired defenceman Devon Toews. Toews avoided injury, though, and the Avs came back to blitz the Blues 8-0 in the next game.

The Blues waking a sleeping giant early is bad news for the LA Kings, who are a middling possession team with poor goaltending. Jonathan Quick’s aggressive style isn't likely to mesh well with the speed Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche play with.

BOOSTED DOUBLE

Buffalo and Columbus to win 

BOOSTED DOUBLE

Carolina and Colorado to win 

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