NHL Tuesday player props: Dahlin to strike vs. Lightning

We have a juicy nine-game slate ahead of us on Tuesday night. Let's take a closer look at a few plays that pop off the page as we look to rebound from a disappointing 1-2 evening.

Rasmus Dahlin over 2.5 shots

Dahlin has been a one-man shooting gallery in the early going of this season. He attempted 18 shots through only two games, which comfortably leads the Sabres. Dahlin didn't have one abnormally high game to skew the numbers, either. He's attempted at least eight shots each time out, which is usually more than enough to soar past a 2.5-shot line.

Beyond the volume, there are a couple of reasons I really like Dahlin in this spot. The Lightning have struggled mightily to defend, owning a league-worst 33% expected goals share through three contests while allowing shots at one of the highest clips in the NHL.

That the Sabres are winless through a pair of games could help as well. You can't earn a playoff spot in October, but you can lose one. We're still early, but the Sabres - who are expected to be a bubble team - can only spot opponents so much of a head start before they really get into trouble.

I expect Dahlin to get all the ice he can handle and take it upon himself to get involved and make something happen offensively.

Odds: -115 (playable to -130)

Evan Bouchard over 2.5 shots

I'm all-in on Bouchard this year. With Tyson Barrie out of the picture, Bouchard now quarterbacks a historically good power-play unit on a full-time basis while also playing a ton of minutes at even strength.

The workload he'll carry on a nightly basis is going to be enormous. We're already seeing that, with Bouchard logging 24 minutes or more in each game thus far.

Bouchard attempted at least eight shots in each contest. That was enough for him to breeze past his over both times, as the gifted offensive defenseman registered five shots against the Canucks twice in a row.

The Predators are giving up a healthy chunk of shot volume but are doing a great job of keeping most of it to the outside. That should benefit Bouchard, who'll be hovering around the perimeter for about 40% of the game.

Odds: -125 (playable to -135)

Filip Forsberg over 3.5 shots

Forsberg finally has an offensive-minded head coach in Andrew Brunette, and he's making the most of it. The dynamic sniper has been an offensive force, recording three points and attempting at least 11 shots in each of his three games. That's absurd volume.

Although the Oilers have done a good job of limiting shot volume, they struggled mightily against another goal-scoring winger in Brock Boeser. He tallied five points and nine shots on goal over the home-and-home to start the year.

Forsberg is routinely playing 20 minutes a night, which is a new norm for him, and he's one of the most efficient shot-generators in the league. I expect he'll find a way to get his share of shots, especially if the Oilers - who are favored - can get a lead and force the Predators to push for offense.

Odds: +114 (playable to -120)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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