NHL weekend player props: 3 forwards worth backing

Thursday was a successful night for our player props as we once again won two of three, with the lone defeat coming on the hook.

We'll look to keep things moving in the right direction with three plays for what should be an exciting weekend of playoff hockey.

Teuvo Teravainen over 2.5 shots (+110)

Teravainen laid an egg for us in Game 1, but there's reason to be optimistic the Carolina Hurricanes winger can provide a better result Friday night. He's generally been very productive on home ice, recording three-plus shots in 28 of 44 games in Carolina this season. That's a 64% hit rate. Outside of one four-game stretch in the middle of the campaign, Teravainen didn't fail to record three shots in consecutive games all season.

He should also be in a more beneficial lineup spot Friday. After spending most of the opener on his heels with Max Domi and Vincent Trocheck, Teravainen was moved onto a line with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis late in the game. They dominated, scoring a goal while helping the Hurricanes outchance the New York Rangers 7-0.

Look for a rebound effort in Game 2.

Johnny Gaudreau over 3.5 shots (-112)

Johnny Hockey has enjoyed a lot of success against the Edmonton Oilers this season. Including a dominant effort in Game 1 of the series, Gaudreau has combined to record 4.6 shots on target and 7.6 attempts per game through five meetings versus Edmonton.

Gaudreau was the sport's most prolific point producer at five-on-five during the regular season, and he touches the puck a ton on the man advantage. No matter the game situation, the puck always finds its way to Gaudreau's stick.

Win or lose, the Calgary Flames should be able to generate shots in bulk in this game. They've recorded at least 38 in four of five meetings versus the Oilers, averaging a hair under 42. That's more than enough volume for Gaudreau to get his share.

Nazem Kadri over 3.5 shots (-110 or better)

Kadri has produced an insane amount of volume against the St. Louis Blues. He's registered eight shots on target, 11 scoring chances, and 19 shot attempts through just two games.

With the Blues having last change in Game 3, you can bet they'll be looking to get their top two-way players on the ice against Nathan MacKinnon every chance they get. There won't be nearly as much attention on Kadri, opening things up for him at five-on-five. He's also a focal point of the Colorado Avalanche's power play, so he should have plenty of opportunities to keep firing.

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

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