NHL Monday player props: 1 to back, 2 to fade

Although we have only one game on Monday night's NHL slate - sadly, it's time to get used to it - there is still plenty of value on the board.

Let's dig deeper into a few of my favorite plays for Game 7.

Sebastian Aho over 2.5 shots (-130)

Aho let us down at home last time we backed him, but it wasn't for lack of opportunities as the Finnish star attempted five shots. Unfortunately, only two were on target. That kind of volume has generally led to success. Aho finished with three shots or more in 42 of the 50 games (84%) that he attempted at least five shots.

It's encouraging that Aho generated a handful of attempts. So, too, is his track record at home. Aho has recorded at least three shots in five of seven playoff home games and seven of his last 10 in Carolina dating back to the regular season.

He's consistently made the most of home ice. With the Carolina Hurricanes playing for their season, I wouldn't be surprised if Aho gets extra run this time around. It's worth noting he played more than 21 minutes in Game 7 against the Boston Bruins.

Chris Kreider under 2.5 shots (-106)

Kreider and the Hurricanes go together like oil and water. Normally a consistent shooter, the veteran scorer hasn't been able to create shots against Carolina.

Playoffs included, Kreider has seen the Hurricanes 10 times this season. He's generated more than two shots in only three of those games, with the successful nights all coming in New York.

If we isolate road contests, Kreider has recorded a combined five shots on target through five games, and he has just one shot on goal through three road dates in this series.

The Hurricanes are a stingy defensive team in normal times. Considering they're playing an elimination game without their starting netminder, I have a hard time believing they're about to open things up.

This will likely be a low-event, grind-it-out affair. Don't expect Kreider to flip the switch and put up volume in this spot.

Artemi Panarin under 2.5 shots (-157)

This line is a little juicy, but I think it's worth the squeeze for a few reasons. First and foremost, Panarin has struggled mightily to generate shots on the road all season long. In fact, he's only recorded three shots or more 12 times through 45 road games this campaign. That is a putrid 27% success rate.

Somehow, Panarin has failed to hit at even that rate against Carolina. He's gone under his shot total in eight of 10 meetings versus the Hurricanes this season. In other words, his success rate is at 20%.

Panarin has failed miserably, especially on the road, since generating five shots against Carolina in his first meeting. He has only three shots over his last four road contests against them, and the Hurricanes have blanked him twice in a row.

That's nothing new for the New York Rangers' star winger. Opponents have held him to zero shots on the road more often than he's had three throughout the playoffs.

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