NHL Wednesday player props: Home cooking
Tuesday night was a disappointing one for our shot totals. Jonathan Huberdeau, as usual, breezed to victory at home. Sam Bennett and Elias Lindholm both came a puck short, combining to hit the target on just four of their eight attempts. So close, yet so far.
We'll look to get back on track with a winning effort on Wednesday.
Joel Eriksson Ek over 2.5 shots (-129)
Joel Eriksson Ek has been one of our favorite targets at home all season long and he didn't disappoint on the opening night of the playoffs. Eriksson Ek was one of the Minnesota Wild's most noticeable players, dominating the puck in the offensive zone and creating shots in bulk around the net. He had eight attempts, six scoring chances, and five shots on goal while helping Minnesota control the run of play at five-on-five. Shot attempts were 18-4 in favor of the Wild with the underrated two-way center on the ice.
He's being tasked with slowing down the Vladimir Tarasenko line, which does give up plenty in the defensive zone. Expect Eriksson Ek - who has hit in all three games against the St. Louis Blues this year - to take advantage once again.
Kirill Kaprizov over 3.5 shots (-119)
Kirill Kaprizov created absolutely nothing at full strength in Game 1. It was an off night for him. Even so, he still finished with nine shot attempts, seven chances, and five shots on target. Absolutely everything runs through him on the power play so even if he's struggling at five-on-five - which I don't expect to be the case - he can still get the job done in extra-man situations.
Kaprizov has recorded at least four shots in 22 of his last 30 games in Minnesota (73% hit rate) and once again appears to be a standout value at this price.
Leon Draisaitl over 3.5 shots (+110)
It felt like the Los Angeles Kings did a great job of limiting Leon Draisaitl in the series opener. Quite frankly, they did - especially at five-on-five. That didn't stop Draisaitl from attempting nine shots, five of which hit the target.
Edmonton is going to come out desperate in this game - they absolutely have to get a win - which could lead to even heavier usage for their stars. That makes Draisaitl - who has hit in 14 of his last 19 in Edmonton - an even more appealing target.
As good as the Kings are defensively, Draisaitl has still managed to register 11 shots and 20 attempts over his last two home games against them.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.