NHL Wednesday player props: 2 Sabres forwards to target

Hockey's return was kind to our shot props. We backed Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman to record three or more shots each, and both defensemen came through for us.

Our shot totals record now sits at 82-65 for +15.33 units. We'll look to build on that during tonight's six-game slate.

Tage Thompson over 2.5 shots on goal (-135)

Thompson has been one of our favorite targets this year, especially when he plays in Buffalo.

The Sabres pivot benefits from home-ice advantage as much as almost any NHL player. Don't believe us? Get a load of these splits:

On the road, Thompson averages 2.2 shots on goal per game and has exceeded the number in just four of 14 games (29%). In Buffalo, he averages a whopping 3.9 shots on goal, registering at least three shots in 13 of 16 games (81%).

The Devils rank 24th in shots against per game on the road this season, so we shouldn't be afraid of targeting them.

Alex Tuch over 2.5 shots on goal (+105)

We're double-dipping with the Sabres.

Tuch is a shoot-first player who averaged 2.58 shots on goal per game last season with the Golden Knights. He did that while logging fewer than 17 minutes per night as a second fiddle to Max Pacioretty, Mark Stone, Jonathan Marchessault, and other star wingers.

Tuch will definitely play a larger role in Buffalo. He's expected to make his season debut Wednesday on the top line at even strength and as a featured shooter on the man advantage.

He'll likely see around 19 minutes per game with the Sabres. If he shoots at the exact same rate as he did last season, that'll equate to about three shots on goal per contest. As the focal point of the offense, it's very possible he'll shoot even more.

I like him to start his season on a high note against a Devils team that gives up quite a bit of volume.

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