Mark Lammey
Show Bio
Wednesday’s NHL slate provides only 4 games and teams’ motivations can vary depending on their postseason probability. If you’re looking for other options than sides or totals with teams that have already clinched or have been eliminated, we can find value in player props. Let’s focus on the Oilers, who have everything to play for, and the Blackhawks, who are trying to prove they’re better than their record shows. Along with our player props, be sure to check out our full game previews for tonight’s matchups.
Leon Draisaitl over 0.5 goals (+100)
The Oilers welcome in the Stars after 2 incredible shutout wins that have catapulted them into 2nd place in the Pacific Division. However, they have not yet clinched a playoff berth and a win against Dallas would be a huge step towards that goal. Connor McDavid may be considered the best skater in the league by many, but Leon Draisaitl is right alongside. He has just 5 fewer points than McDavid, and was ahead of him earlier in the season. They’re both over 100 points on the season which provides opportunities for them to help each other.
The Stars shine brightest when they are playing well defensively, but slowing down the Oilers’ potent offensive attack is nearly impossible. We’re focusing on Draisaitl’s goal prop as his point prop will always be far too expensive. Breaking down the points for both him and McDavid shows the trend of McDavid being the assist man to Draisaitl finding the back of the net. The majority of McDavid’s points are assists, 68 of the 110. Therefore, it makes sense that Draisaitl has the majority of the goals with 54, compared to McDavid’s 42. Look for this duo to team up again to help the Oilers inch closer to the postseason.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Dallas Stars at Edmonton Oilers
Patrick Kane over 1.5 points (+110)
The Blackhawks take on the Coyotes in a game with zero playoff implications. However, Patrick Kane has been a lifelong Blackhawk, is the team’s captain, and takes far too much pride in his craft to not perform. He was just held pointless in Chicago’s last game, which can only be said for a few games this season. That was against one of the league’s best defensive teams in the Flames. Wednesday night will be much the opposite as he takes on the Coyotes, who have the league’s 3rd-worst goaltending.
Arizona is allowing 3.79 goals per game and Kane will be eager to take advantage and redeem himself. He will also be eager to avenge the loss he encountered the last time the Blackhawks took on the Coyotes. Losing to such a bad team is not something Kane takes lightly. He had just 1 point in that matchup, but had 7 shots. I’d expect him to take just as many chances this time around, but with more success. Kane has 26 multiple-point games this season. Expect him to leave the Coyotes howling by the end of the night.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Chicago Blackhawks at Arizona Coyotes
Pickswise is the home of free NHL Picks and NHL Predictions. Check back for our daily NHL Best Bets, including our favorite NHL Prop Bets.
