The entire NHL was off on Thursday for Thanksgiving, but we were able to cash our +861 mega parlay the night before the holiday. Let's make the return just as profitable. With the league being granted the rest, nearly every team is in action tonight. While breaking down 14 games can seem overwhelming, that's what we're here for. Not only are there plenty of games, but we also get early afternoon hockey. I even have 1 of those early contests featured in this mega parlay, so let's break it down.
Before we dive in, be sure to check out our NHL picks for today's action.
Chicago Blackhawks ML (-125) over Montreal Canadiens
We're getting things started with an afternoon game that may seem surprising to some fans. The Blackhawks have not been an easy team to back this season, but neither have the Canadiens. Although they won their most recent game, that was against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team with the 2nd-fewest wins in the Eastern Conference. Still, Montreal fell to that same Jackets team just last week. Between those 2 matchups was also a thrashing by the Buffalo Sabres.'
That was a 7-2 loss, which was at home. Now the Habs have to travel to Chicago to take on a Blackhawks team that just put up a strong fight against a great Dallas Stars team. While they too are on a losing skid, Patrick Kane and company can take advantage of the weak Canadiens goaltending. Montreal is allowing 3.55 goals per game, the 6th-most in the NHL. Neither team made any significant additions during the offseason, and Chicago won both meetings last year. This may not be the marquee matchup of Friday night, but the Blackhawks can end their losing skid on home ice.'''