NHL best bets: Three players to target for SOG props tonight
So close yet so far on last night's point parlay. Tonight we're opting for a bit more simplicity, looking to a trio of SOG props in inviting matchups. Let's jump right in.
Jack Hughes over 3.5 SOG (-120 MGM)
If the name of the game is motivation, we need not look any further than New Jersey. After Carolina's loss last night, the Devils are within a single point of taking over first place in the Metropolitan Division, and you best believe New Jersey will be looking to grab that spot, and the two home series that would come with it.
They should be able to take care of business at home against Buffalo, which is fresh off a shootout win over the Rangers. The Sabres are allowing 33.4 shots per game on the road in the past 10, and the Devils are averaging nearly 34 of their own at home.
Hughes is my preferred choice. His volume takes a noticeable jump when at home, and he's gone over 3.5 SOG in New Jersey in seven of his past 10 games and at a 69% rate on the year. He saw Buffalo just a few weeks ago, finishing with four SOG on nine attempts.
Hughes is over 3.5 shots in three straight against the Sabres, averaging 9.0 attempts/game, which has me confident the volume will come tonight. Hughes has been vocal about wanting to break the Devils point record, and getting the puck on the net is a logical way to help the cause there. More than a record, this is a massive game for the franchise, and their young leader feels like a great bet to step up.
Nathan MacKinnon over 4.5 SOG & Brock Boeser over 2.5 SOG (+193 FD)
Colorado is still fighting for the top spot in the Central Division, so expect them to come out hot against Edmonton in what could be a preview of the Western Conference Final matchup to come for the second straight season.
The Avs always seem to pepper the Oilers with shots. They've logged 40+ shots on goal in six straight meetings, averaging 40.2 shots/game over the past two seasons.
Nathan MacKinnon has been a massive engine for those numbers and he's worth grabbing tonight. He has 20 SOG in two games against Edmonton this season and has gone over 4.5 in five straight meetings. He's often flying past this number, averaging 6.9 SOG/game over the past nine matchups.
At home, MacKinnon is over in six of his last seven, averaging 10.2 attempts/game over his past five.
He unfortunately needs a partner, and I'm opting for Brock Boeser in the other late game. We're running out of time to target the Ducks, so let's not waste any of these precious moments. Boeser is just on a tear that I'm not going to question right now. He's over 2.5 shots in 12 of his last 13 games and is leading Vancouver in shot attempts of late. He had three the last time he visited Anaheim.
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