NHL Thursday player props: 3 shooters to target
After a day off on Wednesday, shot props return in full force as we comb through the best values ahead of Thursday's jam-packed 13-game slate.
Let's get down to business.
Jack Eichel over 3.5 shots (-125)
It took Eichel a little while to get going, but he appears to have his game back on track. The points are starting to come and so, too, are the shots. Eichel amassed at least four shots in seven of his last eight games, falling just one puck shy in the lone exception.
Now he draws a juicy matchup against a Buffalo Sabres team that's allowed five-on-five shots at a higher rate than the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. Not only is this an advantageous spot for volume shooters such as Eichel, but he should also have some extra motivation going up against his former team for the first time.
Look for Eichel to have a big night.
Anze Kopitar over 2.5 shots (-106)
Kopitar lives for games in Los Angeles. The Kings center averages 3.2 shots per game on home soil this season, hitting the over on his shot total nearly 70% of the time.
His numbers dip significantly on the road. Kopitar averages a full shot fewer per game and recorded three shots only 11 times in 30 games. That's a 37% hit rate - barely over half of what he manages at home.
Not only is Kopitar at home tonight, but he also has a mouth-watering matchup against the San Jose Sharks. No NHL team has conceded more shot attempts (65.4) per 60 minutes over the last 10 games than the Sharks. Kopitar should be able to take advantage.
Mark Giordano over 2.5 shots (+115)
Giordano has been very trigger-happy of late, attempting 55 shots over the last 10 games. That's good for top spot on the Seattle Kraken.
The shots should continue Thursday night against the Ottawa Senators. The Senators aren't exactly a stout defensive team and are prone to giving up a lot of production to defenders. They rank 30th in shots against per game versus defensemen and are only one goal against shy of tying for last in the NHL.
Giordano is heavily involved in Seattle's attack on any given night - don't expect that to change against Ottawa.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.