NHL Wednesday parlay at mega (+1125) odds, today 12/21: Lightning strike down the Red Wings

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel

Mark Lammey

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I've been a capper since my love for sports met my proficiency with numbers and math. The NFL and NCAAF have always been my first loves, followed by the NHL. Although I prefer sports that involve hitting people, I still love capping MLB, soccer, tennis, and even some esports. Living in Florida has its perks like year-round sports of any kind. For Mark Lammey media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.

Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+145) over Detroit Red Wings

We’ve got an official play on the over for this matchup, but we’re going to take the value on the puck line for our mega parlay. Tampa has been in great form as they look to reach their 4th straight Stanley Cup Final. They had won 8 of 10 games prior to an upset against this same Red Wings squad. Despite that slight speed bump, they then rattled off 5 straight wins prior to their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. More impressively, they won each of those games by multiple goals.

Meanwhile, the Red Wings’ loss to the Washington Capitals on Monday night marked their 6th straight defeat after that upset over Tampa. They will have the benefit of being at home and the Lightning on a back-to-back, but that’s also what is provided the much better odds on this play than we otherwise would be getting. Behind guys like Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, they have the leadership and mental toughness to handle a less-than-ideal scheduling spot. While backup goaltender Brian Elliott will be in net, he just led the Lightning to a 3-goal victory last Thursday. Tampa can do the same against a Detroit team that is trending in the wrong direction.

Be sure to check out our Tampa Bay Lightning vs Detroit Red Wings predictions

Nashville Predators -1.5 (+150) over Chicago Blackhawks

Let’s stick with another puck line play and focus on a team struggling even more than the Wings. The Blackhawks have been absolutely abysmal overall, and recently. First and foremost, they have just 7 wins the entire season, the fewest in the NHL. They’re coming off an embarrassing 7-1 loss to the New York Rangers, which was also at home. Since Chicago’s last win, they’ve lost games by final scores of 3-0 twice, 3-1, 7-3, 4-1 twice and that 7-1 Rangers loss. In other words, they’re unable to even look competitive.

As much of a shoo-in as Patrick Kane is for the Hall of Fame, he simply has no help around him. It also makes this much more difficult that the Blackhawks are allowing the most goals per game over the last month by far. They are the only team in that span allowing more than 4 goals per game. The Preds haven’t been perfect, but they’re coming off a great win over Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. With that momentum and the poor play of the Blackhawks, they can take tonight’s game in convincing fashion in Chicago.

Be sure to check out our full Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks predictions

Minnesota Wild vs Anaheim Ducks – Over 6.5 (+100)

We’re going to cap off our mega parlay with the nightcap of the NHL slate. Minnesota has been running wild as of late, winning 5 straight, 4 of which have been by multiple goals. Given that the Ducks are rivaling Chicago for the worst team in hockey, it may seem as though the clear play should be on the Wild puck line. However, there is something about teams traveling out to the west coast and overlooking a clearly lesser opponent. It causes teams to play down to the competition, much like the Ducks beating a very strong Carolina Hurricanes team in Anaheim during their last home stretch.

While Minnesota will still likely win this game, we’re going to focus on the total at even money instead. The Wild may very well score 7 goals themselves, much like the Leafs did against the Ducks just a week ago. It’s also even more likely given that Anaheim will be on the second night of a back-to-back after playing the Kings in Los Angeles last night. They already allow the most goals per game in the NHL, so even if they aren’t able to contribute much, this game should still go over the total.

Be sure to check out our Minnesota Wild vs Anaheim Ducks prediction