NHL Thursday player props: 2 shot totals to attack

We have a full slate of games on the docket Thursday and you know what that means: shot props!

We're 75-60 on the year for +14.01 units. Let's comb through the value and try to build on that with today's best bets.

Joel Eriksson Ek over 2.5 shots on goal (-135)

Joel Eriksson Ek is scorching hot. The Minnesota Wild forward has recorded at least three shots on goal in eight consecutive games and is averaging 4.2 shots on target over his last five.

He draws a mouth-watering matchup Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres, who have struggled to limit shots all season, especially on the road. The Sabres are allowing 35.09 shots on goal per 60 minutes of five-on-five play away from home. That ranks them last in the NHL.

Look for Eriksson Ek to stay hot and capitalize on an advantageous matchup.

Max Pacioretty over 3.5 shots on goal (-145)

This might seem like a hefty price to lay for over 3.5 shots. For a lot of guys, I'd agree. However, Max Pacioretty is definitely an exception.

Pacioretty is off to an absolutely insane start to the campaign with the Vegas Golden Knights. He's recorded 62 shots through just 11 contests, good for an average of 5.6 per game.

Unsurprisingly, he has been a god when it comes to going over the number, with at least four shots in nine of his 11 appearances. He ended up at three the two times he failed to go over the number.

That means he's hit the over 82% of the time and was just one shot away when he fell short.

Pacioretty is a legitimate threat to hit four each and every night. I don't think the New Jersey Devils - losers in 12 of their last 15 games - are going to change that.

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

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