NHL Tuesday player props: 2 volume-shooting defenders to target

The return of hockey means one thing and one thing only: Shot totals are back!

We're in the midst of a nice season and own an 80-65 record for +13.24 units. We'll look to pick up where we left off and hit the ground running as hockey ramps up again.

Victor Hedman over 2.5 shots on goal (-125)

Hedman is riding a hot streak. He registered at least three shots on target in seven of his last 10 games and eight of his last 10 at home.

That trend should continue against the Montreal Canadiens for a few reasons. The Habs rank 32nd in five-on-five shots against per 60 over the last 10 games. They also struggle on the penalty kill, sitting 30th. Hedman plays a key role in all situations so he's as likely as anyone to take advantage of Montreal.

Beyond that, the Lightning have a cluster of injuries on the back end. Top-four defenders Erik Cernak and Mikhail Sergachev will both miss tonight's game, which should increase Hedman's workload.

He's a good bet to play 25 or more minutes in one of the best matchups he could ask for. Back him to hit three shots.

Erik Karlsson over 2.5 shots on goal (-105)

Karlsson is firing on all cylinders - literally. He recorded at least three shots in seven of his last nine games and averaged 6.1 attempts per contest over that span.

I like his chances of staying hot here. The Arizona Coyotes are a poor defensive team that gives up the most volume to defenders in the NHL. Arizona allows 10.76 shots on goal per game to defenders - music to the ears of big-minute, volume-shooting defensemen like Karlsson.

The Sharks are expected to be without key players like Tomas Hertl and Kevin Labanc tonight, which could also give Karlsson more offensive responsibility.

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