Thursday Player Props: Pastrnak And Zucker Filling Shot Charts; Draisaitl’s Power Play Prowess
Will McLean
2023-03-30
It is Thursday once again, so let's find some winning NHL props. There are 11 games on the schedule in the NHL tonight, which gives us more than enough options to find some winning props. I've taken my time to carefully look over every matchup tonight, and I think I've found a few props that can win us some money. The research is done, the picks are in, and now it's time to watch some hockey!
Below, I highlight three player props that stood out to me for tonight's games. My record this season stands at (30 – 18) after going (2 – 1) last Thursday, hopefully, we can sweep the board tonight!
David Pastrnak – Over 4.5 Shots (-150)
David Pastrnak and the Boston Bruins are hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight and I expect Pastrnak to have a big night. Pastrnak has always loved to shoot the puck, we all know that, but he's actually been shooting more than average lately if you can believe that. Pastrnak averages 4.84 shots per game, but over his last 10 games, he is averaging 5.30 shots per game, nearly half a shot more per game for the sniper. His recent uptick in shots has led to him recording five or more shots in eight straight games and six straight home games. Also, Pastrnak has attempted 10 shots or more in four of his last five games, meaning he will always take the shot when given an opportunity to. Pastrnak has played the Blue Jackets twice this season, racking up 11 shots, which isn't surprising considering the Blue Jackets allow the third most shots averaging 35.3 against per game. I wouldn't be surprised if Pastrnak racked up six or more shots tonight.
Jason Zucker – Over 2.5 Shots (-133)
Jason Zucker has been shooting the puck like crazy recently and I expect more of the same tonight with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Nashville Predators. Over his last 10 games, Zucker is averaging 4.20 shots per game, a massive jump up from his season average of 2.66 per game. It's no surprise, but his shot attempts have gone through the roof as well. Zucker has been averaging 6.60 shot attempts per game over his last 10, that's over two attempts more than his season average of 4.46 attempts per game. This increased output has led to Zucker recording at least three shots in four straight games, six of eight at home, and nine of 10 overall. The Predators should be a fairly easy matchup for Zucker considering they allow an average of 33.3 shots against per game, the sixth most in the NHL. I expect Zucker to continue his hot play tonight considering the Penguins are desperate to hang onto their playoff spot.
Leon Draisaitl – Over 0.5 Power Play Points (-139)
There isn't much to say about this pick other than the Edmonton Oilers power play is fantastic and the Los Angeles Kings penalty kill is terrible. Over their last five games, the Kings penalty kill is running at 62.5% and has given up six power play goals. Whereas the Oilers are scoring on 50% of their powerplays over their last five games, scoring eight power play goals in that stretch. Draisaitl himself has five power play points in his last five games. With the Oilers having one of the best power plays of all time and with how bad the Kings penalty kill has been lately, I won't be shocked if the Oilers score multiple power play goals tonight.