The third night of the NHL season is upon us and we have a total of 9 games, including 3 player props for you. With 5 games in the 7pm ET slot, including a highly anticipated season-opener for the Florida Panthers, and the final game being played at 10:30pm ET between the LA Kings and Vegas Golden Knights, hockey fans are in store for a great night.
Along with our player props, be sure to check out our picks for the side and total on every NHL game tonight for all five matchups. Also, be sure to follow our main Twitter account for more daily free picks.
Jonathan Huberdeau over 2.5 shots on goal (+135)
Jonathan Huberdeau is one of the most undercover players in the league when it comes to elite talents. And for the first time in what feels like forever, the Florida Panthers have some high expectations, including talks to win the stacked Atlantic division. In the shortened season last year, he averaged more than 2 shots per game. He stepping up his game even more in the playoffs, where he averaged 3 shots per game in a 6-game series against Tampa Bay.
After acquiring Sam Bennett at the trade deadline last year, Huberdeau was playing some of the best hockey in his career. Despite them playing only 10 regular-season games together, Huberdeau put up 15 points and 28 shots in that span, including 5 games with 4 or more shots on goal. He should start the season off well, so take the over on his shots on goal.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Florida Panthers.
Nikita Kucherov over 1.5 points (+155)
After an incredibly underwhelming start to the season on Tuesday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s top players should feast on a much weaker opponent in the Detroit Red Wings. Despite missing the entire regular season last year, Kucherov totalled 32 points in 23 playoff games. The 2019 MVP is still riding the prime of his career, and after an embarrassing loss in the season opener, he should be playing his best on Thursday night.
With Brayden Point as his centerman, Tampa’s top line should almost be a sure thing to bounce back. Kucherov has 29 points in 25 career games against the Wings. Bet on a bounce-back from him and the Bolts in this one, take over 1.5 points for Kucherov.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Tampa Bay Lightning vs Detroit Red Wings.
Anze Kopitar over 0.5 assists (+120)
Anze Kopitar year after year proves that he’s one of the best passers in the league despite the lack of offensive weapons surrounding him the past few seasons. He totaled 37 assists in 56 games last season, including 11 assists in his first 8 games. He’s been known to start the seasons off hot, he will probably do it again. The Los Angeles Kings have had a recent injection of youth into their lineup which should give players like Kopitar and Drew Doughty a positive outlook for the upcoming season.
In eight head-to-head meetings against the Vegas Golden Knights last season, Kopitar had 5 assists. With a new goalscoring winger in Viktor Arvidsson on his first line, the captain for the Kings could make a big splash on opening night. Take Kopitar getting over 0.5 assists.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Vegas Golden Knights vs Los Angeles Kings.
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