Another night of NHL action is on deck, bringing a fresh opportunity to find value across the board. I’ve narrowed down Thursday’s slate to my favorite bets and player props.
Colorado Avalanche @ Ottawa Senators
Cale Makar 1+ Assist (+100) – FanDuel
Cale Makar has recorded a point in 11 of 18 games this season (61.1%). While his standard point prop is priced at -170, I’m looking for a little more value by targeting his assist at -115. Makar has recorded at least one assist in 10 of 18 games (55.6%) this season.
He has been particularly productive lately, recording an assist in four of his last five games, including multiple assists in two of those contests. He also has a strong history against Ottawa, picking up an assist in three of his last four matchups against the Senators.
Ottawa started the season as one of the better defensive teams in the league but has struggled recently. Linus Ullmark returns to the crease tonight after being sidelined since October 21. While Ullmark got off to an excellent start with a 1.33 GAA, tonight will be his first appearance in several weeks. Colorado leads the NHL in goals per game, and I expect the Avalanche to put plenty of pressure on a goaltender returning from an extended absence.
Montreal Canadiens @ Boston Bruins
Noah Dobson 2+ Shots on Goal (-140) – DraftKings
Noah Dobson has recorded two or more shots on goal in 12 of 18 games this season. His home and road splits have been fairly consistent, hitting this number in 70% of his home games and 62.5% of his road games.
He has been firing the puck consistently lately, cashing this prop in seven of his last ten games. Tonight, he draws a favorable matchup against Boston, which has allowed the ninth-most shots on goal to opposing defensemen over its last ten games. Dobson also has a solid history against the Bruins, recording at least two shots in four of his last seven meetings.
David Pastrank 4+ Shots on Goal (-105) – DraftKings
If there is one Boston player I want to target in the shots on goal market, it is David Pastrnak. He has consistently been a high-volume shooter, and his history against Montreal makes this matchup particularly appealing. Pastrnak has recorded four or more shots on goal in four of his last seven meetings with the Canadiens.
Montreal has also been vulnerable defensively against opposing forwards recently, allowing the fourth-most shots on goal to the position over its last ten games. Pastrnak enters this matchup having hit this number in three of his last four contests and has been noticeably more productive at home. He has recorded four or more shots in 66.7% of his games at TD Garden this season compared to 55.6% on the road. At near even money, I like his chances to keep the shots coming against a division rival.
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Columbus Blue Jackets
Anthony Cirelli 1+ Point (+110) – DraftKings
The Tampa Bay Lightning enter this matchup on the second night of a back-to-back after dismantling the Buffalo Sabres last night. Their top line of Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, and Nikita Kucherov combined for ten points, with each player recording at least three individually.
Cirelli has been productive lately, recording a point in four of his last five games. He has also found success against Columbus, picking up a point in four of his last six meetings with the Blue Jackets.
Tampa Bay now travels to face a Columbus team that ranks 18th in goals allowed per game this season. The Lightning have scored at least four goals in eight of their last ten games, while Columbus has surrendered three or more goals in five of its last seven contests. With Tampa Bay’s offense rolling and Cirelli playing a prominent role alongside two elite offensive talents, plus money is appealing for him to get back on the scoresheet.
Best of luck, and as always, you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback, whether positive or negative, is always encouraged.
