An exciting night in the NHL as we are on the brink of upsets. The two top seeds in their respective conferences are facing elimination as they struggled in their series. Can the Stars and Hurricanes close it out, or will the Capitals and Jets live another day?
Let’s break down today’s NHL action and hand out a few same-game parlays (SGPs) featuring our top NHL betting picks and props.
Thursday's Best NHL Playoffs Same Game Parlay (SGP) Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals
- Leg 1: Under 5.5 Goals (-120)
- Leg 2: Under 1.5 1st Period Goals (-120)
- Leg 3: Sebastian Aho 3+ Shots On Goal (-140)
The Hurricanes can eliminate the top seed of the Eastern Conference tonight as they've continually dominated this series. Washington has had trouble throughout keeping up with the speed of Carolina, especially when chasing the dump-offs into their offensive zone. It also helps that their offense is so deep that on any shift change, they will have multiple playmakers. They have been getting great opportunities throughout the playoffs, and just like the regular season, they led in expected goal percentage.
Defensively, they might be even better as they've only allowed Washington to go over two goals once in the series. The Capitals have not been generating many scoring opportunities throughout, as the Carolina blue line has been aggressive with its forechecking and clearing the puck from its own zone. Washington has a Corsi Rate of just 36.24% and averages 19.2 shots per game.
Carolina usually struggles on the road, but they do have a win in Washington. This will be a physical and potentially low-scoring battle that could go either way.
Parlay Odds: +476
Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets
- Leg 1: Stars Moneyline (-102)
- Leg 2: Stars Over 2.5 Goals (-120)
- Leg 3: Roope Hintz 1+ Points (-130)
The Presidents' Trophy curse could have another victim after tonight, as the Jets are on the brink of elimination. They have not resembled the team that dominated the regular season, when they finished first in goals allowed and third in goals scored.
During this postseason, the offense has struggled, ranking second-to-last among the remaining teams in goals per game (2.73). All of their top forwards have gone quiet, including Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, who each have two points after Scheifele had six and Connor 12 in the last series. Nothing has been more puzzling than Connor Hellebuyck, who has a .851 save percentage and a -10.4 goals saved above expected in the playoffs.
Dallas' offense has remained consistent, but the difference maker has been the improvement of the defense in this series. Additionally, defenseman Miro Heiskanen immediately made an impact with an assist in his return.
Parlay Odds: +542
