NHL Thursday player props: Chasing shots in Buffalo
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabres are two of our favorite teams to target on shot totals. With the two sides set to square off this evening, it's only fitting that we dive headfirst into the game and attack all the value it has to offer.
Alex Tuch over 2.5 shots (-125)
Alex Tuch took a little time to get going, but he's firing on all cylinders now. Tuch is averaging a point per game for the Sabres, and his shot volume is trending upwards in a big way. He has generated at least three shots on goal in six of the last eight games and has four shots or more in four straight.
Tuch's not just piling up the shots against bad clubs, either. He has hit four in consecutive contests against the Avalanche and Golden Knights, both of which were on the road - that's impressive considering he's on the top line and facing high-end competition.
The Blue Jackets rank 30th in attempts against per 60 over the last 10 games, and no team has allowed more shots on goal in that span. Look for Tuch to stay hot.
Zach Werenski over 2.5 shots (-155)
Zach Werenski is what you'd call a road warrior. He has been cash money away from home this season, registering three shots or more in 15 of 20 games and seven of the last nine.
It makes sense for Werenski to benefit from road dates - without the last change, the matchups he faces aren't as difficult, and he can focus more on creating offense as opposed to trying to slow the opposition's best weapons.
Werenski gets a mouth-watering meeting tonight in Buffalo. The squad ranks 31st in shots allowed per 60 over the last 10 games, and only four teams have given up more volume to defensemen on the year.
Patrik Laine over 2.5 shots (-106)
Patrik Laine enters this contest with a questionable tag. Should he play, I like him to go over the number as well.
Laine leads Columbus in shots on goal over the last five games and has registered at least five shots in three straight. Laine is one of those guys who gets really hot when he heats up, and well, it sure seems like he's catching fire.
If he's in the lineup, Laine should have no problem generating volume against a team that bleeds shots the way the Sabres do.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.