We finally have back-to-back days with plenty of games on the ice. After 14 games yesterday, we’re back with another 9 games today. We’ve even got early afternoon action once again. With 2 big days in a row, it’s expected that there are several teams on the second night of a back-to-back. Those are always nice targets when finding out favorite plays of the day to piece together for a parlay. That’s what we’ve done for you here to provide a mega payout to cover all of your wagers this weekend.
Before we dive in, be sure to check out our NHL picks for today’s action.
It’s not quite the first game of the day, but it’s still afternoon hockey. Despite the Hurricanes and Flames both having intimidating nicknames, both of them lost their games yesterday. Obviously that means they’re both on the second day of a back-to-back. While they were each on the road in those losses, the ‘Canes get to return to Carolina. That should provide them a boost, along with the fact their goaltending situation is far superior.
The Hurricanes had Pyotr Kochetkov in net yesterday, which means they’ll get Antti Raanta between the pipes for this matchup. Meanwhile, the Flames used starter Jacob Markstrom in their loss to the Washington Capitals. That puts Dan Vladar between the pipes today, who is just 1-3 on the year. Even aside from that advantage, Calgary just hasn’t looked strong on the road. They were just completely shut out against the Caps, while the Hurricanes nearly upset the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins. They had a 2-0 lead against them yesterday, and should get off to another fast start today.
Be sure to check out our Calgary Flames vs Carolina Hurricanes prediction
We’re transitioning from the second-best team in the Eastern Conference last season to the best. The Panthers were one of the few teams not in action yesterday. The last time they were on the ice, they helped us cash a mega parlay by defeating that aforementioned Bruins team 5-2. They should have just as much success against the streakiest team in the NHL. The Blues began their season winning 3 straight, then lost 8 straight, then won 7 straight and have now lost their last 2 contests.
The trend should continue after the Tampa Bay Lightning beat them down 5-2 last night. Even the Buffalo Sabres handled them with ease 6-2 the game prior. Both of those were on the road, and that’s where they’ll be today. Worse yet, they’re going to have backup goaltender Thomas Greiss in net to try and deal with a high-flying Panthers offense. The Blues are among the worst in terms of goals and shots allowed per game on the road, so expect Aleksander Barkov and company to put the pressure on Greiss all evening en route to a comfortable win.
Let’s head out west for the night cap. We’re actually backing the team on the second night of a back-to-back in this matchup. The Golden Knights were just surprisingly upset by the Seattle Kraken last night, but their 16-5-1 record is still easily the best in the Western Conference. They also have yet to lose back-to-back games all season, and that trend shouldn’t end tonight. The Canucks have struggled to slow down opposing offenses this season, leading to their 7-10-3 record. In fact, they’re even worse than the Blues on the road.
Vancouver allows 3.9 goals per game overall (3rd-worst) and 4.17 goals per game on the road (3rd-worst). That’s something a Golden Knights team led by Jack Eichel can take advantage of. Vegas did exactly that when they took down the Canucks just 5 days ago by scoring 5 goals against them. That game was in Vancouver, so tonight being in Vegas is only good news for Knights fans. While the Canucks are allowing far too many goals, Vegas has the 3rd-best goaltending mark, allowing just 2.55 goals per game. With that discrepancy, the home team should have a smooth road to victory tonight.
Be sure to check out our Vancouver Canucks vs Vegas Golden Knights prediction
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