NHL Tuesday player props: 3 shooters worth backing
We have 11 games on Tuesday night's juicy slate, which means there are an abundance of player props to comb through.
Let's take a look at three that stand out from the rest of the pack.
Tage Thompson over 3.5 shots (+110)
After a slow start to the season, Thompson has really started to find his game - especially at home.
The Buffalo Sabres center amassed a whopping 44 shot attempts over his last four home games, including 27 shots on target. Absurd numbers.
He now draws a mouthwatering matchup against the Arizona Coyotes, who can't defend a lick. They give up shots and scoring chances in bulk at five-on-five and on the penalty kill. Most of their shifts are spent chasing play and absorbing pressure in the defensive zone, which should lead to plenty of opportunities for Thompson.
Oh, and the Coyotes rank dead last in shots allowed per game to the center position. Look for Thompson to stay hot and continue cooking on home soil.
Cole Caufield over 3.5 shots (-105)
Caufield is another player who's really hit a different level of late. The Montreal Canadiens' star sniper piled up 25 shots over the last five games.
He attempted 36 shots over that span - 11 clear of the closest teammate - so his volume is also quite healthy.
Much like Thompson, Caufield now finds himself in one of the best matchups a shooter can ask for.
Despite all their offseason changes, the Detroit Red Wings remain putrid defensively. In fact, only the Philadelphia Flyers conceded five-on-five shot attempts at a higher rate over the last 10 games.
Look for Caufield to take advantage.
Jack Hughes over 3.5 shots (-115)
Hughes' shot rate is way up. Last year, he averaged 10.33 shots on goal per 60 minutes across all game states. This season, that number sits at 13.56, good for 11th in the NHL.
The New Jersey Devils center is particularly effective on home soil, generating four shots or more in five of six games. The lone exception was an airtight affair against the defending Stanley Cup champions.
While the Calgary Flames are a strong defensive side, they're much worse on the road. Dating back to last season, they've given up 11 more shot attempts per 60 minutes of five-on-five play.
They're also in the latter half of a back-to-back, which isn't going to help matters against one of the most fast-paced teams in the NHL.
Hughes piled up seven shots against the Flames just a few days ago. Expect him to find success once again.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.