Ryan Hodges
Show Bio
An 11-game NHL slate on Thursday did not remotely disappoint. Before getting back to a double-digit schedule on Saturday, there are 4 games tonight for fans to enjoy to cap off their week. Of the 8 teams in action, there is only a couple that are comfortably in a playoff spot and likely going to remain there come spring. Otherwise, the remaining 6 teams are pressing a bit more for 2 points. You can find out our 2 best NHL player prop bets below, but make sure you also read our NHL predictions for today’s games.
Sam Bennett (FLA) over 0.5 points (-130)
The Panthers were one of the hottest teams in the NHL before hitting their current 3-game losing streak. While it is not too much cause for concern, it is a streak the Panthers will want to break out of. They are already the better team in this game against the Wild, but they will likely come out with even more jam to get back in the win column and keep pace in the Eastern Conference. Look for a big effort from a good Panthers team led by their top guys.
While the Panthers have been carried offensively by a few other players, Sam Bennett still plays a key role in this lineup. He centers the second line between Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe, and also has a place on the 2nd power play. Bennett and his talented linemates will be matched up against a Wild team that has dropped 9 of their last 11 games. Given Sam Bennett’s role on a great team and their favorable matchup, he looks good to log a point tonight.
Read our full Minnesota Wild vs Florida Panthers predictions
Anders Lee (NYI) over 0.5 points (+105)
The Islanders are another team that has gone from playoff contender to being on the outside looking in due to a rough past month. That being said, they are still very much alive in the race for the postseason as they are just 3 points out of the second wild card. They have to get back on a run, though. Tonight, the Islanders have a good chance to get the train back on the tracks as they visit the Blackhawks. If anyone is going to try to rally this Islanders team, it should be their captain, Anders Lee.
Lee is on the Islanders’ top line with Bo Horvat and Oliver Wahlstrom, and he is also on the 2nd power play. They face a Blackhawks team that sits 2nd-last in the NHL and has the 4th-worst goal prevention in the league. The Islanders should be able to take care of business, in part due to production from their top line. Lee had 2 goals in New York’s prior game and should be able to build off of that for another night of production.
