Mark Lammey
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After the small 4-game slate last night, it’s a great thing to see 13 games on the board today. However, so many games can make it difficult to break down each one of them. That’s what we’ve done for you and come up with our 3 favorite plays. By piecing them together into a parlay, we have a play with mega odds that could boost your bankroll in a big way. We’re not getting started with the early afternoon matchup, but these games should make it worth the wait.
Before we dive in, be sure to check out our NHL picks for today’s action.
New York Islanders -1.5 (+115) over Columbus Blue Jackets
The New York Islanders get to remain at home after what was nothing short of an embarrassing defeat on Thursday night. They fell to the Arizona Coyotes in shutout fashion. While that leaves a bad taste in the mouth of Islanders fans, it’s important not to be a prisoner of the moment. New York had won 7 of its previous 8 games before that loss. Two of those were against their cross-town rival New York Rangers, one of which was a shutout of their own.
They’ve also defeated the defending Stanley Cup-champion Colorado Avalanche and the Carolina Hurricanes. The Islanders sit just behind the ‘Canes in the Metro Division, as they look for their 10th win tonight. They should get it in convincing fashion against a struggling Blue Jackets team. Columbus is in last in the Metro Division, and are in jeopardy of losing their 10th game. They may be riding high off their win over the Philadelphia Flyers, but they still are not a consistent team. The Jackets have allowed the 2nd-most goals per game, behind only the Anaheim Ducks in that regard. Meanwhile, the Islanders have allowed the 5th-fewest behind elite goaltender Ilya Sorokin. Given that discrepancy, expect New York to bounce back in a big way in the Big Apple.
Be sure to check out our Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders predictions
Vancouver Canucks vs Toronto Maple Leafs Over 6.5 (-120)
We’re swapping to a total for our 2nd leg of our mega parlay. First and foremost, the Canucks are in a similar position as the Blue Jackets. They’ve now allowed the 3rd-most goals per game, and have to face Auston Matthews and company. Let’s not forget Matthews is just a few months removed from a 60-goal season and winning the Hart Trophy for the league’s MVP. Along with Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander, they’re still one of the most star-studded teams in the NHL. Vancouver was a team that relied on goaltender Thatcher Demko last season, but clearly he just hasn’t been the same.
While the Leafs will be on the second night of a back-to-back, that shouldn’t be a concern for Matthews to continue sniping that top shelf. However, it is a concern in terms of Toronto’s goaltending. That’s been something they’ve always been criticized for, and is often the reasoning for their early exits in the postseason. Their new addition in net of Matt Murray is still injured, and Erik Kallgren was in net last night. The defensive end of the ice is also where fatigue from a back-to-back is much more evident. With the Leafs focusing on taking advantage of the Canucks weak goaltending, expect both teams to find the back of the net tonight.
Calgary Flames -1.5 (+165) over Winnipeg Jets
Let’s get back to another puck line play that provides the longest odds for our mega parlay. It’s not surprising as to why, as the Flames have cooled off after their hot start. They’re on a 7-game losing streak, which obviously doesn’t sound promising. However, we just saw the Pittsburgh Penguins end their 7-game skid with a 4-1 road win on Wednesday night. The Flames are back in Calgary and can do the same. It’s also important to note that their recent losses are not as straightforward as they seem.
3 of the last 4 defeats were by a single goal, and against 2 of the best teams in the NHL. The Flames played the New Jersey Devils twice in that span, who are 11-3-0, and the Boston Bruins on Thursday night, who are 12-2-0. The argument then could be made that the Jets are sitting at an impressive 8-3-1. However, they’ve been at home in Winnipeg beating up on the likes of the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens. Their road wins haven’t exactly been tall tasks either. Their last road win was against the Coyotes, and following that one was a road loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been solid, but former-Avalanche Nazem Kadri can heat these Flames up on home ice.
Be sure to check out our Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames predictions
Saturday’s NHL mega parlay (11/12)
Islanders -1.5 (+115)
Canucks vs Maple Leafs – Over 6.5 (-120)
Flames -1.5 (+165)
Parlay odds +944
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