NHL Friday bets: Five props for tonight's games

Thursday night in the NHL didn't quite go as planned, no hiding from that. We lost more than we won, but we continue on with the same approach.

There are three games on the docket for Friday's batch of playoff action, and the volume will be a bit lighter to reflect that.

Below are a few shots on goal (SOG) looks and points props. Let's get to the spots.

Adam Fox over 2.5 SOG (+100 DK)

Prior to this series beginning, a noted vulnerability of this Pittsburgh team was shots to defensemen, something we've seen come to fruition with both Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba covering their SOG more often than not.

With the Rangers averaging a solid 33.6 shots per game and their backs against the wall, it should be the typical volume ahead, and I like Fox at these odds.

Fox has covered his shots in four of five games this series, averaging 6.2 attempts per game. He's also a member of the top power play, and while penalties have been a bit scarce in this series, it's just an extra layer to like about Fox.

If Crosby can't go, I think New York has the capability to dictate Friday night's pace, give me Fox to be a piece of that.

Aleksander Barkov over 3.5 SOG (+130 DK)

While I'm typically hesitant to back a guy who gets promoted up a line for his shots on goal, I have seen some examples of this occurring lately.

So, we go to our old friend Aleksander Barkov up at 3.5 and a tantalizing +130. He's been bumped up for good reason, finishing with four-plus shots in four straight games, including six in Game 5.

Florida has been shooting in this series, and with a chance to put this pesky Washington team to bed, I expect them to come out firing. Give me Barkov leading that charge.

Parlay: Adam Fox and Aaron Ekblad 1+ point each (+213 CZR)

I'm going right back to a parlay that did not come through for us on Wednesday in these two defensemen to register a point.

Fox now has a point in every game of this series, and considering I like his shots, I certainly expect him to be involved. As I mentioned above, I see opportunity for New York to get up three-plus scores, especially if Crosby can't go.

As for Ekblad, Florida is coming off a five-goal game where he was not involved. His presence on the ice remains, and he has four points in this series and eight points against Washington this year in eight games.

John Carlson assist (+100 DK)

We stay with our defensemen and opt for John Carlson to register an assist, a feat he has accomplished in four straight games.

Carlson is a top-line defensemen and member of the top power play, a typical must for me when targeting this prop area. Washington has been getting themselves four power plays per game in this series and scoring over three goals.

If those trends can continue, I'm quite confident Carlson will be involved. His point is a bit too juiced, and like pivoting to the assist in this instance. He does have one goal in this series, so if you want to be safe, including his points prop with another leg you love is a good idea.

Mikael Backlund over 2.5 SOG (+100 DK)

Backlund came through for us in his bounce-back game, and there's no reason to not trust him to come through again, especially at these odds.

He is now four of five in this series and has covered his shot prop against Dallas in seven of eight games this season.

The Stars have had their struggles slowing down centers, which I've mentioned before as the reason why we look to Backlund or Lindholm. Calgary has averaged 36.4 shots per game in this series, and I think they close out this series Friday with a barrage of volume.

Best of luck Friday night! Let's get right in the NHL by cashing some bets as we head into the weekend.