Two forwards and one defenceman make up Sunday’s NHL prop picks.
The pregame narrative: Brady Tkachuk is one of the league’s most active offensive players and I’m backing his shots prop against the Minnesota Wild. I also like Jamie Benn and Brandt Clarke to record points tonight.
Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 29.
NHL prop picks
Go to full NHL betting markets.
Best bet: Tkachuk over 3.5 shots (-124)
This isn’t a line we get often, but the Wild provide a tough matchup. They allow the sixth-fewest goals per game (2.7).
However, they do concede the 15th-most shots per game (28.6), which is right around league average.
It’s going to take a lot more than that to scare me away from this pick, as Tkachuk is willing to let his shot go from all areas.
- 4.1 shots per game (2nd in the NHL)
- 4+ shots in 20/35 games
The Wild have been outshot in six of their last seven games. If Ottawa dictates the pace, expect Tkachuk to be heavily involved on offence.
Key stat: Tkachuk has cashed this bet in four of his past six games.
Quick picks
Benn to score 1+ points (-137): The long-time Dallas Star is heating up right now and I want in on the action.
Benn has recorded a point in 10 of his last 13 games, tallying 12 points in that time.
On Sunday, the Stars take on the Chicago Blackhawks, who present a favourable match to stay hot in.
Chicago allows the eighth-most goals per game (3.3). The side has lost three straight games, allowing 16 goals in that span.
The Stars score the 12th-most goals (3.1) and record the third-most shots on goal (30.9) per game.
Clarke to score 1+ points (+118): This is going to be Clarke’s first full season in the NHL and he’s making the most of his ice time.
The defenceman has 20 points in 35 games. That leads the Los Angeles Kings’ defence despite Clarke being the fourth among blue-liners in average ice time (17:46).
A lot of that has to do with his position on the top power play. Clarke has seven PP points this season.
The Philadelphia Flyers are a plus matchup for any opposing skater. They allow the third-most goals per game (3.6) while having a below-average penalty kill (78.6%).
Picks made at 9:50 a.m. 12/29/2024.
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Spencer is a true sports junkie. A graduate of the Sports Journalism program at Centennial College, he first joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2023. He is now a contributing writer. He loves finding the edge to bet on in all sports but has a deep passion for the NBA and UFC. Previous stops include Sportsnet.