Thursday NHL Props: Pastrnak, Caufield, and Malkin Firing on All Cylinders
Will McLean
2022-10-20
If you are done drooling over your favourite team's new "Reverse Retro" jersey, it's time to watch hockey and win some bets. There are 12 games on tap for tonight, which can be a little overwhelming because there is so much to choose from when trying to pick winners. But then again, I always prefer to have too much to choose from than not enough.
Below I highlight three player props that stood out to me for tonight's games. After going 2-1 last Thursday, hopefully, we can sweep the board tonight.
Evgeni Malkin – Over 2.5 Shots (-154)
Malkin has come out of the gates on fire! This season feels like the first time in a long time, that Malkin has started the season completely healthy, and it shows. If Malkin can stay somewhat healthy (knock on wood) this season, I think he'll be able to produce like the Malkin we remember.
In three games so far this season, Malkin has already recorded 17 shots, for an average of 5.67 shots per game. Also, he hasn't recorded less than five shots in a game yet this year, which looks nice when we only need him to get three. Malkin and the Penguins will be playing the Los Angeles Kings tonight, which boosts my confidence because the Kings aren't necessarily a defensive juggernaut. The Kings are averaging 34.6 shots against, which is the eighth most in the NHL. Tonight's game versus the Kings should be a good opportunity for Malkin to continue his hot start.
David Pastrnak – Over 4.5 Shots (+115)
David Pastrnak is doing what he always does, shoot the puck. Tonight, shouldn't be any different when he and the Boston Bruins host the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks are currently averaging 42.5 shots against per game, that's the most in the NHL. On top of that, Pastrnak has already recorded 24 shots in four games, for an average of six shots per game. Also, Pastrnak hasn't recorded fewer than five shots in a game this season. Knowing that the Ducks refuse to play defence and that Pastrnak loves to shoot the puck as much as anyone, this looks like a very winnable bet.
Cole Caufield – Over 3.5 Shots (+118)
Cole Caufield and the Montreal Canadiens will be hosting the lowly Arizona Coyotes at the Bell Centre tonight. I have to imagine Caufield is licking his chops right now knowing he gets to play the Coyotes tonight, who aren't exactly known for their defensive prowess. The Coyotes have started the year by averaging 41.3 shots against per game, second most in the NHL. While on the other hand, Caufield has started the season with 16 shots in four games. In his two home games so far, Caufield recorded five shots in each of them. He has also gone over 3.5 shots in three of his four games, his lone game with under was on the road. With how well Caufield plays on home ice, and how many shots the Coyotes allow, look for Caufield to get plenty of chances to fire the puck tonight.