Thursday Game Props: Tkachuk And Stone Values For Shots
Will McLean
2023-06-08
It is Thursday once again, so let's find some winning NHL props. We have game three of the Stanley Cup final tonight and the Florida Panthers are on home ice for the first time this series. Tonight is close to a must-win game for the Panthers as they dropped the first two games to the Vegas Golden Knights. With the Panthers backs against the wall and the Knights flying high, I'm expecting a fantastic game tonight. I've taken my time to carefully look over tonight's game, 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 game. Hopefully, we can have a great night and sweep the board!
Matthew Tkachuk – Over 3.5 Shots (-105)
Tkachuk needs to have a big game if the Panthers want to claw their way back into the series and I think he shows up in a big way tonight. After racking up 36 penalty minutes in the first two games, you have to imagine Tkachuk will be highly motivated to stay out of the box tonight and find the scoresheet. Tkachuk said it himself this morning to the media, he needs to have the puck more, and he needs to shoot a lot more. If he can follow through on his comments that should mean a bet win for us. Also, he has recorded at least four shots in two of his last three games. During the regular season, Tkachuk averaged 4.46 shots per game on home ice, which is a little bit of a confidence booster with the Panthers playing at home tonight. Overall, I think Tkachuk will have a big bounce-back game after struggling in the first two and I expect him to throw the puck on net every chance he gets.
Mark Stone – Over 2.5 Shots (+105)
Mark Stone is as competitive as any player in the NHL, and with his team two wins away from hoisting the Stanley Cup, he will do everything he can to help his team win, including getting the puck to the net. Stone has recorded at least three shots in four straight games, and I think Stone will keep the pedal down and extend the streak to five games tonight. I also think the two days off between games is a big help for Stone considering he is still dealing with back issues that required surgery at the end of January. Having an extra day of rest should give Stone a little extra jump tonight, hopefully creating more shooting opportunities for himself. Look for Stone to keep things simple tonight, he'll go to the net hard, and he won't turn away from a chance to shoot the puck.
Adin Hill – Under 30.5 Saves (+100)
Hill has been fantastic for the Golden Knights since he took over the starting goalie job, but I'm banking on the Panthers making this a series tonight which means a slightly less-than-fantastic night for Hill. Considering how good Hill has been, this really isn't that crazy of a bet. He has recorded fewer than 31 saves in three of his last four games, and in his three playoff losses, he recorded fewer than 31 saves in two of them, so if the Panthers win tonight there's a good chance Hill has less than 31 saves. Speaking of the Panthers, they have recorded less than 31 shots in seven of their last 11 games, it will be hard for Hill to get 31 saves if the Panthers don't even reach 31 shots themselves. Considering that Hill has hit the under in three of four, and the Panthers aren't racking up the shots recently, I expect Hill to get us the bet win tonight.