Rickard Rakell over 2.5 SOG (-120 DK)
Shots should flow at both ends of this game between Pittsburgh and New Jersey, and I’m drawn to Rickard Rakell on the Penguins’ side.
Pittsburgh became a clear shooting target as they average 36.1 shots per game in their last 10 at home while the Devils see 33.8 shots per game on the road at the same stretch.
Rakell was a constant for Pittsburgh, especially at home. He’s hit 2.5+ shots in 72% of home games this year and has averaged 6.3 tries in his last 10 games. Rakell had eight SOG on 11 tries last night so I like that momentum to keep going here.
Rakell had five shots when New Jersey last came to town in late December.
Jack Hughes over 1.5 points (+168 FD)
Let’s stick with this game but opt for a point support. Jack Hughes is back and I expect him to pick up right where he left off.
Hughes has two points in five straight games and four of his last six on the road. He also has 2+ points in three straights against Pittsburgh.
I like it when the Devils score some goals against a Penguin team in a tackle here. Pittsburgh has conceded 3.8 goals per game at home in their last 10, while New Jersey has averaged 3.6 goals per game in their last 10 away.
Jeff Skinner on 2.5 SOG (-118 FD)
This is the best price we’ll ever get for Jeff Skinner’s recordings, in my opinion, and there’s plenty of reason to pounce.
Buffalo appears to be good for 32+ shots against San Jose tonight based on recent averages and Skinner’s volume is increasing.
After quite a cold spell, Skinner has fired 5+ shots in two of his last three games and scored a total of 20 tries over the three games. It’s nice to see him pick it up again after a quiet stretch and I bet it continues here.
Skinner has loved watching San Jose hit 3+ shots (5.8 SOG/game average) in five straight encounters and hit in six straight hits. That’s the story I’m following. I’ll take a goal bet too, because why the hell not?
.5u: Jeff Skinner Gate (+168 FD)
.5u: Viktor Arvidsson & Nikita Kucherov over 2.5 SOG (+173 CZR)
This seems like a nice combo to get out of the late games. Arvidsson and the Kings will host an Arizona team that allows 35 shots per game on the road and has been dishing out quite a few power plays lately.
Arvidsson leads Los Angeles in power play shooting and has 2.5+ shots in five of his last seven at home. He also crossed against the Coyotes in three of his last four, ending with four or more SOGs on each of those occasions.
His dance partner tonight is Nikita Kucherov, who is down to a 2.5 number that makes him look a lot more inviting.
Kucherov has exceeded that number in 69% of his games this season, and that batting average is even higher at 78% on the road. He has 3+ in seven of his last eight road games and has covered that 2.5-line in four of six Vegas encounters.
The slump is probably down to the opponent, but Tampa looks good to me for 31+ shots tonight.
