There are a lot of teams in playoff contention. We’ve seen that all some teams need to do is get in and make a huge run. Let’s break down today’s NHL action and hand out a couple of same-game parlays (SGPs) featuring our top NHL betting picks and props.
Thursday’s Best NHL Same Game Parlay Bets
(NHL odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars
- Leg 1: Stars -1.5 (-112)
- Leg 2: Over 1.5 First-Period Goals (-135)
- Leg 3: Matt Duchene 1+ Points (-145)
The Dallas Stars have entered the Presidents’ Trophy chat and are only four points behind Winnipeg for first in the Central Division and for the most points in the league. They've gotten back into this race thanks to a six-game winning streak.
The offense has been performing well in that span, scoring 3.83 goals per game, but the goaltending has been the catalyst. Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith have had the net on lock, allowing 1.50 goals per game in the last six games, which is more impressive when you realize the blueline allows a league-worst 36.7 shots per game in that same span.
The Predators are limping into the end of the season as they are 2-8-1 in their last 11 games. If you look back at the Predators' season, it could have been much different. While they are last in goals scored per game, they generate a lot of shot opportunities and are over 51% in Corsi and Fenwick rates.
It doesn’t help that the goaltending isn’t good. Juuse Saros has been one of the top netminders in past seasons, but it’s been a tough year. He has a career-worst 2.99 GAA and .895 save percentage.
Dallas might give up a lot of shots to Nashville, but as long as the goaltender stays hot, so will the team.
Parlay Odds: +457
Pittsburgh Penguins at St. Louis Blues
- Leg 1: Blues -1.5 (+114)
- Leg 2: Blues Team Total Over 3.5 Goals (-115)
- Leg 3: Jordan Kyrou 3+ Shots On Goal (-130)
When looking at the standings, who would have thought the St. Louis Blues would be the hottest team? They are riding a 10-game winning streak, which has not only surged them into a playoff spot but also given them a comfortable seven-point lead for the last Wild Card spot with six games remaining.
It's both sides of the ice that are dominating, as they are first in goals allowed (1.40) and second in goals scored (4.10) during this run. You have to look at their top forwards. Robert Thomas is second in assists in that span (15) and Dylan Holloway is third (10). Jordan Kyrou is second in goals (eight). Jordan Binnington has taken the momentum from the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament, and he's been stellar since. He's allowing 1.90 goals per game and a .919 save percentage in his last 13 games.
The Penguins are playing better at 6-3-1 in their last 10, but it's too late for a chance at the playoffs.
The problem from the start has been defense. It's been one of the worst all season. They rank 30th in goals allowed and 31st in shots on goal allowed. They've never gotten any consistency in net, to the point they released Tristan Jarry to the minors and had to bring him back up.
Besides a 10-game winning streak, the Blues have won nine straight at home. Pittsburgh's goaltending has been a disaster, and it could struggle against a hot team.
Parlay Odds: +608
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday:
