Steven Hall
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It’s a fairly quiet night on the NHL front with just 2 matchups taking place on this Tuesday. The Blue Jackets head out on the road to take on the Blues, while the Sharks play host to the Kraken. Even with it being such a light slate, I’ve still gathered my top player prop picks for the day, one from each game.
If you’re more interested in an actual game breakdown of both matchups, be sure to visit our NHL picks page. But for now, let’s jump right into my NHL player props for today. I’m looking to build upon my successful 11-5 prop record so far this season.
Pavel Buchnevich, STL Over 2.5 shots on goal (-150)
My attention first turns to Pavel Buchnevich of St. Louis. Buchnevich is 2nd on the team in shots on goal during the 2023-24 campaign with 129, and he has been letting it rip even more in recent weeks. Buchnevich is averaging 2.8 shots on goal per game this season and in his last 10 contests that number rises to 3. He has even cleared this 2.5 prop 6 times in his last 8 outings.
It also helps that the Blues will be at home, where Buchnevich averages 2.59 shots on goal per game. The matchup is a juicy one, too. Columbus ranks 31st in the league in goals allowed per game (3.7) and 29th in shots on goal (33.6). The Blue Jackets have let up at least 4 goals in 7 of their last 9 showings, so the chances should be ample for Buchnevich. I’m backing him to record 3+ shots against the Blue Jackets.
Jared McCann, SEA Over 0.5 points (-140)
In the nightcap I have my eyes set on Jared McCann of Seattle. His play this season has been marvelous, especially of late. He was already averaging a solid 0.73 points per game this season, and during his recent 10-game hot stretch he averaged 1.3 points. McCann is notching over a point per contest in the month of January and now gets to face the absolute worst defensive team in the league.
San Jose is historically bad this season in many facets, including defense. The Sharks rank dead last in the NHL in almost every major defensive statistical category and haven’t allowed fewer than 2 goals in a contest since December 15. Even better, in the 1 previous Kraken-Sharks matchup this season, McCann recorded 2 points. There’s really no reason to think he won’t extend his current points streak to 7 games.
