NHL Monday: Philadelphia vs. Chicago betting preview

For those that follow me on Twitter, I'm working on a new format for digging into each playoff matchup. Tonight's small schedule allowed me to play around with the best way to display that, so I hope the above can be helpful.

This chart highlights everything I look towards when betting on a game from a prop or total perspective. My initial takeaways are that I want a piece of centers on each team, though we don't need to limit our search to those positions.

Based on the high shot and goal totals both teams are seeing against them, the over is in play here as well. The previous game reaching seven goals helps convey some level of confidence in that result.

First Stop: Kevin Hayes

Kevin Hayes, the top-line center for Philadelphia, deserves our trust despite finishing with no shots on goal Sunday.

We've been targeting the Blackhawks with centers for a few weeks now, and it's been paying off. Hayes should have his chances Monday against a Chicago team allowing the sixth-most shots per game to the position, and Hayes got to three shots on goal when they last met.

Hayes had none yesterday, but he still had four attempts, so his involvement has remained. Including Sunday's miss, Hayes has gone over 2.5 SOG in nine of his past 12 games.

He's averaging 5.5 attempts per game in his last 10, and I like the matchup tonight for him to bounce-back.

Betting to win 1u: Kevin Hayes over 2.5 SOG (-110 DK)
I think there's logic in targeting one of Chicago's top players in Alex DeBrincat or Patrick Kane for shots, they just lack the steady production I covet, so I'll be laying off.

Trends Suggest Goals are Coming

As I mentioned above, I think the belief of potential scoring is rooted in a solid foundation. Both teams are allowing four-plus goals and 35+ shots in their past ten games in their location.

Now, the over is currently 6.5, which I think is a fine approach and option Monday, I definitely lean towards that outcome.

I'd rather find a player to target who can be involved in the scoring, and I have one from each team.

Jonathan Toews

Toews centers the second-line for Chicago, and as shown above, Philly has been vulnerable to centers as well. I like looking Toews' way for a point, which can come in the form of a goal or an assist.

He had three shots and an assist when these teams last played, and he has six points in his past eight games. At home, he's registered a point in six of his past ten.

Betting to win 1u: Jonathan Toews over 0.5 points (-115 DK)

Bobby Brink

You may be unfamiliar with Bobby Brink, and I won't pretend to know the player very well. Brink is a 20-year old rookie who made his NHL debut earlier this month.

Currently, Brink is the right wing on the Flyers second line, and on the top power play unit.

He's been involved on the ice lately, and I don't hate looking a youngster's way in a lost season, the team is certainly motivated to see what he can do.

In four road games this year, Brink has four total assists, including two in his last away tilt.

That catches my eye, and at these odds, I don't hate it for a sprinkle. Dare I say... a Brinkle?

Betting .5u: Bobby Brink over 0.5 assists (+220 FD)
Good luck Monday. Let's have some fun and cash our NHL bets.