Mark Lammey
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The NHL schedule has been even more back-and-forth than usual during this first month of the season. After just 3 games last night, we have 12 tonight, and we’ll have just 2 tomorrow night. The smaller slates means fewer spots to target, and we’re never going to force plays. Since we had just 1 player prop last night, it’s only fair that we’re back with 3 plays tonight. 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.
Steven Stamkos over 3.5 shots on goal (-105)
We’re expecting a big night from the Tampa Bay Lightning overall, and pinpointing just 1 of their skaters is always difficult. Victor Hedman has come through with his assist prop for us, and Nikita Kucherov looks set for a multi-point night. While considering those plays, our favorite is for Steven Stamkos to record at least 4 shots on goal. Most shots on goal props are set at 2.5, but his is set higher for good reason. Stamkos began this season with at least 4 shots on goal in each of the Lightning’s first 5 games, including a 7-shot performance against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Ottawa Senators aren’t quite as bad as the Jackets, but they are allowing the 7th-most shots per game.
They allowed a ridiculous 57 shots the last time they were on the ice against the Florida Panthers. They’ll be on the road again for this matchup, as they’ll be traveling across the state to take on the Lightning. Stamkos has hit this prop in 7 of Tampa’s 9 games, and this plus-money price is great value given his matchup tonight.
Be sure to check out our Ottawa Senators vs Tampa Bay Lightning predictions
Matthew Tkachuk over 3.5 shots on goal (-145)
That’s right, we’re sticking with the same prop. Not only the same market, but the same number. Panthers Matthew Tkachuk is another skater that is worthy of the higher number, even on the road. Florida is traveling out west, but it’s to take on the lowly Arizona Coyotes. They look set to be the worst team in the NHL yet again this season, which means great matchups across the board. Feel free to target any Panthers points props as well, even Tkachuk’s. He just recorded 3 points against the Senators, along with 7 shots on goal.
That marked back-to-back games with that many shots, and the Coyotes are giving them up with ease. Arizona is currently allowing the 2nd-most shots per game, and now face a Florida team that has taken the 2nd-most per game. That’s largely in part due to Tkachuk. He’s hit this prop in every one of the Panthers 9 games this season except for one. That type of consistency is difficult to doubt. Until the Coyotes show any sort of competence, back Tkachuk to plenty of chances to boost his stats tonight.
Be sure to check out our Florida Panthers vs Arizona Coyotes predictions
Nazem Kadri over 1.5 points (+160)
Let’s wrap things up with another play with great value. With so many games going on, there are plenty of player props we could use. However, we want to provide you with the best value on the board. Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri fits that designation. He came over from the defending Stanley Cup-champion Colorado Avalanche over the offseason, and has fit in beautifully with his new team. He leads the Flames with 9 points so far this year, and he’s not being shy about taking his chances. His 25 shots on goal are the 2nd-most on the team.
It also helps that Calgary also traded for Jonathan Huberdeau this summer, who had the 2nd-most points in the entire NHL last season. That means more opportunities for the skaters around him as well. We’re targeting Kadri instead, as Huberdeau hasn’t been quite as dominant in terms of points so far. Regardless, all of Calgary has a great matchup at home against the Seattle Kraken. They’ve allowed the 8th-most goals per game, and the Flames are hot after losing a 1-goal game to the Edmonton Oilers. Kadri had 2 points in each of the first 2 games against the Kraken last season, so expect a big night from him tonight.
Be sure to check out our Seattle Kraken vs Calgary Flames predictions
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