NHL Thursday player props: 3 forwards to target

Wednesday was a solid night for our shot props. Troy Terry and Chris Kreider both hit comfortably, each generating at least one more shot than necessary. Victor Hedman - the biggest favorite of the bunch - let us down, but profit is profit.

Let's take a closer look at three more players worth backing Thursday night's big slate.

Alex DeBrincat over 3.5 shots (+110)

The Ottawa Senators' marquee offseason addition has only scored one goal through six games, but it's certainly not for a lack of opportunities.

Alex DeBrincat is piling up the looks at the net, leading the team in shot attempts (44), shots on goal (28), and sitting second in high-danger chances (13).

That equates to 7.3 shot attempts and 4.6 shots on goal per game, and there's plenty of reason to believe DeBrincat can sustain his volume.

With Josh Norris out for the long haul, DeBrincat is seeing reps on both power-play units. There's no mistake about what he's there for: shooting the puck. So, that alone will lead to a handful of attempts on any given night.

Wednesday's matchup is also sneaky good. The Minnesota Wild have taken a lot of penalties in the early going this season, spending more time shorthanded on a per-game basis than all but seven teams.

Minnesota's also been abnormally pedestrian in terms of suppressing shots at five-on-five and on the kill.

This is a great spot for DeBrincat, who has at least five shots on goal in three of four home games thus far.

Connor McDavid over 3.5 shots (-125)

McDavid is on a bit of a shooting heater. Dating back to last season, he's registered at least four shots on goal in 14 of his last 19 games. That's a near-75% success rate.

I expect his success to continue Thursday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. Although they've been surprisingly competent defensively at five-on-five, they've struggled mightily to stay out of the box. Only three teams have spent more time shorthanded per game than Chicago, which leads to plenty of extra looks for the opposing team's best players.

It just so happens McDavid has been Edmonton's primary shooter on the man advantage in the early going. He currently leads the Oilers in attempts, shots on goal, expected goals, and high-danger chances on the power play. If the Blackhawks want to continue parading to the box, McDavid will benefit mightily.

He's also positioned well to generate looks at five-on-five. Since the beginning of last season, McDavid has averaged more than 24 shot attempts per 60 alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. RNH was moved up to McDavid's line for Wednesday's game, which resulted in a multi-goal victory, so I'd assume he'll remain there in Chicago.

If that's the case, playing with such a pass-first player has generally led to very high shot rates for McDavid.

Jason Robertson over 2.5 shots (-132)

The Washington Capitals haven't done a good job of preventing shots, especially on the road.

Only the Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, and Detroit Red Wings have allowed five-on-five attempts at a higher rate away from home.

The Dallas Stars have only played at home twice this season, but - including last year - Jason Robertson leads the way in shot attempts and shots on goal, be it at five-on-five or across all game states.

Unsurprisingly, that's led to success in the shot prop market. He's recorded three shots or more in 60% of his home games during that period.

With the Capitals looking a little more vulnerable defensively than they've been in recent years, and the Stars in need of a bounce-back game at home, I like Robertson to have a strong offensive outing.

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