Sunday’s NHL schedule is comprised of six games, interestingly without two of the league’s new divisions in play at all. But there are still some very intriguing options to bet on, especially if you are looking to put together a decent parlay.
Here are the two favorites to bet on for your Sunday parlay.
Philadelphia Flyers at Buffalo Sabres
Flyers vs. Sabres Betting Report
When these teams faced off on Saturday, the Flyers dominated in every aspect of the game, winning 3-0. On Sunday afternoon, you should expect more of the same, making Philadelphia the second team to place in your parlay.
On Saturday, Philadelphia outshot Buffalo 39-23. It also thrived in the dot, winning 38 out of 61 faceoffs in the game and controlling possession for the duration of the contest.
Those dominant numbers may be a little surprising, especially when you consider the Flyers rank dead-last in shots per game and allow the third-most shots. They also carry the league’s second-worst penalty kill percentage, which should put them at a major disadvantage against a Buffalo team that boasts the league’s top power-play percentage.
However, the Sabres are in a little bit of disarray. In addition to losing six of its last eight contests, Buffalo has both captain Jack Eichel and key defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen as day-to-day, although Ristolainen finally returned to action Saturday after nearly a month off.
There are also trade rumors running rampant about Eichel and veteran Taylor Hall, something that can’t be easy for a team already in last place.
Meanwhile, the Flyers have won two in a row and, aside from Travis Konecny, have their team intact. James van Riemsdyk, Kevin Hayes, and Joel Farabee, in particular, have all put up multiple points over the last three or four games for Philadelphia.
With a huge difference in momentum and what is clearly a mismatch between these clubs after Philadelphia has shut the Sabres out twice this year, look for the Flyers to cruise to another win on Sunday.
Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks Picks
Red Wings vs. Blackhawks Betting Report
The Blackhawks have been perhaps the biggest surprise team of the season, winning five of their last six games primarily on the road. The Red Wings, meanwhile, despite winning two of their last three, are in last place and have lost to the Blackhawks in all four previous meetings this season. Look for Chicago to come out on top in Sunday’s final game.
Earlier this year, when the Blackhawks swept the Red Wings in Chicago, they did it with offense, scoring 10 goals in two games. But recently, in Detroit, the Blackhawks won by scores of 3-2 and 2-0.
It is a testament to Chicago improving its defense as the season has gone on, where it went from one of the league’s worst teams to the middle of the pack. It should be more than good enough against a Red Wings team that is averaging the second-fewest goals per game with the league’s lowest-rated power play.
The Blackhawks have been doing a good job of getting production from their studs. Patrick Kane is a prime example, as the future Hall of Famer is up to 31 points after three goals and five assists over his last three outings.
Another standout is Alex DeBrincat, who trails Kane with nine goals but has been one of the team’s top power-play point-producers along with Dominik Kubalik.
Conversely, Detroit’s leading scorers are Bobby Ryan and Dylan Larkin with 11 points each, so they just don’t have the firepower to hang with the Blackhawks.
The better team with the better netminder in Kevin Lankinen has owned this matchup all season. Don’t expect that to end Sunday; take the Blackhawks to round out your parlay.
Catch up on the NHL by reading through our in-depth NHL game recaps.