NHL Tuesday player props: 3 forwards to target
The NHL is back in full force with 28 teams set to hit the ice tonight.
That means there's an obnoxious number of player props to comb through. We're going to take a closer look at three of my favorites.
Jonathan Huberdeau over 2.5 shots (-139)
Huberdeau failed at home last time out against the Sabres, but we're going right back to him Tuesday as the Panthers play host to the Ducks.
Huberdeau has registered at least three shots in 25 of his last 29 games in Florida, good for an 86% hit rate. He hasn't registered less than three shots in consecutive home games since October.
I don't see the Ducks being the team that forces the exception. They have been one of the league's worst shot suppression sides for a while now, and Huberdeau tallied three shots against them on the road in their previous meeting.
Look for him to enjoy the same kind of success while getting cushy usage at home.
Kirill Kaprizov over 3.5 shots (-114)
Kaprizov is another guy with insane home splits. He has a 64% hit rate on the season - compared to 35% on the road - and has registered at least four shots in eight of the last nine games in Minnesota.
Kaprizov has proven to be matchup proof. In that nine-game span, he has gotten the job done against the Bruins, Avalanche, Penguins, and Kings - four playoff-bound teams with strong defensive metrics.
While the Oilers have played well since swapping coaches, they're not a team we have to avoid, especially with left-wingers. They have been below average at suppressing shots versus that position since March 1, with just 11 teams conceding more.
This isn't a mouthwatering matchup, but it isn't one we have to avoid either. Given Kaprizov's home success, there's plenty of value in backing him at this price.
Nico Hischier over 2.5 shots (+100)
Hischier is a player who needs a premium matchup to confidently back. It just so happens he has one against the Coyotes.
Arizona has been putrid defensively all season. The Coyotes give up shots in bulk on a nightly basis, conceding the most to opposing centers. They've allowed 12.25 shots per game to centers since the beginning of March, which ranks them 30th in the NHL.
New Jersey is missing a number of key forwards, including star center Jack Hughes. That leaves even more on Hischier's plate offensively. He hit against the Coyotes the last time they met, and I expect a similar result this time around.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.