NHL Monday player props: 3 forwards to back
The NHL is back! While there are only a couple of games on tonight's schedule, there is still plenty of value on the board, particularly with shot props.
Let's look at the best way to attack this slate.
Mitch Marner over 2.5 shots (-125)
Mitch Marner has picked things up as a shooter since returning to the lineup. He has attempted 40 shots over a seven-game span. Of those attempts, 27 hit the net. That's good for an average of 3.86 shots on goal per contest.
Considering the success he's enjoyed as a shooter - he scored in all seven games - Marner should have the confidence to continue firing pucks on net whenever he has the chance.
The Carolina Hurricanes are a strong defensive team, but I'm not going to be scared away here. Marner's shot volume is rising, he routinely plays 20 minutes a night, and he'll get cushier usage on home soil. Oh, and Sheldon Keefe should have no problem leaning on his best players, given they just had a handful of days off to rest and recover.
Jesper Bratt over 2.5 shots (-118)
Jesper Bratt has skated on a line with Jack Hughes for a while now. With Hughes in COVID-19 protocol, I think the natural reaction is to lower your expectations for Bratt offensively. That may not be a good idea, at least in terms of his ability to pile up shots.
The reality is Bratt has been a much more prolific shooter when away from Hughes. Bratt averages a little more than 12 shot attempts per 60 minutes of five-on-five play with Hughes on his line. Without Hughes? It's a different story. Bratt generates more than 17 attempts per 60 minutes when Nico Hischier is his centerman. And it just so happens Nico will be centering Bratt this evening in Ottawa.
Expect Bratt to take advantage.
Brady Tkachuk over 3.5 shots (+100)
Brady Tkachuk is one of the best shot generators in the league right now, particularly on home soil. Tkachuk has amassed 73 shot attempts and 51 shots on goal over his last 10 home games. That's a whopping 5.1 shots per contest, and a lot better than his usual average of 3.5.
The Devils are missing their two best play drivers in Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, and they aren't exactly the stoutest defensive team at the best of times.
Tkachuk figures to be the prime beneficiary, especially with more of the offensive workload getting put on his shoulders while Josh Norris and Drake Batherson are sidelined.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.
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