NHL Friday bets: Games to target for goals

The NHL Friday slate looks solid, and we've got a few teams circled for goal-scoring.

We already highlighted some strong spots for goals in our assists props article, and two of the teams will be resurfacing here. If you're interested in two plus-money assist props, check out the targets.

I'm going to alter the team total approach here. Instead of straight plays, I'm parlaying my three favorite teams at a lower alternate total.
When combined, this parlay comes in +218 on DraftKings.

+218 Team Total Parlay

The parlay: CBJ over 1.5 goals, STL over 2.5, NJD over 2.5 (all in regulation)

I think two of these teams, Columbus and New Jersey, offer some really solid value at a number higher. You can get the Blue Jackets at over 2.5 goals (+130) and the Devils at over 3.5 goals (+175).

I'm opting for a lower floor and the security that it brings.

Let me explain each spot and why they're included.

Columbus over 1.5

This feels like a disrespectful line for Columbus, who are plus-money to reach three goals.

This team is averaging the most goals per game on the road in their past ten games and put up 6 against Carolina a month ago.

Few teams are piling on goals like the Blue Jackets, and despite a tight Hurricanes team, I think they can at minimum reach two goals.

The Blue Jackets have scored 2+ goals in 11 straight games.

St. Louis over 2.5

The Blues, led by Vladimir Tarasenko, are my favorite team Friday night for goals. Unfortunately, their odds for 3.5 in regulation are at -140, so we add them to this parlay instead.

St. Louis is averaging 4.0 goals per game at home in their past five, which is the fifth-highest total in the league. They'll get a Buffalo team allowing the most goals per game on the road in their past five, at 4.6.

It's a fantastic intersection of trends and one worth following. The Sabres also own a poor penalty kill and allow a lot of shots, two added layers that always make me feel good about incoming goals.

New Jersey over 2.5

We touched on the Devils situation in the assists props article, but to reiterate here: New Jersey is rolling on the road.

No team is scoring more than Jersey lately, averaging 5.0 goals per game in their past five road games. They'll see Chicago, who are allowing the sixth-most goals per game at home in their last five (4.0) and starting a backup goalie Friday night.

I like the Devils chances of keeping the scoring going in Chicago.

So, there's the three legs! By all means, consider bumping these numbers up and taking these teams straight. I particularly like that move for New Jersey and Columbus, given the plus-money that awaits if you do.

Good luck tonight.