Thursday NHL Prop Bets: Rantanen, Rust, And Boeser Just Keep Shooting
Will McLean
2023-04-06
It is Thursday once again, so let's find some winning NHL props. It's a monster night in the NHL with 14 games on the schedule, which gives us plenty of options to find some winning prop bets. 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 (31 – 20) after going (1 – 2) last Thursday, hopefully, we can sweep the board tonight!
Mikko Rantanen – Over 3.5 Shots (-125)
Rantanen is playing some of his best hockey right now with the playoffs just around the corner and I expect him to keep it going against a struggling San Jose Sharks team tonight. This season Rantanen has been averaging 3.78 shots and 6.88 shot attempts per game, pretty good numbers. But, over his last 10 games he is averaging 4.60 shots and a whopping 9.80 shot attempts per game, those are massive jumps from his season averages. This run of hot play has led to him recording at least four shots in five straight games, six of seven on the road, and 10 of 12 overall. The Sharks have been struggling to limit shots against lately, allowing an average of 35.60 shots against per game over their last 10, the fourth most over that span. The Sharks proved their defensive struggles on Tuesday when the Avalanche recorded 42 shots against them, with Rantanen being credited with eight shots. I don't expect Rantanen to get eight shots against the Sharks again tonight, but I won't be surprised if he gets at least five.
Bryan Rust – Over 2.5 Shots (-118)
So far this season Rust is averaging 2.64 shots and 4.52 shot attempts per game, nothing too eye-popping. Over the last 10 games, he has been shooting quite a bit more, averaging 3.30 shots and 5.50 shot attempts per game, a little bit more eye-catching numbers. His improved shooting numbers have led to Rust recording three or more shots in eight of his last nine games. Also, his numbers at home are way better than on the road, averaging 3.05 shots per game at home as opposed to 2.23 shots per game on the road. His strong play at home should bode well for us with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Minnesota Wild tonight. Speaking of the Wild, they've been giving up 36.40 shots against over their past 10 games, the third most in the NHL over that stretch. With how well Rust has been playing lately, his strong play on home ice, and the Wild's struggle to suppress shots, look for Rust shoot a lot tonight.
Brock Boeser – Over 2.5 Shots (-122)
Boeser hasn't had the best season so far but he has been playing much better since the trade deadline. This season he is only averaging 2.25 shots per game, not even close to some of his past seasons. But, over his last 10 games, he is averaging 3.10 shots per game, much more reminiscent of previous years. His improved play has led to him tallying at least three shots in nine of his last 10 games. Tonight, he gets to play the Chicago Blackhawks who allow 33.8 shots against per game, the fourth most in the NHL. Also, Boeser has already played the Blackhawks twice this season, recording 8 total shots in the two games. Considering Boeser's improved play and the Blackhawks tendency to allow a lot of shots, I expect Boeser to shoot the puck every chance he gets.