Mark Lammey
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Per usual, the NHL enjoys having drastically different-sized slates, but that means we have a solid 10 games on the board tonight. On a personal note, I’m on a 6-2 run, so let’s keep things rolling. Two of the Eastern Conference’s best go head-to-head in Tampa, and the defending Stanley Cup champions continue their road trip in Dallas. However, we won’t be targeting those high-profile matchups. Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that we love the St. Louis Blues skaters in their rematch against the Anaheim Ducks at home tonight. Rather than taking the low-hanging fruit, we’ve found value elsewhere. Along with our player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today’s action.
Jack Hughes over 3.5 shots on goal (-135)
Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins burned us on this same prop over the weekend, as stat-keepers this season have been frustrating. Nonetheless, Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils is nearly impossible for them to deny. The right winger loves taking his shots and the numbers prove as such. His 77 shots so far this season are tied for the 7th-most in the NHL. Last time I checked, three 7’s is usually a good sign. It also provides confidence that he’s tied with superstar Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche.
Hughes has been able to reach that mark in 18 games, meaning he’s averaging over 4 shots per game. He and the Devils have both been hot, as New Jersey looks to extend their 12-game winning streak against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. While McDavid may get all of the attention, there’s much more value on targeting his opposition. Hughes and company also have a great matchup, as the Oilers allow the 5th-most shots per game both on the road and overall. That’s something Hughes took advantage of last season when he had 7 shots against them on home ice. He’s hit this in 12 of 18 games this year, including an 8-shot game and four 7-shot games, so back Hughes to get at least 4 shots on goal tonight.
Be sure to check out our full Edmonton Oilers vs New Jersey Devils predictions
Roman Josi over 0.5 points (-150)
We’re going back to the well for our second play. Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators came through for us in one of our 2-0 nights already. He and the Preds will be at home tonight to take on a weak Arizona Coyotes team. Much like the Ducks, they’ve been a profitable team to pick on this season. Not only are they allowing the 3rd-most shots per game, but they’re also allowing the 5th-most goals per game. Josi is a shot-taking machine, so be sure to consider taking that prop as well.
However, we’re going with the tried and true when it comes to Josi. Although he was held pointless in Nashville’s close loss to the Lightning, he won’t be facing the likes of Andrei Vasilevskiy in net. Second-year goalie Karel Vejmelka has been between the pipes for the Coyotes, and Josi feasted on him last season. The Preds defenseman recorded an assist in all 3 meetings against Arizona last season. That included a 2-goal, 2-assist performance in their first matchup. He should be able to replicate that outing, as he just had a 4-assist game against the New York Islanders 4 days ago. They have one of the NHL’s most elite goaltenders in Ilya Sorokin. If Josi can do that against him, he and Filip Forsberg should link up at least once tonight.
Be sure to check out our Arizona Coyotes vs Nashville Predators prediction
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