It’s the second night of the 2021-22 NHL regular season, and we have our second night of player props for you. The first game of the night starts at 7pm ET with a rematch from last season’s first round of the playoffs, as the Montreal Canadiens take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. There are four more games to follow, one of which will feature the lethal duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and in another game, the return of the beloved Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, after missing an entire season last year.
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.
Jake Allen over 26.5 saves (-110)
The sting of last season’s playoff collapse is still there for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and with Carey Price stepping away from the game, the Buds smell blood in the water. Regardless of a victory or a loss in this game, Toronto will be shooting every single chance they get. After three preseason meetings, the Leafs averaged 37.6 shots per game against the Habs. There’s no shortage of offensive weapons for Toronto, they won’t stop shooting until the final whistle. Consider Auston Matthews missing the game a good thing for Allen, those are just pucks that won’t end up in the back of the net.
Despite the expectations of Allen being the backup for the Habs this season, he’s coming off a respectable season last year (where he appeared in more games than Price). He averaged just over 28 saves a game last year. In the season opener, he’ll be fresh and looking to stand tall for his team. He’s their go-to guy this season, head coach Dominique Ducharme will look to keep him in the game for all 60 minutes. Take the over saves here.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Connor McDavid over 0.5 goals (+110)
Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers will start their season off against the Vancouver Canucks at 10pm ET. McDavid absolutely dominated the Canucks last season with 8 goals in 10 games, there’s no reason that won’t continue. McDavid has been notorious for scoring in the first game of the year, doing it in three of six opening nights for a combined six goals in those six games. The reigning MVP will look to start his 2021-2022 campaign with a bang.
With the addition of Zach Hyman, an elite puck retriever, McDavid’s life could be a little easier this season when it comes to potting goals. Not to mention the Oilers’ elite powerplay (which operated at 29.7% against the Canucks last season), expect Connor to have more than a couple of chances to score one. Take McDavid scoring a goal in the season opener.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers
Jonathan Toews over 0.5 points (-102)
The long-awaited return of the Chicago Blackhawks captain has finally arrived. After stepping away for an entire season, Toews has said he’s coming into this season feeling the best he’s ever felt. Words from Chicago are also confirming he looks dominant in training camp. He has six points in four preseason games, including two goals in his most recent game. Now that the Hawks are fully healthy and with the addition of the premier defenseman, Seth Jones, their powerplay is nothing to take lightly.
Players like Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat will be looking to make sure their captain has a good first game back by starting the regular season on the right foot. Despite not feeling like himself the past two seasons, he accumulated 141 points in 152 games. Now that he’s feeling 100%, he may have a major bounce-back season and could be in the running for comeback player of the year.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Chicago Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche
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