@FastMoneyLabs’ +958 NHL Series Parlay (Round 2)

We’re coming off a nice +603 Series Parlay hit in Round 1. Why not dial it up to +958 and reinvest some profits into Round 2?

If you followed along in Round 1, you know the reigning, back-to-back champs do not lose twice in a row. Which makes me love this bet.

After storming back 3 different times last series, the Bolts improved to 17-0 after a playoff loss since 2020. It’s a crazy trend powered by grit and determination, which embodies Lightning hockey.

If you agree Tampa is tough to beat twice in a row, then you’ll like this bet – because if we’re right, the bet can’t possibly lose. That’s just math. To lose a series by more than 2 games, you need to lose twice in a row. Something Tampa hasn’t done in the playoffs since April 2019… 3+ years ago.

I do think Florida’s the better team, but they take too many penalties to run away with a series like this. They got away with it vs. the Capitals. But the Lightning are a different beast.

The Bolts might not win the series, but I trust this gritty group to at least keep it close and at least force Game 7.

The odds-on favorite to win the cup looked dominant in Round 1 by posting a clean sweep, which bought them a rest advantage for Round 2 (not that they’ll need it).

The stakes will be dialed up a notch in Round 2, as the team is under immense pressure to deliver a deep playoff run after years of disappointment.

The Blues are a gritty group similar to Tampa Bay. They’ve got depth and playoff experience, both factors I value when picking series winners. But from a talent perspective, they’re outmatched, and it will prove to be the difference.

To keep this leg simple you could use Colorado -1.5 Series Spread. But considering 2 of STL’s Top 6 defensemen are hobbling into Round 2 and listed as questionable for Game 1 (Torey Krug and Marco Scandella), I preferred the Game 1 Winner / Series parlay, which could still cash in the event this series goes 7 games.

In my Round 1 preview, I wrote “The Penguins are the better team. The Rangers will win the series.” Not all $FML predictions age well – that one did. The Penguins were clearly the better team, but they fell short due to a mix of bad luck and home ice advantage favoring NYR.

For Round 2, I’m revising my statement as follows: “The Hurricanes are the better team. And the Hurricanes will win the series.”

Carolina looked sharp throughout Round 1 vs. Boston and especially at home, where they went 4-0 and outscored their opponent 18 goals to just 6. Winning all 4 home games proved to be the difference, as both teams went undefeated at home.

This isn’t too bold of a prediction, but I feel Carolina’s home ice advantage will be the difference again and it starts in Game 1. And if the Canes can win Game 1, it should propel them on a nice path to win the series.

To be fair, I do see a narrow path to victory for NYR. It requires performance from goaltender Igor Shesterkin though, and he was shaky and inconsistent last series. He did play well in Game 7 and is capable of carrying momentum into Round 2. But until he proves he’s that guy, I feel the best bet is to back Carolina to win Game 1 and the series.

The Hockey Gods don’t always have our backs. This year they did. After 31 years – fans finally get the playoff matchup they’ve been waiting for: the Battle of Alberta.

The Battle of Alberta refers to the longstanding rivalry between Calgary and Edmonton hockey teams, which started as far back as 1895.

The last time they met in the playoffs, the year was 1991. The series went the distance (7 games) and Edmonton reigned supreme.

All signs point to another hard-fought, exhilarating battle in this year’s rematch. But I expect a different outcome. Here’s why:

Since 2018, it’s been wise to bet on the home team in the Battle of Alberta:

• Calgary is 9-3 at home vs. Edmonton.
• Edmonton is 8-4 at home vs. Calgary.
• This year both teams went 2-0 at home to split the regular season series.

Considering those trends and the fact Calgary holds home ice advantage, it would take cojones –the likes of which I do not have— to back Edmonton.

The risk this bet relates to Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, who’s playing like a man possessed right now. Dude wants nothing more than to win a Stanley Cup and is putting the team on his back in an effort to make it happen. One man can only carry a team so far in the NHL playoffs, though. Which is a nice segue to my next point. Edmonton lacks of depth.

At the Trade Deadline, Calgary acquired forwards Tyler Toffoli and Calle Jarnkrok to round out their forward group. Edmonton on the other hand signed Evander Kane, which proved to be a good move, but it didn’t solve their depth issue. That’s because he plays on the same line as Connor McDavid, which effectively made the team more top-heavy, not less. Sure, they can now drop Leon Draisaitl down to the 2nd line. But he’s looked like a ghost of himself without Connor McDavid by his side.

I also see a clear goaltending edge for Calgary, and in the playoffs: goaltending matters. Edmonton’s netminder Mike Smith is playing at a high-level and looked good vs. LA, but from a sheer talent perspective, he’s outmatched by Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom.

Between home ice advantage, depth and goaltending all favoring Calgary, I feel good about my pick for the Flames to win Game 1. And if I’m right, then they’ll have a clear path to win the series and get redemption for 1991.

I got +958 Odds on this parlay at FanDuel Sportsbook and risked 0.5 units (i.e., half my normal bet size). Parlaying bets carries an element of risk so please bet responsibly, and best of luck!