Mark Lammey
Show Bio
We hit our 2 plays last night, only just barely missing our +160 bonus play. Let’s have a 100% night tonight. There are just 2 games on the board, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t value to be had. Such few options mean that sides or totals may not catch your eye. However, we have the entire world of player props at our disposal. Despite just 2 games going on, we’ve still targeted 2 NHL player props that we love for tonight’s action. 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 NHL player props.
Sidney Crosby over 0.5 assists (-160)
Sidney Crosby scored against the Boston Bruins last night just 30 seconds into the game. Now it’s time for him to do what he’s much more famous for — assist. Should he record one tonight, that will give him 900 for his illustrious career. That would make him 19th on the all-time leaderboard for assists in NHL history. Of his 899, 52 have come against the Buffalo Sabres in 25 meetings.
Not only is that an average of over 2 assists per game against the Sabres, but he also feasted on them as recently as last season as well. Crosby recorded an assist in all 3 meetings against Buffalo last year, and there’s no reason to think he can’t replicate those performances tonight. If Kris Letang remains out of the lineup, that’s even more responsibility on the Pens captain to dish out helpers. He’s loved doing so to Jake Guentzel, who is back on the ice and healthy. He took 5 shots on goal last night, which means there should be plenty of chances for him to find the back of the net off a Crosby pass. As a secondary play, we love Guentzel over 3.5 shots on goal, but let’s roll with Crosby’s assist prop for the official play.
Be sure to check out our full Pittsburgh Penguins vs Buffalo Sabres predictions
Morgan Rielly over 0.5 points (-135)
It’s safe to say that the Toronto Maple Leafs did not enjoy their 5-game trip to the west coast. However, we’re not concerned about them winning the game with this prop. Regardless, they should come out with a strong performance now back at home. They also have the benefit of facing a Philadelphia Flyers team on the second night of a road back-to-back. Philly has looked better to begin this season almost solely because of the play of goaltender Carter Hart. However, he was in net last night against the New York Rangers. That leaves backup goalie Felix Sandstorm between the pipes tonight.
That’s a great matchup for all of the Leafs, but we’re actually going to stay away from all of the big names. Of course Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and company should feast on Philly as well, but we’re getting much better value with Morgan Rielly. For full disclosure, we also love Michael Bunting’s point prop. We’re sticking with the defenseman Rielly for the sheer volume. He led the team in ice time per game last season, and is doing the same again this year with nearly 24 minutes per game. It also doesn’t hurt that he has arguably the most elite goalscorer in the game with Matthews on his team. With so much talent on the Leafs, there are plenty of opportunities for Rielly to record a point tonight.
Be sure to check out our Philadelphia Flyers vs Toronto Maple Leafs predictions
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