Three player props from the NHL’s five-game Thursday slate provide a nice payout at +790 on FanDuel. Let’s dive into the best plays for Thursday’s NHL parlay, and as always, be sure to visit the OddsShopper tool for more NHL best bets.
Best NHL Parlay Bet | Dec. 8
Victor Hedman Over 2.5 Shots on Goal +132 (Predators vs. Lightning)
Victor Hedman has managed to get far fewer pucks on goal this season, averaging just 2.08 shots in 23 games after putting up 2.67 shots per game a season ago. The cause of this drop-off was very clear: Hedman had lost his role on Tampa Bay’s top power play to Mikhail Sergachev. However, Hedman is set to return to the role for tonight’s game, and therefore it is an excellent angle to get back on the horse with this prop at such a long number.
For much of last season, this prop was listed at well below 2-1, and at +132, this is an excellent time to get back since Hedman’s shot output will increase significantly with his return to the top power play. On top of this, the Predators are allowing the 10th-most shots per 60 in the league this season and present a plus target compared to the average.
Arthur Kaliyev Over 2.5 Shots on Goal +132 (Kings vs. Maple Leafs)
The Maple Leafs are not a great matchup to target opposition shooters, but backing a player on the top line who has one of the best shots in the league is too much to pass up. Even prior to receiving a notable move up the lineup, Arthur Kaliyev has managed to hit this over in three of five games, with an average of 2.8 shots on net in those games. So at +132, this play would already be worth a longer look.
Kaliyev sits top 15 in the NHL in goals per 60 minutes, and a quick stroll around his highlight reel will reveal why. He is very deserving of this move up the roster and will likely be heavily encouraged to fire away with will should he get looks.
This play whiffed Tuesday against the Senators, but over a large sample, +132 will be a tremendous number at which to back Kaliyev should he remain on the Kings top unit alongside Anze Kopitar and Kevin Fiala.
Carter Verhaeghe Over 2.5 Shots on Goal -140 (Red Wings vs. Panthers)
Verhaeghe was the Panthers’ best forward last postseason, and he has remained in a prominent role and strong form under new coach Paul Maurice. Verhaeghe has absolutely peppered the opposition goal over the last month, with an average of four shots on goal per game while going 12 for 16 to this number.
Aleksander Barkov is likely to return tonight, which changes the dynamic slightly and will likely send Verhaeghe off of the Panthers top power play. Verhaeghe trended at the same level with Barkov in the lineup, and if anything, Barkov’s return is still a boost, as he will now skate at even strength with an elite play driver in Barkov. The price at -140 is still strong considering that this prop projects to hit closer to 65% of the time, and it is a quality way to round out this three-leg parlay.
