Ryan Hodges
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The NHL returns to a busy slate tonight with 18 teams suited up across 9 games, beginning at 7:00 pm ET. There is plenty of intrigue on the board with several superstars in play and some very good litmus tests for a few teams. Hopefully, you can finish up dinner and any obligations in time to soak in all the action. Regardless of what time you tune in, there will be hockey waiting for you all night long. You can also find out our NHL predictions for today’s slate, but for now, let’s dive into my best NHL prop bets.
Nikita Kucherov over 0.5 goals (+100)
Nikita Kucherov’s 11 goals are tied for the 3rd-most in the NHL and his 23 points are also tied for the 3rd-most in the league. Kucherov has 5 goals and 12 points in his last 4 games against largely good, competitive teams thus far. This guy is lighting it up right now. Until or unless he slows down, even a little bit, getting plus-money odds on any Kucherov prop will feel like great value.
The Blues are off to a 7-5-1 start to the season. Their goal prevention overall has been decent but has had some ugly slip-ups in the first month of the season. It remains to be seen whether their start is sustainable after being one of the worst defensive teams in hockey last year. Conversely, we know what the Lightning are. Tampa has dropped two straight ugly games and will come out with added urgency to put a stop to this losing streak. Look for Kucherov to will the Lightning in a potentially close game.
Read our expert’s full Tampa Bay Lightning vs St. Louis Blues prediction
David Pastrnak over 1.5 points (+130)
The Bruins have the best point percentage in the NHL this season once again. This start looks very reminiscent of their historically good season last year. What also feels like déjà vu is the performance of David Pastrnak. Pastrnak has 10 goals and 21 points in 14 games played. He has 7 points in his last 4 games entering Tuesday. The Bruins are one of the best teams, if not the best team in hockey. Pastrnak is arguably the best player on that best team. Even for 2+ points, getting plus-money odds is good value.
Over the last few seasons, when the Bruins and Sabres meet, totals climb. The over has hit in 9 out of the last 12 head-to-head. There is a plethora of offensive talent on both sides in this game. Despite unders trends for both teams so far this season, the pure matchup of this game looks good to buck those trends. If this truly is another high-scoring game between these teams, Pastrnak is likely to be a primary contributor.
Lock in tonight’s NHL mega parlay at HUGE +1180 odds
