NHL Thursday player props: 2 forwards to target
Our shot props have gone a little cold over the last couple days. Even so, we're still having a fantastic season. Our record sits at 110-90 for +15.31 units.
Let's dive into a couple of my favorite props as we look to get back on track.
Elias Lindholm over 2.5 shots on goal (-120)
Elias Lindholm is one of those guys with extreme home and away splits. On home soil, his shot volume is remarkably consistent. He's averaged 3.45 shots on goal and five shot attempts per game in Calgary. That's led to great success with his shot props, as he's gone over the number (2.5) in eight of 11 contests and fallen just one shot shy in two of the other three.
Beyond the Saddledome, it's a drastically different story. He's hit three shots in just eight of 22 away games, recording one shot or fewer eight different times. That's no coincidence, since he's averaged just 3.54 attempts per game on the road. The shot volume is not even in the same stratosphere.
Luckily for us, Lindholm is back at home and finds himself in a very juicy spot. The Ottawa Senators rank last in shot suppression on the road, and not just at five-on-five: They also allow shot attempts at a higher rate on the penalty kill than any other team.
They are a defensive mess. Tonight, they should be rusty as well; they're playing just their second game since Dec. 18.
I expect the Flames to dictate play and pile up the shots. Lindholm, their No. 1 pivot, should be at the forefront of the fun.
Patrick Kane over 3.5 shots on goal (-115)
Patrick Kane is a volume shooter and one of the best offensive talents in the NHL, and Thursday night, he's drawing the best matchup you could hope for.
The Montreal Canadiens are a horrendous team that's missing a plethora of players due to injuries and COVID-19. As such, they're getting railroaded on a regular basis - and bleeding shots in the process.
Over the last 10 games, the Canadiens rank last in shots on goal against per 60 minutes across all game states. Thursday's visit to the Chicago Blackhawks is the latter half of a road back-to-back, so there's not much reason to expect improvement.
Look for Kane to take advantage.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.