NHL Parlay Picks, Odds and NHL Best Bets for Wednesday 12/06

⭐ Dallas Stars ML (+110)

In a highly anticipated game and potential Stanley Cup Finals preview, the Dallas Stars (14-6-3) face off against the Florida Panthers (14-8-2) in their first season meeting. 

The Stars, after a strong 11-3-1 start, won only three of their subsequent eight games, plagued by offensive inconsistency. Notably, they recently beat Tampa Bay Lightning 8-1 at home but then suffered a 4-0 defeat on the road.

The Panthers are experiencing a similar downturn, having won just two of their last six games after a strong early November performance. Offensive struggles have been a common theme for Florida too, highlighted by a recent 4-3 home loss to the New York Islanders.

This matchup promises a clash between Dallas’s 7th-ranked offense in goals per game (3.39) and Florida's 4th-ranked defense in goals allowed per game (2.54). 

Despite recent offensive fluctuations, Dallas's defense remains solid, ranking 10th in goals allowed per game (2.83). Conversely, the Panthers, once efficient, now rank 20th in goals per game (3.00), indicating a significant drop in offensive efficiency.

⭐ NHL Best Bets: Dallas Stars ML (+110)

⭐ Tampa Bay Lightning (-135) 

This game presents an opportunity for the victor to break free from their current slump and gain some much-needed mental fortitude after a challenging start to the season.

In their last meeting on November 30th, Pittsburgh secured a 4-2 victory in Tampa. Eight players contributed to the Penguins' scoring, while goalie Tristan Jarry had an exceptional game with 39 saves on 41 shots, and notably scored a goal into an empty net, becoming the 17th NHL goalie to achieve this feat.

The game's key battle lies between the Penguins' fifth-ranked defense in goals allowed per game (2.58) and the Lightning's ninth-ranked offense in goals per game (3.35). 

Although Pittsburgh's offense has been more effective than Tampa Bay's struggling defense, the Penguins' talent hasn't consistently translated to on-ice success, particularly in recent games. 

Despite the favorable matchup, Pittsburgh's inconsistent season performance makes the outcome uncertain.

⭐ NHL Best Bets: Tampa Bay Lightning (-135) 

⭐ Carolina Hurricanes ML (+105)

In their second season meeting, the Hurricanes, who previously defeated the Oilers 6-3 on November 22nd, look to repeat their success. 

Seth Jarvis and Teuvo Teravainen each contributed a goal and an assist in that game, with Jalen Chatfield adding two assists. Carolina had established a 4-1 lead in the first period.

Throughout the season, the Hurricanes have experienced intermittent success, avoiding consecutive losses since their initial 3-4 start. They've won three of their last five games, though they recently suffered a 2-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets.

Edmonton, struggling defensively, has a poor 2-9-1 record but has shown improvement, winning six of their last nine games following a coaching change.

Carolina holds the edge over Edmonton in both offense and defense. The Hurricanes rank 8th in the league with an average of 3.38 goals per game, while the Oilers average 3.32, placing them 13th. Defensively, Carolina is 17th in goals allowed per game (3.21), significantly better than Edmonton's 29th place (3.59).

The key factor is Carolina's road performance, having scored 41 points in 13 home games and 40 goals in just 11 away games. Despite Edmonton's improving defense, the Hurricanes' strong offense presents a formidable challenge for the Oilers.

⭐ NHL Best Bets: Carolina Hurricanes ML (+105)