While we have a light 4-game NHL slate on Friday night, things get started earlier than usual. Strangely enough, it's the game out on the west coast in California, which will be an early afternoon game local time. Not only am I targeting that matchup for our mega parlay, but I have also found value in 3 of the 4 contests. We have one of the best Eastern Conference battles we could ask for to go along with a nightcap in the Pacific Northwest. With so much to cover, let's dive in.'
Along with our NHL mega parlay, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks.
Nashville Predators -1.5 (+154) over Anaheim Ducks
As mentioned, we are getting started the same way the slate of games are, out in Anaheim. The Ducks are likely riding high after their unexpected win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night. However, it took overtime and shootout to do so and the Knights are dealing with several injuries. Regardless, the Ducks still have the 2nd-worst record in the NHL and are still allowing the most goals per game. Meanwhile, the Predators haven't even had to be on the ice in more than a week.'
While that may cause concern for rust, at this point in the season, a week is a welcomed break and should not be anything long enough to create hesitation in this play. Nashville has beaten Anaheim in each of their last 4 meetings and has the skaters to exploit the poor Ducks goaltending. The Preds have 3 guys with double-digit goals — and 4 with at least 20 points. Even if they aren't at their absolute best, it's not as if Anaheim is an offensive juggernaut. The Ducks are scoring just 2 goals per game in the month of December. That's the 2nd-worst mark in the league, which should help Nashville take this game by multiple goals.'''