NHL Thursday player props: 3 shooters worth backing

We have a juicy 10-game slate on the docket Thursday night, which means there's a ton of player props to comb through.

Let's take a closer look at three of my favorites.

Brendan Gallagher over 2.5 shots (-106)

Brendan Gallagher is always an attractive option on home soil. He has registered at least three shots in 59% of his home games, compared to a 45% success rate on the road.

There's plenty of reason to believe he'll hit again Thursday night. With Josh Anderson out of the lineup due to injury, Gallagher finds himself with more weight on his shoulders to provide offense on the right wing.

The matchup is also surprisingly good. Miro Heiskanen is out for the Dallas Stars, and they've given up shots at a much higher rate since he went down.

John Carlson over 2.5 shots (-118)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the best teams to target with shot props, especially for defensemen. Only the Arizona Coyotes have allowed more shots and shots per game to blueliners.

Offensively gifted rearguards continue to find success against the Blue Jackets on a nightly basis. We saw that firsthand Wednesday as Thomas Chabot recorded five shots in eight minutes of ice time before leaving with an injury.

It's not reasonable to expect that level of efficiency again in this contest. However, a talent like John Carlson is worth backing in such an advantageous matchup.

Anze Kopitar over 2.5 shots (-106)

The San Jose Sharks have conceded shots at an alarming rate for quite some time. I figured getting some players healthy - such as Erik Karlsson - might help, but the Sharks continue to struggle defensively.

No matter the stretch you focus on - be it 15 games, 10 games, or five - San Jose ranks dead last in five-on-five attempts allowed per 60 minutes. They're giving up a ton of volume each and every night.

Anze Kopitar figures to be one of the prime beneficiaries. He has gone over the number (2.5) in 68% of his home contests this season and is taking on an even larger role with so many key players missing for the Los Angeles Kings.

He's also going up against one of the worst teams at defending against centers. Only seven clubs have allowed more shots per game to the position, and the Sharks find themselves moving further down the list every week.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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