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NHL playoff bets: Two plus-money prop plays for Thursday night

By Griffin Carroll | Last updated 4/27/23

It's been a fun week for NHL betting, and we aim to keep the good times rolling tonight with a few shots on goal props. Simplicity continues to be the key to success, rolling with just two plays tonight.

Victor Hedman over 2.5 SOG (+135 DK)

The Lightning are facing elimination, something that hasn't been too common to them over the past few years. In fact, over the past three years, they've played in just three non-Game 7 elimination games, all of which came last year.

I was curious who stepped up in those games, and thus, we come to defensemen Victor Hedman. Hedman was a lone constant with his shots in these situations last postseason, finishing with shot totals of five, four and three. Postseason betting is all about creativity, and to me this is a compelling case.

Hedman has been steady in the playoffs the past few years. Over the last five seasons, he's averaging 3.04 SOG/game, and he's gone over 2.5 shots in seven of his last 12 road playoff games.

He's been a bit quiet this series thanks to an injury that forced him out early in Game 1 and kept him out of Game 2, but things are coming alive.

He has 20 attempts over the past two games, including four shots on goal last game. At this price, with some of these trends, I'm loving take a chance on Hedman tonight.

Jacob Trouba & Erik Haula 2+ shots (+133 FD)

This series hasn't yet been a boon for SOG props, but there are a few trends that look strong to me, namely the two gentlemen called out here.

Jacob Trouba has gone over 1.5 SOG in 11 of his past 12 postseason games on the road, including both games in this series.

Against New Jersey, Trouba has 2+ shots in every game this series, five straight meetings, and 10 of his last 12 against the Devils. I'll gladly back that trend to continue here.

I'm pairing him with Erik Haula on FanDuel's SGP option. If you don't have access to that book, then the best I can offer you is to use both of these shooters in your own two-leg parlays with something else that looks good juiced.

Haula is over 1.5 shots on goal in three of four this series and 11 of his past 12 games. Haula finished with three SOG in both home games so far against the Rangers this postseason, and he's gone over this 1.5 line in six straight at home.

Works for me.

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