NHL Friday player props: Targeting forward shot totals
With just four games on the board Friday, there isn't much that stands out to me in the way of sides or totals. Luckily, there's value to be had with shot totals.
Let's dive into a couple of my favourites.
Jordan Eberle over 2.5 shots (-112)
Jordan Eberle is shooting the puck a lot right now. He leads all Seattle Kraken forwards in shot attempts (50) and scoring chances (34) over the last 10 games.
While that hasn't led to sustained success in terms of going over the number - he's done so five times in that span - the increase in shot volume should serve him well Friday against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Ducks aren't playing good defense. At five-on-five, they rank 29th in high-danger chances allowed per 60 over the last 10 games. They grade out even worse when it comes to shot suppression. Only the Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets have conceded five-on-five shots at a higher rate over the last 10.
With Eberle taking a lot of shots, and the Ducks giving up a lot of shots, I see real value backing Eberle at this price.
Mathew Barzal over 2.5 shots (+100)
Mathew Barzal is somewhat of an inconsistent shooter because of the methodical, low-event style the New York Islanders play. I really like him in this spot, though.
The Edmonton Oilers are a leaky defensive team, and they give up quite a bit to opposing centers. Only the Arizona Coyotes and Montreal Canadiens have conceded more goals to the position, which is no coincidence considering they're a subpar side at preventing shots from centers.
For whatever reason, Barzal has also been a much more efficient shooter on the road. He's generated at least three shots 10 times in 17 road dates (59%), including seven of the last 10.
Priced at a coin flip, there's an edge to be had here.
Wait and see: Connor McDavid under 3.5 shots (-112). McDavid is averaging just over 10 shot attempts per 60 minutes alongside Evander Kane, which is his lowest number with any teammate this season. Kane is an extreme shoot-first player and really limits McDavid's ceiling in that regard. If Kane remains on a line with McDavid on Friday, I like the under once again. I'd like it even more so considering the Islanders are among the league's best teams at taking the middle of the ice away and preventing shots from centermen.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.