Mark Lammey
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Before we head into a huge 14-game slate on Saturday, we’re easing into things with just 4 games tonight. However, we’ve still found great spots and value in the player props market. There looks to be a few mismatches on the board and a battle between 2 of the worst teams in the Western Conference. Rather than paying a steep price or trusting inconsistent teams, we can simply target individual skaters. That’s what we have for you here, so let’s dive in. Along with our player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today’s action.
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Michael Bunting over 0.5 points (-125)
The Toronto Maple Leafs are taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, which in itself is fantastic news for player props. The Jackets have been one of the worst teams all season, and are a full 10 points behind any other team in the Eastern Conference. It will be their first game back since the all-star break, and the same will be the case for the Leafs. Just prior to the break, the Leafs had the unfortunate news of Auston Matthews being sidelined with a knee injury. However, that provides opportunities for other guys such as Michael Bunting.
Bunting proved that he can be valuable on the ice with a goal and an assist in the Leafs’ 5-1 win over the Washington Capitals prior to the break. He should continue to find those opportunities, given he is on the top line with captain John Tavares and Mitch Marner, the team leader with 61 points. The Leafs haven’t faced the Jackets’ awful goaltending yet this season, but they should be confident seeing that they’re allowing the most goals per game at home (3.96). Even with Matthews in the lineup, Bunting had 5 points in 3 games against Columbus last season. Now with even more of an opportunity to shine, we expect similar results tonight.
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Rickard Rakell over 0.5 points (-145)
We’re headed to another team with several superstar names and yet again are targeting someone else. Rickard Rakell was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins last season from the Anaheim Ducks. He’ll be facing his former team tonight, which should be welcomed news. The Ducks have actually performed well in their last handful of games, but are still a weak team overall. Firstly, they’ve allowed 3.87 goals per game at home this season, which is the 3rd-most.
The Pens also had Rakell on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel in their recent win over the Colorado Avalanche. Even when he’s not with those studs, he’s coupled with future Hall-of-Famer Evgeni Malkin. On top of that, he’s on the first power play unit. That’s great news facing a Ducks team that has committed the 2nd-most penalties this season. Rakell has also feasted on his former team. He’s only faced them once since leaving, but he racked up 3 points in the lone meeting. Whether it’s on even-strength on the man advantage, we’re anticipating Rakell to get in the box score tonight.
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