There are nine games for Tuesday’s NHL slate, we’re going to take a deeper dive into two of the matchups and choose two player props we think will provide good value and will have a great chance of hitting. Games are starting at 7:00 pm ET and the final game of the night starts at 10:30 pm ET. Can the well-known Auston Matthews find his groove, and can the lesser-known Drake Batherson continue his incredible start?
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Auston Matthews over 3.5 shots on goal (-130)
For Auston Matthews and hockey fans everywhere, it’s no secret that he’s had an underwhelming start to the season. With just two points in six games, he’s been one of the lowest-producing superstars in the league. However, it hasn’t been from a lack of opportunities. Through six games, Matthews has 25 shots on goal averaging just over four shots a game. Going up against a strong opponent in the Vegas Golden Knights, Matthews will need to be on his A-game if the Leafs have any chance of winning; when he’s at his best, he’s shooting a lot and he’s scoring the most goals in the league.
The Knights are ranked the third-worst in the league for allowing shots on goal. Currently, they’re allowing an average of 34.3 shots on goal, and with Mark Stone (the best defensive winger in the league) and Max Pacioretty (their other first-line winger) both missing for this game, Matthews should find himself having easier matchups. Additionally, Matthews is the number one shooting option on the powerplay and the Knights are averaging just over four minor penalties a game. Take him to get over 3.5 shots tonight.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Vegas Golden Knights vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Drake Batherson over 0.5 points (-125)
If you don’t watch the Ottawa Senators, you may not even know who Drake Batherson is; but he’s good, and he’s consistent. He’s currently leading the Sens in scoring with eight points in eight games. Although he went scoreless in his most recent game, in four instances this season of Batherson not recording a point, he’s recorded a point the next game. After an embarrassing performance against the Chicago Blackhawks last night, that trend is likely to continue. The whole team needs to be better tonight and it starts with the Senators’ first line.
Batherson currently has a 17.4% shooting percentage, if he continues to shoot the puck his point total is bound to increase. The Minnesota Wild are currently allowing 3.25 goals per game and are allowing the second-highest number of penalty minutes with 13.6 per game; that’s nearly seven minor penalties. Batherson is averaging 2:27 minutes of powerplay time a game, if he can see an increase in that tonight he’ll likely find himself on the scoresheet. Take Batherson to record a point tonight, the entire team needs a bounce back after getting embarrassed Monday night.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Ottawa Senators vs Minnesota Wild
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