Ryan Hodges
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The NHL schedule has been feast or famine lately. Since Tuesday, there have been 9 games, then 2 games, then 12, then 2, now 15 games on Saturday! The trend continues that way into next week. Nonetheless, today is one of those days to soak in as the 15-game slate will bring the action all day and night. Fans are in for a treat today before more small slates on Sunday and Monday.
You can also find out our NHL predictions for both of today’s matchups, but for now, let’s dive into our best NHL prop bets.
Alex Ovechkin (Capitals) over 3.5 shots on goal (-135)
I’m going back to the well with Washington’s Alex Ovechkin today because water eventually finds its level. That especially feels the case for superstars in any sport and the NHL is no exception. The stat creating buzz on Thursday was that on Wednesday night, Ovechkin was held to no shots on goal in consecutive games for the first time in his 18-year career. He is going to break out of this slow start at some point, though, and facing the Canadiens presents a great opportunity for him to do so.
The Canadiens are 1-1-1 to start the season but their lone win was against the fellow rebuilding Blackhawks by a score of 3-2. Montreal may take a step forward this year, but they still appear to be firmly in their rebuild. They have had weak goal prevention over the last couple of years and to begin this season as well. Even if Ovechkin does not score, the Canadiens do not present as much of an obstacle. A chip on his shoulder and favorable matchup will give Ovechkin plenty of opportunities to get the puck heading toward the net.
Jack Eichel (Golden Knights) over 1.5 points (+175)
Unsurprisingly, the Golden Knights have been stellar to start the season. They look like they have picked up right where they left off from a dominant Stanley Cup run. At 5-0-0 with a +12 goal differential, a big reason for their early success has been the steady production of Jack Eichel. In 5 games to start the season, Eichel has 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points along with 28 shots on goal, which is an average of 5.6 shots per game.
The opportunity for him to produce again on Saturday is evident. Eichel centers the top line between Ivan Barbashev and Jonathan Marchessault. He is also on the top power play with Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Mark Stone and Shea Theodore. Facing what should be a much weaker Blackhawks team, look for Eichel and the Golden Knights to have another big night. Getting +175 is generous for this spot.
Check out today’s NHL mega parlay
