There are 12 games on the schedule in the NHL for Thursday. As the end of the season approaches, teams will be looking for points and playoff positions. Two games that highlight the push for playoff position are the Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:00 pm ET and Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators at 8:00 pm ET. We have looked through all 12 games and picked 3 teams to parlay that have a payout of just under 11/1 at BetMGM sportsbook.
But before we dive in, be sure to check out all of our picks and previews for every game. You can also follow Pickswise on Twitter for plenty of daily betting content.
Lightning -1.5 (-145)
Capitals ML (+135)
Wild -1.5 (+200)
Parlay odds: +1091
Let’s break down each of the legs
Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 over Anaheim Ducks (-145)
The Anaheim Ducks wrap a 4-game road trip when they play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. The Ducks are limping to the finish line of the season, as they have 4 wins in their last 20 games and have allowed an average of 4.6 goals against in their last 5. The Lightning have struggled as well lately, with only 1 win in their last 6 games, which has them now battling to avoid being a wild-card team.
The good news for the Lightning is that they are catching a struggling Ducks at the right time. The Bolts are starting a 5-game homestand and facing a Ducks defense that ranks in the bottom-10 of all major defensive categories. Look for the Lightning to dominate this game to get 2 points and re-establish themselves as a top 3 team in the Atlantic Division. Back the puck line.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Anaheim Ducks vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Washington Capitals ML over Toronto Maple Leafs (+135)
The Washington Capitals start a 5-game road trip on Thursday in Toronto to play the Maple Leafs. The Capitals have come on of late, winning 4 in a row and 6 of their last 8. This streak has put the Caps within 3 points of either the first wild-card spot or overtaking division rival Penguins for 3rd in the Metropolitan Division. The Leafs have cooled a bit recently. Following a 5-game winning streak, they have only 2 wins in their last 4 games. Even though they are in the playoffs, they still aren’t locked into the 2nd place spot in the Atlantic Division; the Lighting are only 4 points back.
Look for the streaking Capitals (4.8 goals per game in their last 5), to go into Toronto — which has allowed an average of 3.8 goals in its last 5 games — and get the 2 points to put pressure on the teams above them for playoff seedings. Place your bet on the Capitals money line.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Minnesota Wild -1.5 over Dallas Stars (+200)
A Central Division clash between the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars is set to take place on Thursday. The Wild are in a battle with the Blues for 2nd place in the division. The 2nd-place spot is important as it gives home ice in the first round of the playoffs. The Stars are in a battle of their own, as they currently hold the last wild card spot and trying to fight off 3 teams for that spot.
Offensively, the Wild have been lighting the lamp in a big way. They rank 4th in goals for per game on the season and have been averaging 4.2 goals per game in their last 5. Their offense has been so potent that in their last 5 wins they have won by more than 2 goals in each game. They will be able to take advantage of a Stars defense that is middle of the pack, as it will take something special to stop the Wild attack. Place your bet on the Wild puck line.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars
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