Mark Lammey
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We went 2-0 on our props last night with just 4 games played, and now it’s Saturday and we’ve got afternoon hockey! With that in mind, we’re giving out a bonus 3rd play for the huge slate of action. We’ve got some lopsided matchups, along with multiple teams on back-to-backs. Not only are we targeting the early game for you, we’ll be exploiting those exhausted teams. With an extra play, let’s not waste any time and dive right in. Along with our player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today’s action.
Let’s take a closer look at my 3 favorite player props.
Matthew Tkachuk over 0.5 assists (+126)
As promised, let’s start our focus in the 1 pm EST game between the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres. The Panthers finished last season as the President’s Trophy winners with the NHL’s best record, and started right where they left off. They took down the Islanders on the road in their season opener while putting their biggest offseason addition on display.
Matthew Tkachuk was a cash cow for us on the Calgary Flames last season and he looks set to be one again this year. The Panthers traded for him to become a more balanced team, but he’s also one of the best in terms of recording points. Tkachuk scored a goal and had 4 shots on goal in his team debut, so now it’s time for an assist. Aleksander Barkov didn’t get in the mix in that season opener, so it may be him that finds the back of the net from Tkachuk’s apple. Of Tkachuk’s 104 points last season, 62 were assists. That was the 11th-most in the NHL, so expect big things from him and the Panthers this season.
Be sure to check out our Florida Panthers vs Buffalo Sabres predictions
Alex Ovechkin over 0.5 goals (+104)
Transitioning into the namesake of our article, we have Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals taking on the Montreal Canadiens at home. First and foremost, the Habs were just in Detroit taking on the Red Wings last night, and already have goaltending issues. Carey Price remains out and backup Sam Montembeault will be between the pipes. He went 8-18 last season with a terrible .891 save percentage.
Now he takes on one of the greatest goal-scorers to ever take the ice. Ove the great has 780 career goals, which is the 3rd-most in NHL history. Most thought Wayne Gretzky’s record would never be touched, but Ovechkin has something to say about that. He seems to be ageless and will be out with a vengeance after going pointless in the Caps’ first 2 games. You can be sure he’ll be taking plenty of snipes now that they’re back at home. He surprisingly had 3 assists and 1 goal against the Habs last season, but the shooting mentality will likely have that flipped this season. When we’re discussing a skater in the same realm as Gretzky, there’s no reason to doubt Ove against the team that allowed the most goals per game last year.
Be sure to check out our Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals predictions
Vladimir Tarasenko over 0.5 points (-154)
Our last play is the most expensive, but there’s good reason for it. We’re targeting Tarasenko’s point prop rather than his goal or assist prop because he’s a great balance of each. He had 34 goals and 38 assists last season, which gave him his team-leading 82 points. He also led the team with 230 shots.
Those numbers should continue in what is the St. Louis Blues’ season opener. Most of the league has already dropped their first puck, including the Columbus Blue Jackets. Not only will this be their 3rd game of the season, this will be the 2nd night of a road back-to-back. They went with their backup goaltender last night to save Elvis Merzlikins for this game. However, that isn’t too promising either. The Jacket allowed the 5th-most goals and 2nd-most shots per game with him in net last season. Tarasenko only faced Columbus once last season, but had 3 points in the process. Therefore, trust the seasoned veteran in the team’s season and home opener.
Be sure to check out our Columbus Blue Jackets vs St. Louis Blues predictions
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