The NHL features a loaded 12-game schedule tonight, including a marquee Stanley Cup Finals rematch between the Oilers and Panthers. I'm heading to PrizePicks to get some skin in the game, and below you'll find my three favorite props on the platform. If all three player props cash, they'll net us a 5x multiplier.
The NHL features a loaded 12-game schedule tonight, including a marquee Stanley Cup Finals rematch between the Oilers and Panthers. I'm heading to PrizePicks to get some skin in the game, and below you'll find my three favorite props on the platform. If all three player props cash, they'll net us a 5x multiplier.
Best NHL PrizePicks Player Projections
(Props courtesy of PrizePicks)
William Eklund More Than 0.5 Points
Let's get things started out east, where the Canadiens (27-26-5) are set to host the Sharks (15-36-8) in a cross-conference clash. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC.
William Eklund (12G, 30A) has been on a tear this month, logging five points (2G, 3A) in five games played. He has at least one point in each game this month. The left winger is slotting in on the first line, where he's playing alongside Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli. Honestly, even though San Jose is horrendous, this is a pretty feisty top-line.
I expect to see quite a bit of scoring in this contest, as neither of these defenses is very dependable. For Montreal, they're 28th in GAA (3.14), while ranking 30th in both SV% (.885) and high-danger shots against (243). If San Jose is going to get any offense in this game, it's likely going to come through their first line. I expect Eklund to stay hot and make his way onto the scoresheet for a sixth straight game.
Patrik Laine More Than 0.5 Points
Keeping it in the same game, I'll also ride with Patrik Laine to log a point. I mean, getting this prop with an even-money payout seems like a no-brainer. For starters, Laine is red-hot out of the break, scoring four points (2G, 2A) in his first two games. He has at least one point in each contest.
Laine is a power-play merchant and there's no shame in that; it simply is what it is. The second-line winger and power-play standout has seen 14 (11G, 3A) of his 22 points (14G, 8A) come on the man advantage this season. This is a great matchup for Laine and the Habs’ power play, as they take on a Sharks PK that's 23rd in the NHL (75.98%). They're also dead last in overall GAA (3.44) and high-danger shots against (253) while sitting 28th in SV% (.886). Laine's primed for a monster night on home ice.
Brandon Hagel More Than 0.5 Assists
Let's head down to Florida, where the Flames (28-21-8) take on a Lightning squad (33-20-4) that's in the midst of a six-game winning streak. This matchup is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL.
Tampa Bay's top-six forwards may be the most dynamic group in the NHL - these guys are incredible. Specifically, Brandon Hagel, who's just 26 years old, is cementing himself as a serious offensive threat in this league. The second-line winger has 28 goals (ninth-most) and 37 assists (28th) this season, and his 65 points are the 12th-most in the NHL. I'll play Hagel to pick up an assist tonight. He's done so in three out of his last four games, as well as in 10 of his last 19 contests.
Calgary is a decent team defensively, ranking 16th in GAA (2.77) and 14th in high-danger shots against (193). However, the big edge for Tampa in this matchup comes on the power play. The Bolts’ man-advantage unit is fourth in the league (27.04%), and they draw a Flames PK that's just 28th overall (72.46%). Hagel occupies a spot on this high-octane power-play unit, and with bonafide goalscorers like Nikita Kucherov (26G), Brayden Point (31G), and Jake Guentzel (27G) surrounding him, I like his chances to add an assist.
