NHL Monday player props: 3 forwards to target

There are six games on the menu Monday night as the NHL returns from its All-Star break. That means there are plenty of player props to comb through.

Let's dive into a few that stand out from the pack.

Nikita Kucherov over 3.5 shots (+110)

Death, taxes, and backing Nikita Kucherov against the Florida Panthers. He has hit the over in four of his last five games against the Panthers, including both meetings this year.

Kucherov combined for 15 attempts during those games and registered seven or more in each. That's the kind of volume you want to see when backing a shot total of 3.5.

I expect Kucherov will be able to exploit the Panthers once again. At five-on-five, they've been one of the worst teams in the NHL at suppressing Grade A chances over the last 10 games.

Perhaps more importantly, only the Arizona Coyotes have spent more time shorthanded per game this season. There should be plenty of chances for Tampa's power play to go to work and Kucherov is one of the key trigger men.

Jason Robertson over 3.5 shots (-110)

The Dallas Stars' sniper has been a lethal shot generator this year, especially on home soil. Robertson has recorded an average of 4.5 shots per game in Dallas and has hit the over on his shot total 67% of the time, well above what he has managed on the road (44%).

Robertson's home cooking should certainly continue in a mouthwatering matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. They have shown no signs of improvement defensively, ranking last in shot suppression over the last 10 games and conceding an average of more than 40 shots per game in that time.

For perspective, the Chicago Blackhawks rank 31st and have allowed four fewer shots per contest in that time.

The ice should be heavily tilted in Dallas' favor from start to finish and Robertson will be the primary shooting threat. At home, I'd likely play Robertson -110 against any team in the league. To get that price in such an advantageous matchup is a gift.

Jack Hughes over 4.5 shots (+100)

Jack Hughes was one of the league's best shot generators leading up to the break. No. 86 has been particularly dangerous on home ice, averaging 5.5 shots on more than eight attempts over the last 10 in New Jersey.

Hughes is in a good spot to continue his success against the Vancouver Canucks. They are an exploitable team at the best of times. With Bo Horvat traded, and Ilya Mikheyev done for the season, the Canucks should have an even more difficult time controlling their share of the play.

I expect the New Jersey Devils to dominate the puck in this game and it is Hughes who facilitates anything and everything - at even-strength and on the power play - for the red and black.

Hughes made a mockery of the Canucks' defense last time they faced each other, generating eight shots on 11 attempts with the help of no power play time.

The Canucks are very immobile on the back end and they struggle moving the puck. That's a recipe for disaster against Hughes, whose speed causes problems for anybody standing in front of him.

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

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