2023 NHL Playoffs Same Game Parlay Picks and Predictions: Saturday (May 20)
I’m not sure how the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers can top their quadruple overtime Game 1 thriller, but we’ll find out Saturday night when these two divisional rivals do battle once again.
Fatigue could certainly be a factor in Game 2 after these teams practically played two full games Thursday night. But here’s how I’m playing Game 2 from a same game parlay perspective.
Saturday’s Best NHL Same Game Parlay
All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Florida Panthers (+125) at Carolina Hurricanes (-150) | Total 5.5
The Panthers might just be the team of destiny. They had to scrape and claw just to get into the postseason and have shown incredible resolve throughout the first two rounds.
If I had to bet on a Panther to win the Conn Smythe Trophy for the playoff MVP, it would have to be Sergei Bobrovsky. Yes, Matthew Tkachuk has been amazing. Yes, the Panthers have a well-rounded lineup of producers. But Bobrovsky has been stellar and is definitely earning the hefty contract Florida gave him a couple years ago. Bobrovsky leads all goaltenders in the postseason with 13.8 goals saved above expected. For comparison’s sake, New York’s Igor Shesterkin ranks second with 8.8 goals saved above expected.
It helps that Bobrovsky stopped 4.5 goals above expected in Game 1 alone, as he was the primary reason Florida stole a game away from home. If Bob continues to play like this, I’d peg the Panthers as Stanley Cup favorites.
But I’m not entirely sure Bobrovsky can keep up this form against a Hurricanes team that is designed to put a ton of rubber on net. Plus, Carolina might be due for more positive results in Game 2. Per NaturalStatTrick, the Hurricanes led the expected goals margin 5.04-4.72 at 5-on-5 play. However, the Canes were actually outscored 3-0 at 5-on-5.
While Carolina didn’t dominate possession or play, they were marginally better at 5-on-5 and probably would’ve won Game 1 if not for a Herculean effort from Bobrovsky. In a game where fatigue will be a factor, I’d expect the home team that slept in its own beds the last two nights to bring a bit more energy in a desperate home spot.
Give me the Canes, plus the under, and we’ll take a flyer on Brent Burns to light the lamp.
Also, take a look at our other best bets for Saturday:
- MLB PrizePicks Player Predictions
- NBA Playoffs Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NHL Playoffs Best Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
- WNBA Best Bets Picks, & Predictions: Saturday (5/20)
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