Five games are on tap in the NHL on Wednesday night.
The pregame narrative: The Utah Hockey Club hope to avoid a three-game skid when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins. I’m backing Barrett Hayton to pick up a point against a struggling defence. I also have player props on Jonathan Marchessault and Sam Bennett.
Check out my NHL prop picks for Jan. 28.
NHL prop picks
Go to full NHL betting markets.
Best bet: Hayton over 0.5 points (+140)
I’m fading Pittsburgh’s defence and goaltending more than anything with this pick.
It’s been a rough season for the Pens as they rank towards the bottom in most defensive categories.
- 31st in goals allowed/game: 3.6
- 29th in shots allowed/game: 30.9
- Fourth-most high-danger goals against per 60: 1.65, according to Natural Stat Trick
After a sluggish start to the season, Hayton has picked up his game since the new year with 10 points in 12 games.
These teams met on Nov. 23, where Utah came out on top in a 6-1 bloodbath.
Key stat: Hayton has recorded six points in the last four games.
Quick picks
Bennett over 2.5 shots (+120): Bennett’s Panthers take on the Los Angeles Kings in a tough matchup. Los Angeles has been one of the more dominant teams on the defensive side this season.
Normally, this would be a classic fade spot, however, Bennett’s play has been encouraging lately so I’m backing him.
He’s cleared this mark in seven straight contests and eight of his last 10.
The Panthers also rank third in the NHL in shots on goal per game (31.1).
Marchessault over 2.5 shots (-130): I’m riding another hot hand known for shooting a ton.
Marchessault is one of only 10 players who have recorded 2,000 shots on goal since the 2016-17 NHL season, per Statmuse.
Despite the lack of offence this season, Nashville still shoots the fifth-most in the league (30.2 shots/game).
The former Golden Knight has cleared this mark in five straight games and eight of the last nine.
Picks made at 11:30 a.m. ET on 01/29/2025.
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