Panthers vs. Lightning: NHL Playoffs Same Game Parlay Picks (Thursday)
We’re back with another NHL Same Game Parlay to wager at plus odds during Thursday’s two-game slate. We finally broke through with a win yesterday, cashing a +202 SGP in Game 3 between Boston and Toronto. The Bruins’ outright win, paired with under 7.5 total goals and a Brad Marchand point, resulted in a nice payout for anyone who opted to tail.
Tonight, we’re staying in the Eastern Conference and betting on the best game on the board between the Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning. The Panthers hold a 2-0 series lead over the Lightning, as they try to make it 3-0 during their first game on the road at Amalie Arena. Oddsmakers are currently valuing the Lightning as a marginal moneyline favorite at -115 odds, while the goal total is set at 5.5.
I’ve found three legs to insert into our Same Game Parlay ahead of Thursday night’s opening puck drop between the Panthers and Lightning. Make sure to follow me @Matt_MacKay_ on X to get more free plays, NHL Prop Bets, and NHL best bets during the week.
Thursday's NHL SGP
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Leg 1: Florida Panthers +1.5 (-260)
Oddsmakers are making the Panthers an underdog on the moneyline for the first time this series. Florida has won six consecutive games entering Game 3 on Thursday night, while Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last six games played. We’re playing it safe here by opting for the Panthers’ puck line odds at -260 instead of taking them at -105 moneyline odds.
Florida has won both of its previous road games at Amalie Arena this season, including a 9-2 rout back in February. Additionally, the Panthers have covered the puck line in each of their last 12 games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents. This ensures that even if Florida winds up losing in overtime, we’ll still be safe by taking their puck line odds.
Leg 2: Under 6.5 Total Goals (-146)
The goal total in this matchup between two great netminders is set to 5.5. Here, we’re taking on a bit more juice at under 6.5 total goals with -146 odds instead.
Looking at previous head-to-head matchups, excluding the 9-2 blowout by Florida, three of the past four contests have resulted in five total goals. It’s +116 to ride under 5.5 total goals, but just in case Florida winds up winning 4-2 if Tampa Bay pulls Andrei Vasilevskiy late down 3-2, we’ll be protected if there’s an empty net goal scored.
Leg 3: Matthew Tkachuk Over 0.5 Point (-205)
Matthew Tkachuk is on fire right now, recording at least one point in five consecutive games. Tkachuk has dominated the Lightning this year when it comes to production, scoring four goals and five assists. There’s no reason to fade him in this matchup, especially since Vasilevskiy has been a bit leaky defending the net, allowing three or more goals in four of his previous six starts.
Same Game Parlay Odds: +205
In summary, we’ve once again found a 2-1 Same Game Parlay that has a great chance of hitting on Thursday night. Florida needs to either win outright or lose by one goal, while six goals is the maximum total allowed during Game 3.
To bring it on home, we’re investing in Matthew Tkachuk to extend his point streak to six games. He’s recorded a point in eight of his last nine games, including three multi-point outings against the Lightning this season, making him the best way to push our Same Game Parlay over +200 odds.
Matthew MacKay is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matthew, check out his archive and follow him @Matt_MacKay_.