Kempe to continue unmatched shooting success vs. Oilers
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We have a fun four-game slate Monday night split between a pair of Game 2s and series openers. Let's take a look at the best ways to attack them.
David Pastrnak: Over 4.5 shots
Pastrnak failed to record five shots in Game 1, but there were signs an outburst could be coming. Pastrnak's shot volume was quite solid given the circumstances. He attempted seven shots despite the Bruins leading for 58 minutes and sitting on a multi-goal lead for nearly two periods.
They didn't need to push for offense, and yet Pastrnak still generated enough attempts to give himself a reasonable chance of reaching five shots on goal.
Game 2 is almost certainly going to be more competitive, which should lead to a more favorable game script for Pastrnak to push for offense.
The matchup is very good as well. The Maple Leafs allowed more shots to wingers than all but the Blue Jackets over the last 10 games of the regular season. Pastrnak has feasted on them all year, generating 10 attempts or more in four of five meetings.
I expect we'll see an uptick in shots from Pastrnak in Game 2.
Odds: +120 (playable to -120)
Andrei Svechnikov: Over 2.5 shots
Svechnikov was a one-man shooting gallery for the Hurricanes in their series opener. He led the game in shots (six), scoring chances (eight), and shot attempts (13) while logging 15 minutes of ice time.
He mostly skated on the third line alongside Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook at even strength. That may not sound like the opportune playing situation for a dynamic offensive player like Svechnikov, but the numbers tell a different story.
Svechnikov averages upwards of 25 shot attempts per 60 minutes of five-on-five play with Staal as his center. That's a far cry from his averages alongside Evgeny Kuznetsov (15.5) or Sebastian Aho (13.9).
His shot rates are also higher with Martinook than any other winger on the Hurricanes.
Staal is more of a passer than a shooter - he had twice as many assists as goals this season - and Martinook is a north-south player whose job is to forecheck and win pucks back. Both players are happy to defer to Svechnikov, the real offensive threat on the line, and it shows in the numbers.
Expect another active shooting performance against the Islanders.
Odds: -140 (playable to -150)
Adrian Kempe: Over 2.5 shots
The Kings are going to need offense to keep up with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the high-flying Oilers. Kempe is their best bet to provide it.
He led the team in scoring during the regular season and has enjoyed unbelievable success against the Oilers for several years.
Kempe has recorded three or more shots in 22 of 25 meetings against the Oilers dating back to the 2021-22 season. He's averaged a whopping 4.7 shots per game against Edmonton in that span.
He's also on a run of 10 consecutive games against the Oilers with at least three shots. He routinely soared over the number, averaging five shots on goal per contest.
Be it in the regular season or the first round of the playoffs, the Oilers have seen a ton of Kempe over the past few years. They haven't seemed to come up with an answer to stop his shot volume.
As a member of the top line and power play, Kempe will see all the ice he can handle. Look for him to make the most of it as he so often does.
Odds: -134 (playable to -160)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.