Saturday's NHL slate offers a bevy of intriguing betting options, and we're not holding back from the trends that have emerged ahead of a few big games. We should see offense in both games, and that guides our four prop plays for this playoff slate on the ice.
Rangers at Hurricanes, 7 p.m. ET
When I look at this Rangers-Hurricanes series, I'm just trusting what we've seen up to this point in a Game 4 that should be fast and loose as a desperate Carolina team fights to avoid the sweep. It's for that reason I expect shots on both ends, and it's these two who stand out.
Svechnikov ended up with six shots on goal in Game 3 on 11 attempts. That marked the second-straight home game Svechnikov finished with six SOG at home, and the sixth time in the last eight games he's ended up with 5+ shots in Carolina. That's just going to have to be something I trust in a "leave-everything-on-the-ice" type of game.
It's hard to not also like what we're seeing from Alexis Lafreniere. Laf finished Game 3 with five SOGs for the second straight game, going over his 1.5 line for the third time in as many tries this series. The young win is also operating with quite the level of confidence now, as he's netted three goals in the past two games.
Lafreniere has 2+ shots in six straight against Carolina and he's hit this number in six of his past seven on the road. He's finished with three or more shots in five of his last six on the road. Love seeing him clearing this line with ease.
Here's how I'm playing these two tonight:
I considered continuing the ladder up another number, but I'll stop myself here. I may also end up betting their goals, as both are logging some high-quality looks that shine through in the advanced metrics.
*Note: FanDuel has better prices, but only counts shots in regulation. Additionally, ESPN Bet may offer better prices, but they have been slow to open their alternate market, and I can't wait around all day for them.
Stars at Oilers, 10 p.m. ET
I'm calling my shot that tonight is a Nathan MacKinnon kinda night. Feels like we have not heard enough from him lately, and Game 3 in Colorado in a 1-1 series seems to be just what the doctor ordered for one of the Hart Trophy favorites to put on a signature game.
MacKinnon is definitely still shooting, he has 15 attempts this series. He's also still creating, with a goal and an assist in the Avs' Game 1 win.
MacKinnon has definitely been steadier on home ice the last two postseasons, averaging 6.5 SOG per game across his last six playoff home games, putting up 2+ points in three of his last four.
He's also really enjoyed some monster games when Dallas comes to town. He has 5+ shots in five straight home games against the Stars, averaging 6.8 SOG per game. The last three such games all saw MacKinnon end with two points.
I still think this series remains high-scoring for the next few games, and I'm following that pace with Colorado's star tonight.
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