NHL Betting: Hats off to Vincent Lecavalier and Streaking Lightning

Vincent Lecavalier has never a seen a puck he hasn't wanted to whack. (AI Wire photo)

Sidney Crosby gets all the press, but Vincent Lecavalier just may be the best forward in hockey. The NHL’s reigning goal-scoring champ netted a hat trick as the Tampa Bay Lightning blew past the Carolina Hurricanes, 6-1, on Wendesday night. Lecavalier added two assists as he set a franchise record with his sixth straight game scoring two points or more. The Lightning paid -115 on the puckline (meaning a winning hockey bet of $115 would net $100). Lecavalier’s last goal, a short-handed marker, sent the betting total over six goals. Now with 12 goals, Lecavalier has 11 points in five games, leading Tampa Bay on a four-game winning streak. In other early NHL action on Wednesday:New York Rangers 4, New Jersey 2: Scott Gomez had two assists in his first game back in Jersey as the Rangers beat their cross-river rivals. Jaromir Jagr had a power-play goal and an assist, helping the total go over six. The Rangers paid -110.Columbus 4, Chicago 2: Rick Nash had a Gordie Howe hat trick with a goal, assist and fight as the Blue Jackets paid -140 at home. Nash completed the Gordie by slugging it out with Jim Vandermeer at the end of the game.Dallas 4, San Jose 3: Patrick Marleau and Devin Setoguchi scored in regulation and during a shootout as the Sharks claimed a road win and paid their backers -110. In their first game since their GM was canned, the Stars rallied from a 3-1 deficit to force overtime. For NHL odds for Thursday, crash the crease with the Bodog Sportsbook.