NHL Wednesday bets: Take a shot with four SOG props
Hockey has treated us well to start the week, and I see no reason for that to change here on this fine Wednesday. We have six games on the ice, with quality spots across the board. For the most part, it seems like a great night to load up the studs and trust they deliver in strong matchups.
Barrett Hayton over 2.5 SOG (+130 Barstool)
Ok, now Barrett Hayton doesn't fall under the "stud" umbrella, but I love him here at this price. Arizona hosts Tampa Bay tonight, and the Lightning are off a physical and shot-heavy game against the Avalanche that went to a shootout.
Considering that, plus that Tampa is allowing 33.9 shots per game on the road over their last 10, I like the Coyotes to find themselves some shots tonight.
Barrett Hayton has been a popular play over the past week or two, but I was not along for the ride. Now that he's gone finally gone under last game, I think it's time I sadistically jump on the bandwagon with many likely abandoning him.
Hayton has three or more shots in six of his last seven games and three straight at home. How often do players bounce back after going under to end a streak? It seems very often, and I say we capitalize with one hell of a price tag.
Evander Kane over 3.5 SOG (+106 FD)
Evander Kane and Edmonton should be able to generate plenty of offense here at home against Detroit. The Oilers are averaging 36 shots per game at home over their last 10, and the Red Wings are a tad stingier to shots than most, but sometimes you just need to trust that the offense will come through, and this is one of those times.
Kane has been far better at home, logging 4+ SOG in eight of his last 11, averaging 4.9 SOG/game on 8.4 attempts/game in his past 10. That's some elite volume, and at +106, I'm following it.
Kane has gone over 3.5 shots in five of his last seven against Detroit.
Mikko Rantanen over 3.5 SOG (-106 Barstool)
Both Colorado and Minnesota should get their shots off here, but I'm drawn a bit more to the Avalanche end. The Wild are allowing 31+ at home lately while Colorado is averaging 35 shots per game as a team on the road in their last 10.
There's an expectation here as well that the Avalanche skate a man-up quite a bit tonight, as Minnesota is handing out 3.5 power plays per game of late, one of the highest marks in the NHL.
In slots Rantanen, one of the top volume shooters on the Colorado power play and a man who has gone over 3.5 shots in four straight and four of five on the road. He's averaging 7.2 attempts per game in his past five, and has 5+ shots in four of his last six games. We need just four, and that's a total Rantanen loves to reach when he sees the Wild.
Rantanen has 4+ shots in nine of his last 10 against Minnesota, and if you're into goal bets, the Avs shooter is currently sitting on 199 career goals and has netted seven in his past eight games vs. the Wild.
Tage Thompson over 3.5 SOG (-118 FD)
To me this is a case of just loading up a stud in a great matchup regardless of the numbers. Tage Thompson has not been hitting his shots at a steady rate, which is surely why we're able to get such a reasonable price here.
Despite this, it's the Ducks, so come on — we're betting the highest-volume shooter on a team who plays the Ducks. Anaheim is allowing an absurd 43 shots per game at home over their past 10, and the Sabres need to take advantage of this.
Buffalo has been on the cusp of the wild card in the East, but have dropped four straight games. It's time for a sense of urgency, and a soft matchup against the Ducks is just what the doctor ordered.
Thompson has 7+ attempts in three of his last four games, so hit-rate be damned - the man is shooting and it's only a matter of time before he finds his target at a more frequent pace.
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