Mark Lammey
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We’re 5-1 on the week with player props, so let’s keep things going with a big 13-game slate. We’re also looking for a skater to return to form tonight, and there are several great matchups on the board. The New Jersey Devils are out to extend their 10-game winning streak, while the Boston Bruins are out to become the first team with 15 wins. If you’d rather not bet against those teams or have to trust if their luck will wear thin, we can attack the player prop market instead. We’ve broken down tonight’s action and come up with two great sports to target. Along with our player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today’s action.
Bryan Rust over 0.5 points (-115)
The Pittsburgh Penguins have not had the start to the season they were hoping for. After their 5-2 home loss on Tuesday night, they’re now below .500 and ahead of only the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Metro Division. They’ll have to try and bounce back on the road tonight against the Minnesota Wild. The Wild have quite a discrepancy in terms of goaltending on the road compared to at home. They’re allowing the fewest goals per game on the road (1.78 per game), while allowing the absolute most at home (4.29 per game).
Specifically, Bryan Rust looks to be set for a solid game. His point total for this season may not jump off the page, but that’s not indicative of his usual performances. The right winger is coming off a season in which he recorded 58 points in 60 games. He’s also still on the top line with future Hall-of-Famers Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. That alone provides a great opportunity for him to record a point against his former teammate, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Those 2 lead the team with 17 points each, so it’s time for Rust to catch up. He had a point in both games against the Wild last season, and it doesn’t end there. He also had a point against Fleury last season when he was still on the Chicago Blackhawks. Whether the Pens bounce back and get the win or not, Rust should return to form tonight.
Alex Ovechkin over 0.5 goals (+105)
We’re getting a solid plus-money price on one of the most elite goalscorers in NHL history for our second play. The Washington Capitals captain has 8 so far this season, bringing his career total to 788. That’s the 3rd-most in NHL history, behind only Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky. He still has a way to go for the top spot, but he should get at least 1 goal closer after tonight’s game. The Caps are traveling over to St. Louis to take on a streaky Blues team. They’ve had multiple 3-game winning streaks, while also having an 8-game losing streak. Now they have to take on Washington on the second night of a back-to-back.
That’s perfect news for Ove, as starting goaltender Jordan Binnington was in net against the Chicago Blackhawks last night. With him unavailable, that puts backup Thomas Greiss in net. He was on the Detroit Red Wings last night, and was even a backup there. However, he happened to be in net when Ove and the Caps faced the Wings last season. You guessed it, Ove the Great notched a goal in both of those meetings. He recorded 2 goals in one of those games, something he is familiar with against the Blues as well. Ove has 18 goals in 22 games against St. Louis, including 2 hat tricks. The Caps are coming off a tough loss on Tuesday night, and we expect Ove to try and take over against an opponent he has feasted on in his career.
NHL Player Prop Honorable Mentions
Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights skaters both have great spots tonight. However, they’re both at home against struggling teams, so their player prop prices are extremely juiced. If you’re willing to pay the premium or have the ability to make prop Same Game Parlays, they should be your target.
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