NHL Best Parlays of Week 1

With a new season unfolding, it’s tough to place bets on the early going. However, there are a number of teams that I don’t think will do well this season like Anaheim and Detroit. In the weeks to come, we’ll be able to see trends between teams, but right now I am confident in Anaheim and Detroit losing to open the season, with Toronto/Montreal competing in a high-scoring affair.

Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs

January 13th, 7:00 P.M., Scotiabank Arena

One of my favorite games of opening week, I think this contest is going to feature a ton of goals! I love the firepower on both sides and I don’t love the defense on either side, which makes me believe this game will be high-scoring.

Historically, Montreal and Toronto have been high-scoring contests. Carey Price and Frederik Andersen have the potential to be brick walls for their respective squads, but I think these netminders are going to face an abundance of rubber in this contest.

Both teams have made some changes to their lineups, but Montreal and Toronto’s defense haven’t been impacted enough, I don’t think. Last season, the Habs and Leafs were two of the worst teams in goals against per game. With either team not bolstering their defensive core and only adding to their offensive groups, I think this has the makings of an instant, high-scoring classic.

The over/under of 6.5 (10Bet) scares me a little due to other bookmakers having the totals at 6-even. However, I still believe that Toronto and Montreal will have no trouble lighting the lamp. The Maple Leafs have a ton of skill up front and the same can be said about Montreal.

Opening night should feature a ton of goals, which is why I am adding the total over 6.5 -100 (10Bet) to my parlay slip.

Carolina Hurricanes at Detroit Red Wings

January 14th, 7:30 P.M., Little Ceasars Arena

How do you judge one of the worst teams in the league?

For the Detroit Red Wings, I don’t see them being able to compete with Carolina during week 1 of the NHL season. Sure, Detroit has some resemblance of talent, but I don’t think they did enough to improve over the off-season. The Red Wings have players like Anthony Mantha, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Dylan Larkin, but other than that they are severely lacking an identity on offense.

What helps Carolina stand out is their depth. They could potentially improve on the second pairing, but their top line of Niederreiter, Aho, and Teravainen is decent enough to top Detroit. Their third and fourth lines are highly rated and can help pick up the slack if lines 1 and 2 cannot roll.

The Hurricanes’ defensive pair of Jaccob Slavin and Dougie Hamilton are one of the top pairs in the NHL. Even if the top line of Detroit shows some promise, I can’t see the rest of the Red Wings’ lineup giving much of a challenge to the Hurricanes.

Detroit will squeak out some victories this season, but I am taking Carolina -200 (10Bet) to add to my parlay.

Anaheim Ducks at Vegas Golden Knights

January 14th, 10:00 P.M., T-Mobile Arena

Let’s be real here. The Ducks are not good. It’s going to be a tough season opener for the one-time Stanley Cup champions. Vegas has been dominant in seasons past and they should open the 2021 campaign against the Ducks with a victory.

One of the biggest reasons I think Anaheim cannot compare with Vegas is their offense. Sure, the Ducks have players like Ryan Getzlaf, Jakob Silfverberg and Rickard Rakell, but those three won’t be given much time with the puck.

The Golden Knights’ defense is stacked. Remember, they added Alex Pietrangelo to their blue line, helping Vegas become even stronger in the division.

The Ducks’ blueline is average at best. Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone should run circles around the Ducks’ defensive pairs, peppering John Gibson with shots.

With that being said, Gibson has stolen games for Anaheim in years past, but the firepower from Vegas may be too strong in this one.

Vegas’ depth will be key for their contest against Anaheim. With Reilly Smith, Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson on the second line, as well as players like Alex Tuch on the third line, Anaheim will not be given any room to breathe in this contest.

I think Vegas easily takes this one and I think the Golden Knights win on the money line -220 (Betway).