NHL Friday best bets: Coyotes to rebound vs. Sharks
Thursday was a mixed bag on the ice. Both sides we backed struggled en route to ugly road losses, but all three player props cashed to give us a profitable night overall.
We'll look to build on it with a couple more plays for Friday night.
Ducks (+250) @ Rangers (-300)
Lukas Dostal started the season with three quality showings, but the wheels have completely fallen off.
Since Oct. 27, Dostal has recorded an absurdly low .865 save percentage while conceding nearly six goals more than expected. He ranks near the bottom of the league in both categories.
Only one of Dostal's seven appearances in that span has featured fewer than seven combined goals. It was a 1-0 game against an abysmal Blackhawks team that has next to no offensive ability beyond rookie Connor Bedard.
Dostal figures to be in for a tough night against the Rangers. They own a 9-3 home record and are netting nearly 3.5 goals per game in their building.
The stars are aligning for a big offensive output from New York in this game. Not only is Dostal struggling mightily, but the Ducks are the league's most undisciplined team.
A lethal power play featuring Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox should have ample opportunity to go to work - a good recipe for offense.
The Ducks should also be able to chip in a couple of goals. They've been forced to outscore their problems all season and are no strangers to shootouts.
As well as Jonathan Quick has played this campaign, he has largely struggled in recent seasons. There's reason to believe he's playing over his head. And we may be at the start of some of that regression, as he owns a negative goals-saved-above-expectation total over the past three games, which includes a date against the Sharks.
The Ducks may also be getting some firepower back in their lineup. Mason McTavish, who ranks second on the team in goals, is a game-time decision and may return tonight.
That would be a welcomed addition. Either way, the Rangers are primed for a big outburst against Dostal and look more than capable of doing the heavy lifting to take this game over the number.
Bet: Over 6.5 (+105)
Sharks (+160) @ Coyotes (-190)
The Sharks and Coyotes - somewhat shockingly - are on completely different trajectories right now. San Jose has won six of its last 10 and picked up at least a point in eight of those games.
Meanwhile, Arizona has dropped four consecutive contests since its level of goaltending has returned to earth.
This is a good spot to buy a little low on the Coyotes and back them to regain their groove.
Arizona has enjoyed success at home this season, winning eight of 13 games and besting teams like the Golden Knights, Lightning, and Avalanche. An ugly road trip doesn't take away from that.
On the flip side, the Sharks own a 3-11-1 road record this campaign. Scoring more than a goal or two in a contest has been challenging for them.
Although San Jose deserves credit for its recent run of play, keeping things in perspective is important.
The Sharks still lack high-end talent in any position. They don't have much in terms of firepower up front and impactful defenders. Their goaltending tandem is also a couple of castaways.
The Coyotes may not be as good as some suggested when they took out all the recent Stanley Cup winners every other night. But they're still a competitive, well-coached team that plays its best hockey on home ice.
I expect Arizona to kick off this three-game home stretch with a much-needed win against one of the league's bottom-feeders. Look for the Coyotes to take care of business within 60 minutes.
Bet: Coyotes in regulation (-125)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ToddCordell.