NHL Tuesday player props: 3 shooters worth backing

With the MLB postseason nearing its end, the door is opening for NHL shot props to return to prominence here at theScore.

Let's look at three players to target on Tuesday's juicy 10-game slate.

Matthew Tkachuk over 3.5 shots (+110)

Matthew Tkachuk has been an absolute monster since joining the Florida Panthers. He's piled up 29 shots through six games and gone over his shot total in each appearance.

The underlying numbers suggest Tkachuk's consistent hit rate is no coincidence. He's averaging 8.16 shot attempts per game, which means he'll only need to hit the target on about half of his attempts to surpass this number against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Tkachuk's hard-nosed game and affinity for the area around the net make it much easier to hit the target frequently. While defensemen, for example, generally have to take longer-range shots through traffic, Tkachuk gets to generate many of his attempts from a few feet out.

Though Tkachuk won't record four shots each and every night, getting plus money is too hard to pass up, especially in this matchup: Tkachuk registered 4.3 shots per game against Chicago last season, and this year's Blackhawks roster has even less talent.

Dougie Hamilton over 2.5 shots (-140)

It's generally better to target shooters at plus money or close to it. But at 2.5 shots, it's worth making an exception for Dougie Hamilton.

The big-ticket rearguard is fully healthy and looking the part early this season. He has four points through six games and is shooting the puck a lot.

Hamilton leads the New Jersey Devils in shot attempts and has recorded at least three shots in five of six games so far; Monday's outing against the Washington Capitals is the lone exception.

Hamilton has consistently achieved those shot totals despite the fact the Devils have dressed seven defensemen in several consecutive games. Even with less ice time to go around, he's hit almost every night.

The Detroit Red Wings are one of the league's worst shot-suppression teams so far this season, and the Devils are expected to dress six defensemen for Tuesday's contest. This is a great spot for Hamilton.

Shayne Gostisbehere over 2.5 shots (+135)

Shayne Gostisbehere is quietly off to a very strong start with the Arizona Coyotes. Through five contests, he's put up 19 shots on goal (3.8 per game) and 35 shot attempts (7.0 per game), comfortably leading the team in both categories.

Most of those shots haven't come in one or two good games, either. Gostisbehere has been consistent, notching at least four shots on goal in four of five appearances. A clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs - a solid shot-suppression team - was the only game in which Gostisbehere came up short.

Look for Gostisbehere to continue his shooting ways in a good spot against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They concede a lot of shots, particularly to opposing defensemen; only the Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins have allowed more shots per game to the position, and the difference is negligible.

Gostisbehere should have a productive night.

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

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