NHL Thursday player props: 3 shooters to target

We have a busy nine-game slate on the docket Thursday night, which means the return of our props article.

Let's look at three player props that stand out the most.

Mikko Rantanen over 3.5 shots (+105)

The Arizona Coyotes have been a doormat franchise for quite some time. Everyone seems to excel against them. But Mikko Rantanen takes it to a whole different level.

Rantanen has played the Coyotes three times this season. His shot totals over those games: six, six, and eight. That's right, Mikko has amassed 20 shots through just three contests.

There's no reason to expect him to slow down in this game based on his current form. Rantanen leads the Colorado Avalanche with a whopping 69 shot attempts over the last 10 contests. He is shooting the puck a ton.

Expect that to continue against a Coyotes team that ranks dead last in shot attempts against per 60 minutes over the previous 10 games.

Jakob Chychrun over 2.5 shots (-118)

Backing Jakob Chychrun on home soil has proven to be a profitable endeavor. He's cooled off a little bit of late, but Chychrun has recorded at least three shots in 65% of his home games this season.

He's averaging 3.2 shots on goal in contests at Gila River Arena and has been more efficient in generating shot attempts.

While the Avalanche are a strong defensive team that limits shots quite well, they give up a lot to opposing defenders. They're one of just nine clubs to concede more than 500 shots to blue-liners this campaign.

Chychrun is a shoot-first defender who likes to get involved in the play, and he's more effective on home soil. I'm happy to back him at this price.

Elias Lindholm over 2.5 shots (-125)

Elias Lindholm is another guy who benefits mightily from more favorable matchups at home. He's averaged upwards of 15 shot attempts per 60 minutes of hockey in Calgary this season. That number drops to 11.80 per 60 on the road; quite the difference.

I also love the matchup for Lindholm tonight. The Montreal Canadiens have played better under Martin St. Louis, but they're still subpar at suppressing shots.

Best of all, Lindholm should see plenty of the opposing line that gives up the most shots. Rem Pitlick, Jake Evans, and Artturi Lehkonen allow more than 40 shots on goal per 60 at five-on-five. The sample size isn't large, but the early returns suggest this line can be exposed. Lindholm's line will be matched up against them for much of the night, offering plenty of opportunities to get pucks on goal.

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