Jackson Kerbl, Author at The Boost

NHL prop picks Dec. 5: Back Necas, Stutzle to record a power-play point

I’ve got three NHL prop picks from Thursday’s loaded nine-game slate.

The pregame narrative: Martin Necas is thriving and his Carolina Hurricanes are up against a Colorado Avalanche squad with brutal goaltending. I also have plays on Tim Stutzle and Connor McDavid.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 5.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Necas to record a power-play point (+155)

Necas is tied for the league lead in points with Kirill Kaprizov and Nathan MacKinnon heading into tonight’s action.

Let’s talk about contracts for a second. Carolina’s forward is making $6.5 million AAV, while Kaprizov and MacKinnon are making $9 million and $12.6 million, respectively. Give Huriccanes’ Eric Tulsky a raise because that’s value right there.

Necas has been on an absolute tear recently picking up 15 points in his last 11 games, with nine coming on the man advantage.

Carolina has been a force to be reckoned with at home this season. It has a 9-3-0 record at the Lenovo Center and scored 51 of its 93 goals at home.

Colorado has the sixth-worst penalty kill in the NHL, operating at just 73.1%. Carolina’s power play success rate is over 27%, good for fourth in the league.

Key stat: The Avalanche have allowed 3.73 goals per game this year, which is the second-most in the NHL.

Quick picks

Stutzle to record a power-play point (+145): Similar to the Canes, The Ottawa Senators’ home/away splits indicate more success at home.

Home: 6-5-1 record, 3.75 goals/game
Away: 4-7-1 record, 2.50 goals /game

The German star has been scorching hot as of late, racking up 11 points in his last 10 games.

Despite its lacklustre start to the season, Ottawa’s power play is third in the league (28.1%).

Stutzle has relished playing Detroit, with six goals and eight assists in 10 games against the Atlantic Division rivals.

The Wings have been dreadful on the penalty kill this season, operating at a league-worst 65.3%.

McDavid over 3.5 shots (-112): I made this a play back on Tuesday, and I have no reason to steer away from it tonight.

Edmonton’s captain has been a shots-on-goal machine this season averaging 3.77 per game, fifth most in the NHL.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have the fifth-worst penalty kill in the NHL, which bodes well with this play, as McDavid leads the Oilers in man advantage time on ice.

There were zero penalties called in the Oilers’ previous game, but I’d be shocked if that happened again.

McDavid has cleared this mark in nine of his last 11 games.

Picks made at 1:34 p.m. 12/05/2024.

NHL prop picks Dec. 5: Back Necas, Stutzle to record a power-play point

I’ve got three NHL prop picks from Thursday’s loaded nine-game slate.

The pregame narrative: Martin Necas is thriving and his Carolina Hurricanes are up against a Colorado Avalanche squad with brutal goaltending. I also have plays on Tim Stutzle and Connor McDavid.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 5.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

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Best bet: Necas to record a power-play point (+150)

Necas is tied for the league lead in points with Kirill Kaprizov and Nathan MacKinnon heading into tonight’s action.

Let’s talk about contracts for a second. Carolina’s forward is making $6.5 million AAV, while Kaprizov and MacKinnon are making $9 million and $12.6 million, respectively. Give Huriccanes’ Eric Tulsky a raise because that’s value right there.

Necas has been on an absolute tear recently picking up 15 points in his last 11 games, with nine coming on the man advantage.

Carolina has been a force to be reckoned with at home this season. It has a 9-3-0 record at the Lenovo Center and scored 51 of its 93 goals at home.

Colorado has the sixth-worst penalty kill in the NHL, operating at just 73.1%. Carolina’s power play success rate is over 27%, good for fourth in the league.

Key stat: The Avalanche have allowed 3.73 goals per game this year, which is the second-most in the NHL.

Quick picks

Stutzle to record a power-play point (+145): Similar to the Canes, The Ottawa Senators’ home/away splits indicate more success at home.

Home: 6-5-1 record, 3.75 goals/game
Away: 4-7-1 record, 2.50 goals /game

The German star has been scorching hot as of late, racking up 11 points in his last 10 games.

Despite its lacklustre start to the season, Ottawa’s power play is third in the league (28.1%).

Stutzle has relished playing Detroit, with six goals and eight assists in 10 games against the Atlantic Division rivals.

The Wings have been dreadful on the penalty kill this season, operating at a league-worst 65.3%.

McDavid over 3.5 shots (-106): I made this a play back on Tuesday, and I have no reason to steer away from it tonight.

Edmonton’s captain has been a shots-on-goal machine this season averaging 3.77 per game, fifth most in the NHL.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have the fifth-worst penalty kill in the NHL, which bodes well with this play, as McDavid leads the Oilers in man advantage time on ice.

There were zero penalties called in the Oilers’ previous game, but I’d be shocked if that happened again.

McDavid has cleared this mark in nine of his last 11 games.

Picks made at 12:03 p.m. 12/05/2024.

NHL prop picks Dec. 4: Back Ivan Barbashev, fade Steven Stamkos on Wednesday

There are only four NHL games tonight but I found a pair of player props worth taking.

The pregame narrative: The Anaheim Ducks have given up their fair share of scoring chances, and Ivan Barbashev has been lighting the lamp. I’m also fading Steven Stamkos against his hometown team.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 4.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Barbashev to record a point (-130)

In his ninth NHL season, Barbashev is having a career year.

The Russian forward has 28 points in 26 games (1.07 PPG) which is well above his standard. Going into this season, he averaged a scanty 0.46 PPG.

He plays on the top line with one of the best players in the league, Jack Eichel, as well as the second power-play unit.

And now Barbashev has a top-tier matchup against the inferior Ducks, who rank:

32nd in shots on goal allowed per game (33.4)
25th in penalty kill percentage (75%)

The Golden Knights, meanwhile, are a top-10 team in almost every offensive category:

Seventh in goals per game (3.5)
Sixth in power play percentage (27.4%)
Sixth in shooting percentage (11.8%)

Anaheim has allowed three or more goals in eight of its last 10 home games dating back to Nov. 3.

Key stat: Barbashev has 11 points in his last seven games.

Quick pick

Stamkos not to record a point (-112): The Predators were one of the most active franchises in the off-season but their new additions haven’t been performing.

In particular, former Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Marchessault has just 12 points in 25 games this year. Stamkos has been over a point per game in his career but he has just 13 points to start the campaign.

I’m sure both players are due for some positive regression but tonight isn’t an ideal matchup to heat up.

Craig Berube’s coaching style is something Toronto Maple Leafs fans are not used to seeing, but it works.

The Leafs are scoring fewer goals per game (3.08 compared to last season’s 3.51) but are also defending at an extremely high level.

Toronto is tied for the second-fewest goals allowed (2.54) and has the eighth-best penalty kill (82.4%). Nashville is last in the NHL in goals per game (2.32) and shooting percentage (7.9%).

I expect a warm welcome for the Markham native when he gets introduced tonight, but his stat sheet won’t be as pleasing.

Picks made at 2:55 p.m. on 12/4/24.

NHL prop picks Dec. 4: Back Ivan Barbashev, fade Steven Stamkos on Wednesday

There are only four NHL games tonight but I found a pair of player props worth taking.

The pregame narrative: The Anaheim Ducks have given up their fair share of scoring chances, and Ivan Barbashev has been lighting the lamp. I’m also fading Steven Stamkos against his hometown team.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 4.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

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Best bet: Barbashev to record a point (-125)

In his ninth NHL season, Barbashev is having a career year.

The Russian forward has 28 points in 26 games (1.07 PPG) which is well above his standard. Going into this season, he averaged a scanty 0.46 PPG.

He plays on the top line with one of the best players in the league, Jack Eichel, as well as the second power-play unit.

And now Barbashev has a top-tier matchup against the inferior Ducks, who rank:

32nd in shots on goal allowed per game (33.4)
25th in penalty kill percentage (75%)

The Golden Knights, meanwhile, are a top-10 team in almost every offensive category:

Seventh in goals per game (3.5)
Sixth in power play percentage (27.4%)
Sixth in shooting percentage (11.8%)

Anaheim has allowed three or more goals in eight of its last 10 home games dating back to Nov. 3.

Key stat: Barbashev has 11 points in his last seven games.

Quick pick

Stamkos not to record a point (+105): The Predators were one of the most active franchises in the off-season but their new additions haven’t been performing.

In particular, former Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Marchessault has just 12 points in 25 games this year. Stamkos has been over a point per game in his career but he has just 13 points to start the campaign.

I’m sure both players are due for some positive regression but tonight isn’t an ideal matchup to heat up.

Craig Berube’s coaching style is something Toronto Maple Leafs fans are not used to seeing, but it works.

The Leafs are scoring fewer goals per game (3.08 compared to last season’s 3.51) but are also defending at an extremely high level.

Toronto is tied for the second-fewest goals allowed (2.54) and has the eighth-best penalty kill (82.4%). Nashville is last in the NHL in goals per game (2.32) and shooting percentage (7.9%).

I expect a warm welcome for the Markham native when he gets introduced tonight, but his stat sheet won’t be as pleasing.

Picks made at 2:19 p.m. on 12/4/24.

Hawks vs. Bucks same-game parlay predictions Dec. 4: Back Lillard, Prince at +335

The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks put their winning streaks on the line Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: The NBA Cup group stage is wrapped up and we’re back to regular scheduled programming with the two hottest teams in the East squaring off. I’m backing Damian Lillard and Taurean Prince but still expect the Hawks to keep it close.

Check out my Hawks vs. Bucks same-game parlay predictions for Dec. 4.

Hawks vs. Bucks predictions

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Parlay: Hawks +7.5 + Lillard over 2.5 threes + Prince over 7.5 points (+335)

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Hawks + 7.5 (-200): After a shaky 4-7 start to the campaign, the Hawks are rounding into form winning four straight games and seven of the last 11.

Over the four-game stretch, Atlanta has covered the spread in three games, with two of them as the underdog.

The Hawks are 6-4-0 ATS as a dog this season and have the rest advantage with Milwaukee playing last night.

The Bucks are 9-1 in their last 10 games but have only covered in five of those contests, so I like Atlanta to cover this number tonight.

SGP legs

Lillard over 2.5 threes (-235): The Hawks are a great team offensively that plays with a high pace, but their main issue is defending — in particular, from behind the arc.

Atlanta allows the most 3-pointers per game (16.2) and the second-most to opposing point guards (3.92), per Betting Pros.

In addition to the Hawks’ poor perimeter defending, the Bucks have the third-highest 3-point field goal percentage in the NBA (39.4).

Lillard has never shied away from shooting the deep ball. In his career, he averages over eight 3-point attempts per game and is north of nine this season.

The eight-time all-star has cleared this line in five straight and in 10 of his 17 contests on the year.

Prince over 7.5 points (-118): I’m riding Prince’s hot streak for as long as I can before his point totals adjust.

He’s cleared this number in five straight games while recording double-digit points in four.

With the injury to Kris Middleton (ankle), Prince is being asked to play a larger role on this Milwaukee team and he’s answered the call.

Middleton is listed as a game-time decision as of Wednesday morning. If he does make his season debut I’d imagine he’d be on a heavy minutes restriction.

Atlanta allows the most points to opposing small forwards and Prince is shooting a scorching 65% from the field in his last five outings.

Picks made at 11:30 a.m. on 12/04/2024.

Oilers props vs. Golden Knights Dec. 3: Back McDavid to rack up shots, Eichel to record a power-play point

The Edmonton Oilers can extend their win streak to four in a measuring-stick match against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The pregame narrative: Connor McDavid has been filling up the stat sheet since returning from injury, especially in shots on goal, and I expect that trend to continue. I’m also taking Jack Eichel to record a power-play point against a struggling penalty kill unit.

Check out our Oilers props vs. Golden Knights for the game on Dec. 3.

Oilers props vs. Golden Knights

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Best Bet: McDavid over 3.5 shots (-108)

Edmonton has turned things around in the past 10 games after a sluggish start.

First 10 games: 2.2 goals per game, 13.8 power-play percentage
Last 10 games: 3.9 goals per game, 22.2 power-play percentage

McDavid averages 3:31 of power-play time on the first unit. With the recent power play success, this should provide more opportunities to get pucks on the net.

The Golden Knights are in the middle of the pack at defending shots on goal (tied for 17th in the NHL) but over the last four games, opponents are averaging over 30 shots per game.

This bodes well for the Oilers who average the most shots on goal in the league (33.2).

The five-time Art Ross Trophy recipient is fifth in the league in shots per game (3.76).

Key stat: McDavid has cleared this line in eight of his last 10 games.

Quick pick

Eichel to record 1+ Power-Play Point (+180): The Golden Knights are top-10 in nearly every offensive statistical category.

Goals/game: 3.6 (7th)
Shots/game: 30.3 (6th)
Power play: 27.4% (5th)
Shooting: 11.9% (6th)

Eichel leads Vegas in power-play points (11) and average time-on-ice (3:14).

The Oilers penalty kill unit has been dreadful this season operating at 72.1% (fifth-worst in the league).

The star centre has seven points in his last five games, with none coming on the power play. This matchup is the perfect spot to get back in the power-play point column.

Picks made at 1:49 p.m. ET 12/03/2024.

Oilers props vs. Golden Knights Dec. 3: Back McDavid to rack up shots, Eichel to record a power-play point

The Edmonton Oilers can extend their win streak to four in a measuring-stick match against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The pregame narrative: Connor McDavid has been filling up the stat sheet since returning from injury, especially in shots on goal, and I expect that trend to continue. I’m also taking Jack Eichel to record a power-play point against a struggling penalty kill unit.

Check out our Oilers props vs. Golden Knights for the game on Dec. 3.

Oilers props vs. Golden Knights

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Best Bet: McDavid over 3.5 shots (+105)

Edmonton has turned things around in the past 10 games after a sluggish start.

First 10 games: 2.2 goals per game, 13.8 power-play percentage
Last 10 games: 3.9 goals per game, 22.2 power-play percentage

McDavid averages 3:31 of power-play time on the first unit. With the recent power play success, this should provide more opportunities to get pucks on the net.

The Golden Knights are in the middle of the pack at defending shots on goal (tied for 17th in the NHL) but over the last four games, opponents are averaging over 30 shots per game.

This bodes well for the Oilers who average the most shots on goal in the league (33.2).

The five-time Art Ross Trophy recipient is fifth in the league in shots per game (3.76).

Key stat: McDavid has cleared this line in eight of his last 10 games.

Quick pick

Eichel to record 1+ Power-Play Point (+175): The Golden Knights are top-10 in nearly every offensive statistical category.

Goals/game: 3.6 (7th)
Shots/game: 30.3 (6th)
Power play: 27.4% (5th)
Shooting: 11.9% (6th)

Eichel leads Vegas in power-play points (11) and average time-on-ice (3:14).

The Oilers penalty kill unit has been dreadful this season operating at 72.1% (fifth-worst in the league).

The star centre has seven points in his last five games, with none coming on the power play. This matchup is the perfect spot to get back in the power-play point column.

Picks made at 1:14 p.m. ET 12/03/2024.

NHL schedule, odds and betting lines Dec. 3: Capitals look to stay hot, Oilers and Golden Knights clash in divisional matchup

NHL fans are treated to a 10-game Tuesday slate.

The latest: The Vegas Golden Knights host the Edmonton Oilers in a Pacific Division showdown. Elsewhere, the Washington Capitals look to keep the hot streak alive against the San Jose Sharks.

Check out the latest NHL schedule for Tuesday, Dec. 3.

NHL schedule: Dec. 3

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Buffalo Sabres

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Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins

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Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

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New York Islanders vs. Montreal Canadiens

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San Jose Sharks vs. Washington Capitals

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Seattle Kraken vs. Carolina Hurricanes

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St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets

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Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild

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Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Calgary Flames

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Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights

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Betting insights

Washington looks to extend its win streak to five games with tonight’s home matchup against San Jose. The Caps have scored 20 goals over the last four but have allowed 14 in that span. Washington owns the fourth-best overs record in the NHL (14-8-2).

The Blue Jackets, who score the sixth-most goals per game (3.61), are up against a Flames squad that is 9-3-0 on home ice. Last week, Columbus won at home against Calgary, 5-2.

Boston hosts Detroit in an Original Six matchup. The Bruins are puck line favourites but own the league’s worst ATS record (7-19-0). The Wings will look to get some payback after falling 2-1 to Boston on Nov. 23.

The Oilers look to build on a three-game win streak as they travel to Vegas to take on the Golden Knights. Vegas owns a 9-3-0 record at home this year, but Edmonton has been just as effective on the road (8-3-1). Overs are 15-8-2 in Vegas games this year, which is the second-highest rate in the league.

We could have an epic goalie battle brewing in Minnesota tonight if Kevin Lankinen starts for the Canucks. Lankinen owns a perfect road record (10-0-0), while Minnesota’s likely starter, Filip Gustavsson, leads the NHL in goals-against average (2.05) and save percentage (.929).

NHL schedule, odds and betting lines Nov. 29: First-place Hurricanes host the Panthers, Rangers look to rebound

Friday features a loaded 14-game NHL slate.

The latest: The New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers meet for a divisional rival matinee match. Elsewhere, the Carolina Hurricanes host the defending champion Florida Panthers.

Check out the latest NHL schedule for Friday, Nov. 29.

NHL schedule: Nov. 29

Go to full NHL betting markets

New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

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Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild

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Calgary Flames vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

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Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes

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New Jersey Devils vs. Detroit Red Wings

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New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals

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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Nashville Predators

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Vancouver Canucks vs. Buffalo Sabres

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Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks

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Seattle Kraken vs. San Jose Sharks

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Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Boston Bruins

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Winnipeg Jets vs. Vegas Golden Knights

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Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars

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Edmonton Oilers vs. Utah Hockey Club

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Betting insights

The Rangers are hoping to snap their four-game losing streak when they face the Flyers. New York has allowed 18 goals in that stretch, while only scoring nine. The Rangers are 8-2 head-to-head in the last 10 games against Philly.

The Islanders travel to Washington to take on the red-hot Capitals, who are 6-3-1 in their 10. The Caps hold the league’s best ATS record at 16-6-0. The Isles rank 30th in goals (2.48), while Washington ranks first (4.09).

Carolina hosts Florida in a showdown featuring two top-10 teams. The Canes search for their 10th straight home victory and have a +23 goal differential at home this season. The Panthers are 26th in goals allowed (3.35).

San Jose hosts Seattle in an afternoon Western Conference showdown. The Sharks own the third-best ATS record at 16-9-0. The under has hit in seven of the last 10 meetings between these teams.

Two first-place teams in the West duke it out as the Jets face off against the Golden Knights. Vegas has dominated Winnipeg winning nine of the last 10 games head-to-head. Vegas also owns the league’s third-best overs record at 14-7-2.

NBA schedule, odds and betting lines Nov. 29: First-place Thunder take on Lakers, Celtics look to stay hot

NBA fans are treated to a 10-game Black Friday slate.

The latest: The Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder travel to L.A. to take on the Lakers. Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics look to extend their win streak when they play against the Chicago Bulls.

Check out today’s basketball betting lines and our NBA schedule for Nov. 29.

NBA odds: Nov. 29

Visit all of tonight’s NBA markets. Click on game odds below to bet now.

New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies

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Orlando Magic vs. Brooklyn Nets

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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

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Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers

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Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat

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Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers

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Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers

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Betting insights

The T-Wolves are 7-3 straight up against the Clips in the last 10 meetings. L.A. has a top-five defensive rating in the NBA (107.6).

The Cavaliers look for redemption against the Hawks after losing to them on Wednesday, 135-124. Both teams have a top-five overs record. Atlanta is first (14-5-0), while Cleveland is fourth (13-6-0).

The Pelicans travel to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies, who have won four straight contests. New Orleans has lost six straight. After a rough shooting performance (5-of-17 from the floor), Dejounte Murray hopes to turn things around in his second game back from injury.

The defending champion Celtics can extend their win streak to seven tonight. Boston is third in points per game (120.2), while Chicago is fifth (118.0). Boston is tied with OKC for the highest net rating in the NBA (10.7).

The Thunder have won three straight ahead of this meeting. L.A. is 7-3 head-to-head against OKC in the last 10 games. The Thunder have the highest defensive rating in the association (104.4).