Karlsson, Theodore to sting Blue Jackets on Monday
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We have a fun six-game slate on the docket to begin the week. Let's take a look at a few of my favorite props.
William Karlsson: Over 2.5 shots
The Golden Knights are dealing with key injuries up front, most notably to Mark Stone. As a result, Karlsson has a more important offensive role.
Karlsson has gone over his total in four of five games with his captain out of the lineup. And even as Jack Eichel returns, Karlsson should still have a prominent offensive role.
He's averaging 5.6 shot attempts per game without Stone, which is 1.3 attempts more per game than when Stone is in the lineup.
The Golden Knights face the Blue Jackets, who rank 28th in shots allowed over the last 10 games and 29th on the season. If you're into narratives, Karlsson may also have a little extra pep in his step facing his former team. Either way, this is a prime spot for him to make his mark offensively.
Odds: -125 (playable to -150)
Owen Tippett: Over 3.5 shots
Tippett is firing on all cylinders. The Flyers forward has gone over his total in seven of the past 10 games, recording at least five shots more times (five) than he's fallen short of his line (three).
All three of Tippett's failures came against teams that are currently playing strong defense, ranking top 12 in shot suppression over the past 10 games. He was a perfect 6-for-6 against teams outside the top 12, averaging a whopping 6.6 shots per game.
Tippett is set to face another such opponent in the visiting Blues, a defensively exploitable team that sits 27th in shot suppression over its last 10 games.
Since Tippett can pile up shots against weaker opponents, and the Blues don't have last change to send out their best personnel against him, this should be another big shooting night.
Odds: -134 (playable to -145)
Shea Theodore: Over 0.5 assists
Theodore is an assist machine. The Vegas defenseman recorded 14 assists over his last 10 games, picking up at least one in seven of those games.
He didn't get it done against the Stars, Penguins, and Sabres. The Stars are one of the best teams in the NHL, the Penguins (believe it or not) are top five in limiting goals against, and the Sabres have one of the league's hottest goaltenders in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Theodore has feasted on weaker defensive sides, picking up a point - nearly all assists - in 73% of his games against the bottom 15 teams in limiting goals.
The Blue Jackets certainly fit the criteria. They're allowing 3.67 goals per game this season, putting them ahead of only the Sharks. And they aren't showing any signs of progress, having conceded 3.60 goals per game over the last 10.
This is a spot where Vegas should be able to produce offense. With Eichel and Stone sidelined, the team relies even more heavily on Theodore to help create. Expect him to get involved.
Odds: +105 (playable to -130)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.