There are just three games in the NHL on Monday night, and I have a prop bet for each.
The pregame narrative: Two teams struggling offensively square off in Chicago when the Blackhawks host the Calgary Flames. I’m taking the under on Tyler Bertuzzi’s point prop. I also have plays on Connor McDavid and Carter Verhaeghe’s shots props.
Check out my NHL prop picks for Jan. 13.
NHL prop picks
Go to full NHL betting markets.
Best bet: Bertuzzi under 0.5 points (-127)
The Flames and Blackhawks are two of the worst offensive teams in the NHL, and it’s not particularly close.
| Team | Goals/Game | Shots/Game | Shooting % |
| Flames | 2.61 (27th) | 29.3 (11th) | 8.9% (t-30th) |
| Blackhawks | 2.56 (29th) | 25.1 (32nd) | 10.2% (t-23rd) |
In the previous four meetings, the average goals per game was 4.75, with Chicago only scoring six out of 19.
Bertuzzi hasn’t fared well in his career against the Flames. In 11 games, the Sudbury native has just eight points and owns a -4 rating.
Key stat: The Blackhawks have the lowest expected goals per 60 (2.49), per Natural Stat Trick.
Quick picks
Verhaeghe over 2.5 shots (-130): Veraeghe’s scoring production is down this season, and has resulted in a third-line demotion.
He’s on pace for just 20 goals this year, after 42 and 34 goals, respectively, in the past two years. And his shooting percentage is a career-low 7.8%.
What hasn’t faltered has been the amount of shots he’s taking. In 2023-24 Verhaeghe had 500 shots attempted, and so far through this season, he’s reached 270 shot attempts.
The Toronto native has cleared this line in four of the five games, including a six-shot performance on Saturday against the Boston Bruins.
McDavid over 2.5 shots (-143): Edmonton is one of the hottest teams in the NHL, scoring at will.
The Oilers have 15 goals in their last four games, with McDavid racking up four points and 15 shots over that stretch.
I’m anticipating a close game tonight, with Edmonton and the Los Angeles Kings being separated by just two points in the Western Conference standings.
The Kings’ goaltending has been terrific this season, leading the NHL with a 2.45 team goals-against average.
Edmonton will have to pepper whoever’s in the net for Los Angeles, and McDavid should be leading the charge.
Picks made at 12:15 p.m. ET on 01/13/2025.
