NHL Friday player props: Going Wild in Minnesota
Thursday was yet another winning day for our props. While Nick Suzuki didn't get the job done, Dylan Larkin and Patrick Kane did, pushing our record this week to 6-2.
We'll look to continue our success as we comb through the best values for Friday's four-game slate.
Aleksander Barkov over 3.5 shots (+105)
Another day, another Aleksander Barkov shot prop. He's been absolutely lethal of late, recording at least four shots in eight of his last nine games. Barkov has hit against the likes of the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes, so it's not like he's just beating up on bad teams.
His recent success should carry into Friday. The Minnesota Wild are a strong team, but they're not bulletproof, especially when it comes to preventing shots. They sit 21st in shots against over the last 10 games.
What adds to Barkov's appeal is how badly Minnesota has struggled to limit opposing centers' shots. Only five teams have given up more per game to the position.
I'm happy to take my chances with Barkov at plus money.
Joel Eriksson Ek over 2.5 shots (-125)
Joel Eriksson Ek is a machine on home ice. He's registered 39 shots over his last 10 games in Minnesota and gone over the number (2.5) in eight of his last nine. But Eriksson Ek isn't just grinding out wins; he's picking them up with room to spare. He's registered four shots or more in seven of the last nine and averaged 4.4 per game over the last five.
The Florida Panthers, like Minnesota, are a strong squad, but they also give up plenty of volume to opposing centers. Only seven teams concede more shots per game against centers.
Given Florida's struggles with the position and Eriksson Ek's insane volume on home ice, this line feels too soft.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.