NHL shot player props: 3 shooters to target

Wednesday night will be quiet in the NHL, as we have just three games to look forward to.

With that number in mind, let's dive into the player prop market and look at three shooters worth backing.

Chris Kreider over 2.5 shots (-125)

Kreider is off to a somewhat slow start to the season in terms of shooting the puck, having fallen short of this line four times in seven appearances.

The good news is there's plenty of reason to believe he can ramp things up a notch. For one, he's averaging just under six attempts per game.

Kreider isn't a perimeter player by any stretch of the imagination. Most of his time in the offensive zone is spent around the paint. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know six attempts from prime locations are much better than six from range; there's less traffic, and you're much more likely to hit the target.

The Islanders have given up shots at an abnormally high rate this season and have had trouble staying out of the box. The power play is where Kreider generates most of his shots, so that bodes well for his chances.

It's also worth noting Kreider generated three shots or more in three of four meetings against the Islanders last season.

Coming off a five-shot night against the Avalanche, I like Kreider to find success once again.

Victor Hedman over 2.5 shots (-165)

Hedman was a frequent target for us a season ago, and we're backing him tonight for the first time this season.

He has registered at least three shots on goal in four of seven games thus far and is attempting shots at an efficient rate. He has attempted 43 in the early going, which ranks eighth among all defensemen.

It just so happens Hedman finds himself in a smash spot Wednesday night against the Ducks. They have bled shots to date, allowing five-on-five attempts at a higher rate than all but the Flyers. Meanwhile, no team has conceded shots on goal at a higher clip than Anaheim.

Not only do the Ducks give up a lot of volume, but much of it also stems from opposing defenders.

Anaheim has given up 12.17 shots on goal per game to opposing defensemen. That is the highest mark in the NHL thus far.

With Brian Elliott in goal, the Lightning might need to generate more offense than they're used to. Expect Hedman to be heavily involved in that.

Troy Terry over 2.5 shots (-132)

Despite all the offseason changes made, the Ducks once again look like one of the NHL's worst teams. They have won just once through six games and have been caved in on a nightly basis, no matter the opponent.

That hasn't stopped Terry from tearing it up. The skilled winger leads the Ducks - by distant margins, at that - in points (seven), scoring chances (24), and shot attempts (35). He's a threat each and every night.

Tampa Bay hasn't been stout at five-on-five and has performed miserably on the penalty kill as well. Terry is Anaheim's lead dog on the man advantage and the player most likely to capitalize on the Lightning's shortcomings.

With the Lightning taking a lot of penalties, struggling to kill them off, and in the latter half of a road back-to-back, Terry is in a good spot to pile up a few shots.

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