All posts by Todd Cordell

NHL Thursday best bets: Hurricanes to pounce on Matthews-less Maple Leafs

Wednesday night was a good one on the ice. We successfully backed the Calgary Flames to pick up a multi-goal victory over the New Jersey Devils while splitting our +100 player props.

We'll look to turn 2-1 into 3-0 as we dive into our best bets for a jam-packed Thursday slate.

Hurricanes (-110) @ Maple Leafs (-110)

The Carolina Hurricanes enter this game playing some of their best hockey of the season. They're on a 7-2-1 run and have absolutely dominated opponents during that stretch, controlling 58.26% of the shot attempts (first) and 56.14% of the expected goals (fifth) at five-on-five.

Beating a team like the Hurricanes is difficult enough, but when you factor in their elite special teams - headlined by arguably the league's best penalty kill - and high-end goaltending from Frederik Andersen, they're a miserable opponent for any side. I don't think they're getting the respect they deserve.

Considering the Toronto Maple Leafs have home ice, I'd understand pricing this game at essentially a coin flip - if they were just dealing with goaltending issues. That's not the case. Not only are the Maple Leafs starting a third-string netminder, but they're playing without a legitimate Hart Trophy candidate in Auston Matthews.

I don't see Toronto getting the better of the five-on-five play without Matthews. Its special teams are no better than Carolina's, and it's at a big disadvantage in goal with Erik Kallgren going up against a potential Vezina Trophy finalist.

The Hurricanes have plenty of edges in this game. With an implied winning percentage of around 52%, there's real value backing them.

Bet: Hurricanes (-110)

Stars (-190) @ Canadiens (+155)

The Montreal Canadiens have quietly played solid defensive hockey of late. No, seriously.

Over the last 10 games, they rank 10th in attempts against and expected goals against per 60 minutes of five-on-five play. They really haven't given opponents much.

Now they're getting a big jolt in the arm with Jake Allen expected back Thursday night. His play has dipped this season, but Allen still has around 0.30 more goals saved above expected than Sam Montembeault per start - and he carries a higher floor and ceiling.

Put simply, the Canadiens are not giving up many chances. Upgrading in goal should really help them limit teams on the scoreboard.

On the flip side, the Dallas Stars are a competent defensive team with one of the league's hottest netminders. Jake Oettinger has started 17 of the last 20 games, posting a remarkable .927 save percentage in that span. Montreal's offense has been better under Martin St. Louis, but Oettinger still has a good chance of slowing it.

I think this total should be considerably juiced to the under. Since it's not, I'll happily take the value.

Bet: Under 6 (-110)

Capitals (-205) @ Blue Jackets (+170)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been a team to target all season long - and nothing's happened to give any pause for change.

Columbus has dropped six of the last 10, posting miserable numbers in the process. Its share of the five-on-five shot attempts during that spell was just 43% and, somehow, it looks even worse by expected goals. Its expected goals for percentage is below 40%, which is mind-numbingly bad.

The Washington Capitals are starting to get healthy and desperate for points to get out of a wild-card spot. Winning would be a difficult proposition for Columbus at the best of times. Doing it with Joonas Korpisalo makes it nearly impossible.

OK, that might be a bit of an exaggeration - emphasis on "might." Korpisalo owns a putrid .883 save percentage this season. Of all netminders with at least 19 appearances (Korpisalo's number), only three allow more goals above expected per start.

The Blue Jackets play a style that's heavily reliant on their goaltender stealing games. That's a disastrous recipe with Korpisalo between the pipes.

Bet: Capitals in regulation (-129)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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NHL Wednesday best bets: Flames to burn Devils

After a jam-packed schedule Tuesday night, we have just four games on the docket Wednesday evening.

While I don't yet see a ton of value in terms of sides, I have found one I like to pair with shot props.

Devils (+265) @ Flames (-330)

The New Jersey Devils have quietly played pretty solid hockey of late. While they only have four wins over the last 10 games, they've often dictated play at five-on-five, and their share of the high-danger chances is above 60% during that span.

Maintaining their standing in that category is going to be a difficult task in this game. The Calgary Flames are sixth in high-danger chance share over the last 10 games. That total sits above 60% if we adjust to their last 10 in Calgary. They routinely dominate in the chance department and are better equipped to capitalize than New Jersey.

The Flames also have an enormous edge in goal. Nico Daws has mostly played well of late, but the rookie netminder enters play having started eight straight. That's a lot to ask of a guy still finding his footing in the league, and Tuesday night gave us our first indication the heavy workload is taking its toll. Daws allowed 2.36 goals more than expected before being yanked, presumably to preserve some energy for this game.

I'm not sure he'll fare much better considering the stress the Flames put on opposing netminders. They rank sixth in attempts per 60, fifth in expected goals per 60, and fifth in actual goals per 60 on home soil. Suffice to say, they don't make it easy on you.

Calgary has a better, more balanced roster. It has a potential Vezina Trophy candidate going up against an unpolished rookie. It's a rested squad playing host to a fatigued team. New Jersey also has injury concerns, as its best defensive blue-liner, Jonas Siegenthaler, was unable to go on Tuesday night while Pavel Zacha left with an injury and won't dress in this game.

The Flames should be able to flex their muscles in this one.

Bet: Flames -1.5 (-125)

Josh Norris over 2.5 shots (+100)

Norris has been one of my favorite value targets for some time. While he doesn't go over the number on a nightly basis, he routinely gets the job done at home when he has an advantageous matchup. That's most definitely the situation he finds himself in on Wednesday night.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the NHL's worst shot-suppression teams. They give up a ton of attempts and shots on target, especially to centers.

Only the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers have conceded more shots to the position. In New York's case, the difference is just one shot.

Norris found himself in a similar spot at home to the Arizona Coyotes last time out, and he dinged them for five shots on target. I don't know if he'll reach those heights again, but I do expect a productive outing.

Oliver Bjorkstrand over 2.5 shots (+100)

Bjorkstrand is a rare cat who enjoys more success on the road than at home. He's gone over his shot total (2.5) in just 37% of his home games, but he gets the job done 54% of the time on the road. That's a big difference.

Only two teams have allowed shot attempts at a higher rate than the Ottawa Senators, who've been absolutely crushed by right-wingers all year. Only the Detroit Red Wings have conceded more shots to the position on a per-game basis.

Bjorkstrand only had two shots the last time these teams met, but it wasn't for a lack of chances - he had six attempts toward the net. Look for him to have more success this time around.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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NHL Tuesday player props: 3 forwards to target

After just one NHL game on Monday night, we have 11 to look forward to Tuesday evening.

There's a ton of value on the board so let's waste no time getting to a few of my favorite plays.

Jack Eichel over 3.5 shots (-118)

Jack Eichel is one of the most consistent shot generators in the NHL right now. He's generated at least four shots on goal in seven of his last nine games, leading the Vegas Golden Knights in attempts (55), shots (38), and scoring chances (30) during that span. With several key players out of the lineup, a ton of responsibility has fallen on Eichel's shoulders.

That's a recipe for success with his shot props, especially in positive matchups - such as Tuesday night's game against the Winnipeg Jets. Only five teams have conceded more shots to centers this season. Look for Eichel to take advantage.

Brendan Gallagher over 2.5 shots (-106)

The Arizona Coyotes are one of the ideal teams to target on a nightly basis. They give up shots at an insane rate at the best of times. And they're in the latter half of a back-to-back without their best defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

At five-on-five, Arizona has allowed a whopping 68 attempts per 60 over the last 10 games.

That's music to the ears of Brendan Gallagher. He's a volume shooter who has done his best work at home, going over his total 62% of the time (compared to 45% on the road).

His home success should continue in this game.

Patrice Bergeron over 3.5 shots (-125)

Patrice Bergeron is firing on all cylinders. He's averaged an absurd 4.8 shots per game over his last 10 while going over the number (3.5) seven times in that span. League-wide, only Nathan MacKinnon and Auston Matthews have generated more shots over the last 10.

Now Bergeron finds himself in an advantageous spot against the Chicago Blackhawks. Only five teams have allowed more shots to centers on a per game basis. Unsurprisingly, Bergeron teed off on them last time the two sides met; he had seven shots on target and attempted nine. This line is short.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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NHL Tuesday best bets: Can Golden Knights rebound in Winnipeg?

We have a jam-packed schedule to look forward to Tuesday night as 22 of the league's 32 teams will be in action.

Let's waste no time and get to our best bets.

Bruins (-190) @ Blackhawks (+155)

We backed the Boston Bruins on the puck line against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, and the Bruins did everything but cover.

They were by far the superior team, controlling 58% of the shot attempts, 60% of the expected goals, and 62% of the scoring chances. They fully deserved their win and were unlucky the game was even close.

I expect Boston to be the decisively better side again in this game. Its current form is remarkably good, and the team is full value for its 8-1-1 record over the last 10 games, sitting second in expected goal share (57.71%).

Chicago won four of its last 10 and sits 26th in five-on-five expected goal share over that period. Suffice to say, Boston is playing at a significantly higher level.

While Linus Ullmark isn't Jeremy Swayman, the Swede is more than capable of matching this year's version of Marc-Andre Fleury. Ullmark has conceded around 0.20 goals more than expected per start while Fleury sits at around 0.40.

There really aren't many - any? - edges for Chicago in this game. Back the Bruins to pick up another win inside 60.

Bet: Bruins in regulation (-112)

Golden Knights (+105) @ Jets (-125)

The Vegas Golden Knights feel like a sinking ship right now. The injuries continue to pile up at an alarming rate, which makes it very difficult to get a result on any given night.

While the injuries are a real cause for concern and help justify the losses piling up, I think the Golden Knights have been a little unlucky of late. Healthy players or not, they're playing better than the results suggest.

Over the last 10 games, they rank third in five-on-five shot share and fourth in expected goals. They're routinely getting the better of the chances.

Their shooting percentage during that span ranks 29th, and that's hurt them. It doesn't matter how many chances you generate if you can't finish any of them.

The good news is the Winnipeg Jets have just the ailment the Golden Knights need: poor goaltending. Winnipeg's goaltenders have combined to post a sub-.900 save percentage over the last 10 games.

Connor Hellebuyck is generally one of the better netminders in the league, but he's simply not right at the moment. That's good news for Vegas. Even with several key players out of the lineup, it still has names like Jack Eichel, Jonathan Marchessault, William Karlsson, Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore healthy and ready to go. It's also possible Max Pacioretty can play.

With or without him, I'm happy to take my chances on Vegas enjoying some positive regression against a struggling netminder.

Bet: Golden Knights (-105)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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Stanley Cup odds update: 3 long shots that can win it all

The 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs are less than two months away. While it's likely a team +1600 or shorter ultimately gets its hand on the trophy, there are still a few dark horse sides with potential.

Let's take a look at three long shots - to varying degrees - that could surprise when the tournament begins.

TEAM ODDS
Colorado Avalanche +400
Florida Panthers +750
Carolina Hurricanes +800
Tampa Bay Lightning +800
Calgary Flames +850
Vegas Golden Knights +1000
Toronto Maple Leafs +1100
Pittsburgh Penguins +1600
New York Rangers +2000
Boston Bruins +2000
Minnesota Wild +2100
St. Louis Blues +2100
Nashville Predators +2700
Washington Capitals +2700
Dallas Stars +3000
Edmonton Oilers +3000
Los Angeles Kings +3500
Vancouver Canucks +7500
Anaheim Ducks +12500
Winnipeg Jets +12500
Columbus Blue Jackets +30000
New York Islanders +30000
San Jose Sharks +30000
New Jersey Devils +50000
Detroit Red Wings +50000
Chicago Blackhawks +100000
Philadelphia Flyers  +100000
Ottawa Senators +150000
Buffalo Sabres  +300000
Montreal Canadiens +500000
Arizona Coyotes +600000
Seattle Kraken +600000

Boston Bruins (+2000)

There's too much meat on the bone here for a team with so much high-end talent and experience. I know they have to get through a ridiculously tough Atlantic Division bracket to have any shot at a trophy, but crazier things have happened. This team is extremely well-rounded.

Offensively, they seem to be hitting their stride. Jake DeBrusk has held up his end of the bargain on the top line, which has allowed the Bruins to pair Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak on the second unit. That essentially gives them two top lines. Craig Smith and Charlie Coyle spearhead a solid third line as well, which has been especially hot of late.

Boston's team defense is remarkably good; no team in the league has conceded high-danger chances at a lesser rate during five-on-five play. They're also stout on the penalty kill.

When all else fails, they can be comfortable relying on Jeremy Swayman between the pipes. The 23-year-old has established himself as the team's No. 1 option in goal, and not just because Linus Ullmark has been inconsistent. Swayman owns a rock-solid .926 save percentage and sits eighth among starters in goals saved above expected per start.

This team is above average in every area of the game and they're battle-tested. If they can add another piece or two at the deadline, they'll be an extremely difficult side for any team to out.

Washington Capitals (+2700)

The Capitals have stumbled a bit of late. I wouldn't be quick to write them off, though.

They are 12th in the NHL in points percentage despite the fact they've spent very little of the season anywhere close to full health. Nicklas Backstrom has appeared in 27 of 60 games, T.J. Oshie has appeared in 26, and Anthony Mantha has dressed just 15 times. The Capitals haven't had one member of the second line healthy for even half of their games, let alone all three.

Not only have the absences of those players impacted the Capitals at five-on-five, but they've taken some jolt out of the power play. It can't be overstated how important it is to have them healthy.

Dating back to last season, they've helped the Capitals control better than 52% of the expected goal share at five-on-five. Backstrom and Oshie, in particular, really help out on the power play as well.

I think we're going to see a different Capitals team now that they're healthy again. There are also rumblings they're eying a Calle Jarnkrok-type forward at the deadline, which would provide some much-needed depth on the third line.

I'm not saying the Capitals are world-beaters or that they can match some of the other big-name teams. However, they do have a very good top six and a healthy power play, while Vitek Vanecek has quietly given the Capitals fantastic goaltending of late. They have the pieces to cause some problems in the playoffs.

Washington also figures to benefit from an easier path to the conference finals. With respect to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers, the Caps have a better chance of getting through that group than the bracket featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Bruins.

Los Angeles Kings (+3500)

The Los Angeles Kings are going through a bit of a tough spell right now. Drew Doughty, Viktor Arvidsson, Matt Roy, Dustin Brown, Mikey Anderson, and Andreas Athanasiou, among others, are out of the lineup with varying timelines to return.

If the Kings can get most of those guys back by the playoffs, the Kings have sneaky potential. Hear me out.

They are a fantastic five-on-five team. They rank fourth in the NHL in shot share, sixth in expected goals share, and eighth in terms of high-danger chances. Whichever metric you prefer, the Kings grade out highly. That's important, especially because officials tend to put the whistles away come playoff time. A lot of each game is played at full strength and the Kings are at their best in that game state.

Anze Kopitar spearheads a very good top line while Arvidsson, Phillip Danault, and Trevor Moore have combined to create a shockingly good second unit. Los Angeles has controlled ~59% of the shot attempts, 61% of the expected goals, and ~63% of the actual goals with that trio on the ice. Suffice to say, the Kings' top six is a problem.

They're also a great defensive team. While the goaltending hasn't been as good of late, Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen have both taken the ball and run with it at different points of the season. There's reason to believe they can be stable enough when the chips are down.

This team doesn't have much flash or appeal to the average observer. But they're solid and, outside of the Calgary Flames, every team in their division appears flawed. They could cause some headaches in the coming months.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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NHL Friday player props: 3 volume shooters to target

Thursday was a successful night for shot props. Jack Eichel threw up a dud against his former team but, luckily, Anze Kopitar and Mark Giordano capitalized on their advantageous matchups and led us to a profitable evening.

We'll look for more of the same as we find the best way to approach Friday's four-game slate.

Brock Nelson over 2.5 shots (-112)

Nelson is sizzling-hot right now. The Islanders center has taken at least three shots on goal in eight of the last 10 games, generating four or more at a 50% clip.

He's in a very good spot to continue his success Friday night. The Jets have been below average at suppressing shots and shot attempts over the last 10 contests, and they've struggled against the center position all season long.

They're conceding 10.81 shots per game to centers, which is a higher rate than all but four teams.

I doubt they're going to tighten the screws in the second half of a road back-to-back, particularly against someone generating as much volume as Nelson is.

Alex Pietrangelo over 2.5 shots (-155)

Pietrangelo is another guy who has been gripping it and ripping it lately. He has averaged 3.2 shots per game over the last 10, with only Jack Eichel outpacing him during that span.

The Penguins are an above-average shot-suppression team but have struggled to limit defensemen recently.

Jaccob Slavin (twice), Dougie Hamilton, Jacob Trouba, and Aaron Ekblad, among others, have registered at least three shots in recent meetings against Pittsburgh. Clearly, trigger-happy minute-munchers have enjoyed plenty of success against the Penguins. Expect no different with the Golden Knights rearguard.

Patrik Laine over 2.5 shots (-167)

Even while losing games, the Wild have remained very stingy in terms of suppressing shots at five-on-five. So why back Laine here? Special teams.

The Wild have conceded shots at an alarming rate while killing penalties. They've given up 119 attempts, and 73 shots on goal, per 60 minutes of PK time over the last 10.

Laine is option No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 on the Blue Jackets' power play, so he's as likely as anybody to take advantage of this juicy matchup.

He should be able to generate a couple shots on the man advantage, which puts him in prime position to go over the number (2.5) for the ninth time in the last 11 games.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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NHL weekend preview: Getting Wild in Columbus

It wasn't our night on the ice. Igor Shesterkin and Ville Husso both rank inside the top three in Goals Saved Above Expectation per start. Naturally, their meeting Thursday turned into an offensive explosion.

Additionally, the Boston Bruins couldn't win by a pair at home, and the Colorado Avalanche were blanked by Antti Raanta. Despite beating the closing line with all three bets, we were left empty-handed. It happens.

We'll look to bounce back with our best bets for the weekend ahead.

Jets (+105) @ Islanders (-125)
Mar 11, 7:30 p.m. EST

While the New York Islanders are coming off back-to-back high-scoring games, this contest screams under to me.

New York's offense isn't good. I think its recent outburst has more to do with playing the Colorado Avalanche - who are prone to pulling teams into track meets - and Joonas Korpisalo, one of the league's worst netminders this season.

The Islanders' underlying metrics are middling in terms of generating chances and expected goals. Plus, it's not like they're overflowing with high-end talent to consistently capitalize on the chances they do get, especially if Mathew Barzal remains out due to injury.

This team has had defensive hiccups along the way, but New York generally remains stout on home soil. Over the last 10 home games, the Islanders conceded just 53 attempts and fewer than two goals per 60 minutes of five-on-five play. Those are strong numbers.

Now, they draw a Winnipeg Jets team in the second half of a back-to-back with a fresh Connor Hellebuyck. He's struggled as of late, but his long track record of success leaves reason to believe he'll rebound sooner than later.

I think this line should be at 5.5 and juiced a little to the under. I'm happy to take my chances with the safety net 6 provides.

Bet: Under 6 (-120)

Wild (-205) @ Blue Jackets (+170)
Mar 11, 7 p.m. EST

The Minnesota Wild have hit a rough patch, winning just four of their last 10 games. That's hardly what you'd expect from a team with their level of talent.

But their play has been better than it appears. They rank fifth in the league with an expected goal share of nearly 54% over the last 10 contests.

Put simply, goaltending has been their downfall. Cam Talbot, in particular, has struggled to find his game.

It just so happens Friday will be an off night for Talbot, as Kaapo Kahkonen will get the nod in goal. He hasn't played great, either, but he's about eight goals clear of Talbot in Goals Saved Above Expected this season. He gives the Wild a better chance to win right now.

Minnesota is also drawing one of the better matchups it could hope for. The Columbus Blue Jackets have controlled a putrid 38% of the high-danger chances at five-on-five over the last 10 games.

Only the Chicago Blackhawks have generated high-danger looks at a lesser rate, while just three teams have conceded them more frequently.

The Wild should be able to dominate the run of play in this game, putting them in position to win their third in a row.

Bet: Wild in regulation (-130)

Kings (-121) @ Sharks (+100)
Mar 12, 9:30 p.m. EST

The Los Angeles Kings blew a lead to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night. I like them to respond with a bounce-back win Saturday.

San Jose has been getting decimated at five-on-five as of late. Its share of the expected goals at five-on-five is just 39% over the last 10 games, which is mind-numbingly bad. Erik Karlsson's return should help prop that number up a little bit, but there's only so much one player can do.

Even without Viktor Arvidsson, I expect the Kings to dominate territorially at five-on-five. They did so Thursday, controlling 62.5% of the high-danger chances.

That was also without No. 1 defenseman Drew Doughty in the lineup. If he's able to return Saturday, that's an added bonus for the Kings.

This team has proven doubters wrong all season long and found ways to get wins in spots you wouldn't expect. I believe Los Angeles will respond and put this struggling Sharks team back in its place.

Bet: Kings (-121)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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NHL Thursday player props: 3 shooters to target

After a day off on Wednesday, shot props return in full force as we comb through the best values ahead of Thursday's jam-packed 13-game slate.

Let's get down to business.

Jack Eichel over 3.5 shots (-125)

It took Eichel a little while to get going, but he appears to have his game back on track. The points are starting to come and so, too, are the shots. Eichel amassed at least four shots in seven of his last eight games, falling just one puck shy in the lone exception.

Now he draws a juicy matchup against a Buffalo Sabres team that's allowed five-on-five shots at a higher rate than the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. Not only is this an advantageous spot for volume shooters such as Eichel, but he should also have some extra motivation going up against his former team for the first time.

Look for Eichel to have a big night.

Anze Kopitar over 2.5 shots (-106)

Kopitar lives for games in Los Angeles. The Kings center averages 3.2 shots per game on home soil this season, hitting the over on his shot total nearly 70% of the time.

His numbers dip significantly on the road. Kopitar averages a full shot fewer per game and recorded three shots only 11 times in 30 games. That's a 37% hit rate - barely over half of what he manages at home.

Not only is Kopitar at home tonight, but he also has a mouth-watering matchup against the San Jose Sharks. No NHL team has conceded more shot attempts (65.4) per 60 minutes over the last 10 games than the Sharks. Kopitar should be able to take advantage.

Mark Giordano over 2.5 shots (+115)

Giordano has been very trigger-happy of late, attempting 55 shots over the last 10 games. That's good for top spot on the Seattle Kraken.

The shots should continue Thursday night against the Ottawa Senators. The Senators aren't exactly a stout defensive team and are prone to giving up a lot of production to defenders. They rank 30th in shots against per game versus defensemen and are only one goal against shy of tying for last in the NHL.

Giordano is heavily involved in Seattle's attack on any given night - don't expect that to change against Ottawa.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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NHL Tuesday player props: 3 shooters to back

We have 11 games scheduled for Tuesday night's slate, which means there is no shortage of player props to comb through.

Let's take a closer look at three of my favorites.

Joel Eriksson Ek over 2.5 shots (-139)

Joel Eriksson Ek has been one of the league's more efficient shot generators on home soil. He's averaged 3.4 shots per game in Minnesota this season while going over the number (2.5) in 65% of his games, including nine of the last 12.

He should be able to stay hot Tuesday night against the New York Rangers. They give up a lot of shots, especially to the center position. Only the Columbus Blue Jackets have allowed more shots - or shots per game - to centers than the Rangers.

Look for Eriksson Ek to hit three shots for the 10th time in 13 games.

Mikko Rantanen over 3.5 shots (+105)

Mikko Rantanen is shooting the lights out. He has amassed 63 shot attempts over the last 10 games, which ties him with Kirill Kaprizov for 17th in the NHL over that span.

The uptick in shot attempts has started to lead to success with his totals: Rantanen picked up 15 shots over the last three games while registering at least four in each contest.

He now finds himself in an advantageous matchup against the New Jersey Devils. Only three teams have conceded more shots per game to right wingers this season while no team has allowed more points to the position.

With Rantanen sizzling hot, he should be able to continue his success.

Thomas Chabot over 2.5 shots (-125)

Thomas Chabot is one of my favorite defenders to back for shots. He is such a willing shooter, and he has such a heavy workload that he's in play on a nightly basis regardless of opponent.

Chabot generated 35 shots on goal while attempting 58 over his last 10 games. He went over his shot total (2.5) eight times over the last nine contests.

I expect Chabot to make it nine in 10 in this sneaky-good spot against the St. Louis Blues. While they are a good defensive team, they give up a lot of volume to opposing defenders. Only four sides have allowed more shots to defensemen on a per-game basis.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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NHL Tuesday best bets: Expect fireworks in New Jersey

We have a whopping 11-game slate to look forward to Tuesday night. Let's waste no time and dive into our best bets.

Avalanche (-205) @ Devils (+170)

The New Jersey Devils and goals go together like chicken wings and a football Sunday. At least six goals have been scored in eight of their last 10 games and 12 of their last 15.

Their offense has taken off lately, especially since Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt returned to health. Only six teams have scored more goals over the last 15 games.

Despite pretty good suppression numbers at the other end of the ice, the Devils can't keep the puck out of their net.

Goaltending is the reason for that. New Jersey has used six different netminders this season, and every single one has conceded more goals than expected. Put another way, nobody's performing at even an average level based on the difficulty of workload.

I have a hard time believing that will change against a lethal Colorado Avalanche team that ranks *checks notes* second in goals per game this season. Colorado is prone to getting into track meets - even against low-event opponents like the New York Islanders - so there's definitely potential for fireworks in this game.

With Bratt, Hamilton, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Nazem Kadri, Gabriel Landeskog, and Cale Makar sharing the ice, goals should come early and often.

Bet: Over 6 (-125)

Stars (+100) @ Predators (-120)

Less than two weeks ago, the Nashville Predators hosted the Dallas Stars. The Predators closed as -160 favorites and rewarded their backers with a win.

Fast-forward and the Predators - once again rested and at home - are only -120 favorites.

I realize the Stars have won four consecutive games. They've beaten some strong teams in that span, too.

But it's not like they dominated or added a high-end player to the mix to explain such a large swing in the odds.

Over the last four games, the Stars controlled just 44% of the shot attempts and 49% of the expected goals at five-on-five. They weren't exactly skating teams into the ground.

Not to mention, dark-horse Norris Trophy candidate Miro Heiskanen is banged up, and his status is up in the air for this game.

I see value on the Predators even if Heiskanen is healthy enough to play. If he isn't? This line would be out of whack.

Bet: Predators (-120)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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