Mark Lammey
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Now that the NHL is in full swing, it’s always a balancing act between huge 12-game slates like we had last night and lighter nights like we have tonight. We have just 3 games on the board for this Friday night, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t value to be had. There are certainly fewer opportunities in terms of sides and totals, but the player prop market is always abundant. Not only did we target the best spots for tonight’s matchups, but we also have some honorable mention plays along with our favorites. 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 2 favorite player props.
Moritz Seider over 0.5 points (+105)
The Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks may not be a game that most fans circled on the calendar as a marquee matchup, but we can still make it a profitable game. First and foremost, the Red Wings are a much stronger team based on their offseason additions, and they’ve already helped us cash a best bet this season. They should continue their early success against the Blackhawks, who look set to be one of the worst teams in the NHL for back-to-back seasons. They allowed the 7th-most goals in the league last season and are now rolling with Peter Mrazek, who was a backup all of last year.
Meanwhile, Detroit added former Blue David Perron and former Jet/Ranger Andrew Copp. Those 2 have made an immediate impact to help the progression of 2nd-year players Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. It was Seider who won the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year last season, and is quickly becoming one of the best defensemen in hockey. We’re targeting him as he is the one on the ice at nearly all times with both of their top lines that includes Perron, Copp, Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi. Rather than having to choose between those skaters, Seider is leading the team with just under 22 minutes of ice time per game. He recorded a point in each game against the Blackhawks last season, so expect the youngster to prove oddsmakers are disrespecting him at this price.
Be sure to check out our Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks predictions
Victor Hedman over 2.5 shots on goal (-135)
We’re keeping the theme of defenseman going, except with a different prop. Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning is much more known than Seider, but we wanted to feature the youngster as Hedman gets much of the limelight. He did so not long ago when he helped us cash a 2-0 night. We targeted his assist prop on that night, but we’re transitioning to his shots on goal tonight instead. Hedman and the Lightning have not gotten off to an electric start to the season, and once again need to bounce back.
Therefore, expect Hedman and company to be taking plenty of chances against their cross-state rival, the Florida Panthers. Let’s not forget the 6-foot-6 defenseman is a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner for the MVP of the NHL playoffs, so this mediocre start is not acceptable. Hedman also proved to enjoy his time against the Panthers last season. He hit this prop in all 4 meetings against them last season, including games with 4 and 5 shots on goal. The most recent game against them saw Hedman record 4 assists as well. Either prop is great for this matchup, but we’re going with his shots on goal prop this time around.
Be sure to check out our Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers predictions
NHL Player Prop Honorable Mentions
Andrew Copp (DET Red Wings) to record a point – 6 points in 3 games against the Blackhawks last season.
Brayden Point (TB Lightning) to record a point – 5 points in 4 games against the Panthers last season.
Alex Killorn (TB Lightning) to record a point – Hit this prop in 3 of 4 games against Florida last season and is now getting nearly 20 minutes of ice time per game.
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