Join Canada Sports Betting’s Nick Martin as he handicaps the best NHL player prop bets available from Thursday’s 12-game slate.
We returned to action with a steady card Wednesday, as while we split our pair of player props, the winner came in on William Nylander to record over 2.5 shots on goal at +160. These guides are up 17.8 units across 121 selections this season, and I’m high on Thursday’s pair of plays with a huge card to draw from.
Nikita Kucherov/Brayden Point 1+ Point Each: -120
Kucherov/Point points parlay
Point suffered a knee injury on January 12th versus the Philadelphia Flyers and, though he had resumed skating frequently prior to the final decision, was ultimately forced to miss the Olympics. Though missing the tournament surely was ultra frustrating for Point, it seemed likely that the time off could be highly beneficial for a skater that has reportedly rarely played at close to full health this season.
It seemed logical to believe Point might be flying a little under the radar in his return to action in the prop market. He was priced at +175 to record over 2.5 shots on goal Wednesday, a leg that we leaned on to help cash our same-game parlay at +650.
Nikita Kucherov continued his incredible run of dominance in the 4-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, but there’s a valid argument that Point’s performance in the game was even more impressive.
Point finished with two goals, one assist, and five shots on goal, despite having a goal called back in the first period. His mobility was back at the elite level we are used to seeing, and he and Kucherov’s strong chemistry were on full display.
Over his last 20 games played, Kucherov has racked up an absurd total of 49 points. In that span Point has only played nine games, but he’s been productive when available, with 14 points.
Oddsmakers aren’t moving the needle much based on Point’s strong return to action, as he’s still priced at -140 to record a point and +175 to record three shots on goal in Thursday’s matchup. We don’t want to overreact too greatly to a one-game sample, but given Point’s unique situation and typical level of play in recent years, it seems logical to expect greater production than his seasonal average of 0.81 points per game the rest of the way.
A road matchup versus the Carolina Hurricanes undoubtedly is much tougher than a game at home versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. Still, the Hurricanes have allowed 2.84 goals against per game over the last 25 games and have not been stingy enough for me to believe Kucherov and Point will be entirely shut down Thursday.
Matthew Coronato Over 2.5 Shots on Goal: -110
Coronato over 2.5 SOG
Nazem Kadri is the Calgary Flames’ most dynamic forward, but Matt Coronato is the best shooter on the team, and it’s no surprise that he leads the team in goals scored this season, albeit with a very modest total of 14. Over the last 10 games, Coronato has recorded over 2.5 shots on goal seven times and has averaged 5.8 attempts per game.
The fact that Coronato is the Flames’ purest goal-scorer and should always be counted on to fire away with impunity continues to have me believing his recent volume is sustainable. He’s on the top unit and top power play, and while he is not the most dominant play-driver by any means, it’s rare that we see a skater whose greatest asset is his shot in receiving that kind of usage priced at close to even money to record three shots.
Coronato has a solid matchup Thursday as the Flames take on the San Jose Sharks, who have allowed 28.15 shots against per 60 over the last 15 games. San Jose has more high-end offensive talent, particularly given that the Flames have no forward remotely in the same class as Macklin Celebrini, but its overall depth is still a concern. These teams met on January 31st, and Coronato recorded five shots on goal.
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