Jackson Kerbl, Author at The Boost

Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres Dec. 20: Back Matthews, Marner to produce on Friday

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres headline Friday’s NHL slate.

The pregame narrative: Buffalo’s defence and goaltending aren’t the strongest, so I’m taking the Leafs’ tog guns, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, to find the scoresheet.

Check out our Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres for the game on Dec. 20.

Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres

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Go to full NHL betting markets.

Best bet: Matthews to score (-110)

Matthews has been on a bit of a dry spell but all signs point to him snapping that tonight in Buffalo.

The Sabres’ goaltending room has a collective 3.41 goals against average, which ranks 26th in the NHL.

There was a lot of hype around this team in the off-season between the young talent and bringing back the winningest head coach in franchise history, Lindy Ruff.

So far, the first 32 games haven’t gone to plan as Buffalo ranks near the bottom in every defensive category:

T26th in goals allowed/game: 3.41
22nd in shots allowed/game: 29.4
22nd in penalty kill: 77.4%
29th in penalty minutes/game: 10.7

Toronto’s captain is experiencing the lowest shooting percentage of his career (10.4), but that should imrpove after tonight.

The Sabres allow the second-most high-danger goals against per 60 (1.79) and have the second-lowest high-danger save percentage (75.42%), per Natural Stat Trick.

Buffalo’s defence gives up numerous quality chances per game and it doesn’t have the goaltending to make the big saves when needed.

The three-time Rocket Richard winner sees over 20 minutes of ice time a night and plays on the top line with a couple of studs in Marner and William Nylander.

Key stat: Matthews has 19 goals in 27 career games against the Sabres.

Quick pick

Marner over 0.5 power-play points (+145): Marner has been an assists demon this season.

He’s fourth in the league with 32, only trailing Jack Eichel, Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon.

Twelve of those assists have come on the man advantage, which bodes well for this play.

As mentioned above, the Sabres own the 22nd-ranked penalty kill and take the fourth-most penalty minutes per game (10.7).

Marner leads all Maple Leafs in power-play points (16) and averages the second most power-play time on ice (3:16).

The former London Knight has produced seven goals and 25 assists in 26 games versus Buffalo in his career.

Picks made at 12:09 p.m. on 12/20/2024.

Steelers vs. Ravens same-game parlay predictions: Back Henry and Andrews at +525 on Saturday

Saturday afternoon features an AFC North showdown between the division’s two top dogs.

The pregame narrative: I believe the Pittsburgh Steelers’ elite defence can keep this game somewhat close on a teased-up point spread. Prop bets on Derrick Henry, Jaylen Warren and Mark Andrews round out this whopping +525 SGP.

Check out my Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens same-game parlay predictions for Saturday afternoon.

Steelers vs. Ravens same-game parlay predictions

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Parlay: Steelers +14.5 + Henry anytime TD + Warren over 18.5 receiving yards + Andrews over 19.5 receiving yards (+525)

Steelers +14.5 (-360): If there’s one thing Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin knows, it’s covering the spread as the underdog.

Tomlin’s career underdog ATS record is 55-35-4 (60.6%), but what he’s done against Baltimore is even more impressive.

During his time with Pittsburgh, he’s 13-2-2 ATS as underdogs against Baltimore. Just to squeeze the juice a little more, he has a 5-0 ATS record against Lamar Jackson.

You’d have to go back to Week 15 of last season to find the last time Steel City has lost by this margin, and that was with Mitchell Trubisky at the helm.

With the way Russell Wilson has been cooking this season, I genuinely don’t think it would be possible for the Steelers to lose by more than two touchdowns.

Other parlay legs

Henry anytime TD (-186): I’m not exactly reinventing the wheel with this pick, but it’s an odds booster nonetheless.

Despite three straight games without scoring, Henry still leads the NFL in touchdowns with 15.

We’re getting into prime “Tractorcito” weather with only three regular-season games remaining. There isn’t any time of the year when I’d want to tackle a 250-pound freight train coming at me — and certainly not in below-freezing temperatures.

In a divisional matchup, with playoff seedings on the line, I expect the Ravens’ star running back to break the dry spell and find his way into the end zone.

Warren over 18.5 receiving yards (-114): An ankle injury caused Warren to miss time earlier in the year but he’s been a solid pass-catching option for Pittsburgh since its Week 9 bye.

In his last five games, Warren’s snap share has increased, allowing his receiving numbers to follow suit.

The former Oklahoma State Cowboy has cleared this mark in four of his past five games, averaging just under 26 receiving yards over that stretch.

With George Pickens still sidelined with a hamstring injury, this should provide additional targets for Warren to take full advantage of.

Warren has seen the third most targets on the Steelers offence over Weeks 11-15. Pat Freiermuth is the only active player who’s seen more, with the other being Pickens.

Andrews 20+ receiving yards (-335): As a fantasy football owner of Mark Andrews, I am thrilled about his turnaround following Week 4.

He had 65 yards in the first two games, followed by back-to-back goose eggs in Weeks 3 and 4.

Then, with all the “he should retire” and “washed” slander circling, the turnaround commences.

From Weeks 5 to 15, Andrews has compiled 449 yards and eight touchdowns with a catch percentage of 88.6%. He cleared 20+ yards in every game.

I expect the veteran’s productivity to remain similar against the Ravens’ biggest AFC North rival.

The last game against Pittsburgh was his least productive game in the 10-game stretch, but he still cleared this number.

Picks made at 4:20 p.m. on 12/19/2024

Knicks vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions Dec. 19: Fade Towns in his return to Minnesota at +400

Karl-Anthony Towns returns to Minnesota tonight when the Timberwolves host the New York Knicks.

The pregame narrative: With two strong defensive-minded coaches squaring off, I expect a low-scoring game in Minneapolis. I also have plays on Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Towns to close out this +400 ticket.

Check out my Knicks vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions for Dec. 19.

Knicks vs. Timberwolves predictions

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Parlay: Under 222.5 points + McDaniels over 10.5 points + Towns under 13.5 rebounds (+400)

Under 222.5 (-265): A chess match is brewing between Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau, notorious for his defensive intensity, will be tested against one of the best teams in the NBA.

Last year’s Western Conference finalists have the third-best home defensive rating (103.7). The Knicks have been a middle-of-the-road defensive team, but something tells me they’ll play up to their competition in a matchup of this magnitude.

Both teams are bottom-10 in the league in pace; I anticipate both sides to have strong offensive possessions but by no means rushed ones.

The Timberwolves have the second-highest unders rate this season (56.0%), and even higher when they play at home (58.3%).

The under has cashed seven times in the last 10 meetings between these teams.

SGP legs

McDaniels over 10.5 points (-114): After a slow start to the campaign, McDaniels is starting to find his offensive groove.

He reached double-digit points in just three of the first 10 games of the season. He’s hit the double-digit mark four times in his past five games.

Mostly known for his defensive ability, the former first-round pick draws a favourable matchup against this Knicks squad.

New York allows the third-most points to opposing small forwards (24.3), per Betting Pros.

All-defensive second-team member OG Anunoby will likely have the assignment of guarding T-Wolves leading scorer Anthony Edwards.

That will leave McDaniels with either Mikal Bridges or Josh Hart, two players lacking the defensive prowess Anunoby possesses.

Towns under 13.5 rebounds (-134): I will admit, Towns is on a generational rebounding run at the start of his tenure with the Knicks.

At 29-years-old he’s averaging the most boards in his career (13.9), which also leads the league.

Outside of Towns, the Knicks have struggled on the glass this season — they rank 25th in rebounds per game (42.4).

Minnesota allows the third-fewest rebounds to opposing teams’ centres (13.15), and Towns should split some minutes with Precious Achiuwa coming off the bench.

This is the perfect spot to take the under on an already fairly high total to begin with.

Towns will also have to battle on the boards with four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, which is never an easy task.

Picks made at 11:45 a.m. on 12/19/2024.

NHL prop picks Dec. 18: Back Kyle Connor and Matthew Tkachuk to produce Wednesday night

There are five games on Wednesday’s NHL slate, and I have two props worth taking.

The pregame narrative: Kyle Connor and the Winnipeg Jets have a plus matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. I also have a play on Matthew Tkachuk to record a power-play point.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 18.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Connor to score (-106)

I’ll gladly take this price on a player of Connor’s calibre with the type of matchup the Jets face.

Winnipeg has been dominating Anaheim, winning the last eight matchups with a +20 goal differential.

The Ducks haven’t been doing themselves any favours, either.

32nd in shots allowed per game (33.2)
27th in penalty kill percentage (72.5%)
T-18th in goals allowed per game (3.07)

When you flip the script, this is where the plus matchup presents itself.

The Jets rank first in power-play percentage (31.7%) and third in goals per game (3.67).

Connor should be circling his calendar every time the Ducks are due up. He has 12 goals, seven assists and a plus-9 rating in 17 career games against Anaheim.

Over his past seven games, Connor has six goals and 11 points with a 20.7 shooting percentage — well above his career average of 14.8%.

His career points per game (0.93) is impressive in its own right, but this season, he’s performing at a career-high 1.21 PPG pace and is top 10 in the NHL in shots/game (3.48).

Key stat: Anaheim has the highest expected goals against per 60 minutes in the NHL (3.7), per Natural Stat Trick.

Quick pick

Tkachuk over 0.5 power-play points (+195): I’m intrigued by this matchup with two top-10 teams in the NHL squaring off.

Although they’re lower in the standings, the Panthers are road favourites against the Wild, who are 7-3-0 in their last 10.

My perspective is the special team’s disparity will have a lot to do with the outcome of this game.

Florida owns the sixth-best power play (26.0%), whereas Minnesota owns the third-worst penalty kill (70.7%).

Tkachuk leads all Panthers skaters in power-play points (13) and power-play ice time (3:51).

The former Calgary Flame has also been on a heater in December, picking up six goals and six assists in seven games.

I’m anticipating a good old-fashioned barn burner as the over has hit in seven of the last 10 meetings between Minnesota and Florida.

Picks made at 12:37 p.m. 12/18/2024.

NHL prop picks Dec. 18: Back Kyle Connor and Matthew Tkachuk to produce Wednesday night

There are five games on Wednesday’s NHL slate, and I have two props worth taking.

The pregame narrative: Kyle Connor and the Winnipeg Jets have a plus matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. I also have a play on Matthew Tkachuk to record a power-play point.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 18.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Connor to score (+114)

I’ll gladly take this price on a player of Connor’s calibre with the type of matchup the Jets face.

Winnipeg has been dominating Anaheim, winning the last eight matchups with a +20 goal differential.

The Ducks haven’t been doing themselves any favours, either.

32nd in shots allowed per game (33.2)
27th in penalty kill percentage (72.5%)
T-18th in goals allowed per game (3.07)

When you flip the script, this is where the plus matchup presents itself.

The Jets rank first in power-play percentage (31.7%) and third in goals per game (3.67).

Connor should be circling his calendar every time the Ducks are due up. He has 12 goals, seven assists and a plus-9 rating in 17 career games against Anaheim.

Over his past seven games, Connor has six goals and 11 points with a 20.7 shooting percentage — well above his career average of 14.8%.

His career points per game (0.93) is impressive in its own right, but this season, he’s performing at a career-high 1.21 PPG pace and is top 10 in the NHL in shots/game (3.48).

Key stat: Anaheim has the highest expected goals against per 60 minutes in the NHL (3.7), per Natural Stat Trick.

Quick pick

Tkachuk over 0.5 power-play points (+175): I’m intrigued by this matchup with two top-10 teams in the NHL squaring off.

Although they’re lower in the standings, the Panthers are road favourites against the Wild, who are 7-3-0 in their last 10.

My perspective is the special team’s disparity will have a lot to do with the outcome of this game.

Florida owns the sixth-best power play (26.0%), whereas Minnesota owns the third-worst penalty kill (70.7%).

Tkachuk leads all Panthers skaters in power-play points (13) and power-play ice time (3:51).

The former Calgary Flame has also been on a heater in December, picking up six goals and six assists in seven games.

I’m anticipating a good old-fashioned barn burner as the over has hit in seven of the last 10 meetings between Minnesota and Florida.

Picks made at 11:56 a.m. 12/18/2024.

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NBA schedule, odds and betting lines Dec. 19: Celtics heavy home favourites, T-Wolves host Towns and Knicks

Thursday’s NBA slate is loaded with 13 games on the docket.

The latest: The Minnesota Timberwolves host Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks for the first time since this October’s blockbuster trade. Elsewhere, the Chicago Bulls travel to Boston to take on the defending champions Celtics.

Check out our basketball betting lines and NBA schedule for Dec. 19.

NBA schedule: Dec. 19

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

Charlotte Hornets vs. Washington Wizards

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Orlando Magic

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Utah Jazz vs. Detroit Pistons

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Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors

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Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics

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Atlanta Hawks vs. San Antonio Spurs

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Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets

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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

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Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns

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New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

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Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings

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Betting insights

The Thunder travel to Orlando as the road favourite to take on the Magic. OKC has dominated this head-to-head matchup, winning seven of the last 10 games while covering in eight. The Thunder have the fourth-best ATS record at 16-9-0, while the Magic are 3-7-0 ATS as underdogs this season.

Boston has the fourth-worst ATS record (10-16-0) despite its 21-5 record. Chicago covered the +12 spread the last time these teams met on Nov. 29, but Boston covered in the previous three meetings. The Bulls are hopeful Zach LaVine (back) will return to the lineup after missing Monday’s game against Toronto.

The Raptors host the Nets in an Atlantic Division showdown. Toronto will still be without Scottie Barnes (ankle) and Immanuel Quickley (elbow). Brooklyn is 7-1 against Toronto in the last eight games and covered the spread in six. The Raps, however, have the second-best ATS record in the NBA (18-8-1.
Towns returns to Minnesota to play the Timberwolves for the first time since being traded back in October. The Knicks centre is having a tremendous season, averaging nearly 25 points and 14 boards per game. Expect a close game as both teams have a top-10 net rating, with aspirations of making deep playoff runs this season.

Portland looks to avoid a seventh straight loss as it hosts Denver. The Nuggets are rounding into form, having won three straight and six of their last 10 heading into Thursday’s game. Denver has won seven straight against Portland. As long as MVP front-runner Nikola Jokic is in the lineup, Denver’s streak should continue.

NHL prop picks Dec. 17: Bet on Morrissey, Svechnikov to produce on the power play

NHL fans are treated to an abounding ten-game slate on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: The Winnipeg Jets and Carolina Hurricanes are heavy favourites in their respective matchups. I’m taking Josh Morrissey and Andrei Svechnikov to produce on the man advantage. Thirdly, I’m backing Kevin Fiala’s shots on goal prop.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 17.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Morrissey over 0.5 power-play points (+162)

This is a price I can get behind for one of the best offensive defencemen in the NHL.

Morrissey has been on a tear all season, particularly in his last nine games. He’s racked up 10 points — with five coming on the power play — while averaging over 25 minutes of ice time in that stretch.

The former first-round pick leads all Jets in power play time-on-ice per game (3:14).

Winnipeg takes on a San Jose Sharks squad that struggles defensively.

3.5 goals allowed per game (28th)
32.6 shots allowed per game (31st)

San Jose also has the third-highest expected goals against per 60 minutes (3.41), per Natural Stat Trick.

Key stat: The Jets have the league’s No. 1 ranked power play, operating at 30.3%.

Quick picks

Svechnikov over 0.5 power-play points (+265): I’m taking full advantage of the matchup Carolina has tonight.

Normally a strong team under the supervision of Lou Lamoriello, the New York Islanders find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

New York takes the fewest penalties per game in the league (5.2), yet inversely, has the league’s worst penalty kill (64.7%).

Carolina has one of the most potent offences in the NHL, ranking at the top of the charts in every category:

3.5 goals per game (4th)
32.1 shots per game (2nd)
26.8% power-play rate (5th)
11.2 shooting percentage (7th)

The Canes and Isles squared off on Dec. 7 where Svechnikov potted not one but two power-play markers.

The Russian winger is having a nice season, with 24 points in 30 games and four power-play points in his last five contests.

Fiala over 2.5 shots on goal (-150): Fiala has found a nice home in Los Angeles after moving around earlier in his career.

Now, in his third season with the Kings, he’s produced 163 points in 180 games.

Fiala has cleared this mark five times in the last eight games, averaging 19:20 ice time/game, nearly two minutes more than his season average of 17:39.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are among the weakest defensive teams in the league. They rank 30th in shots/game (32) and 31st in goals/game (3.72).

The Pens also give up the fourth-most high-danger chances per 60 (12.47) and the most high-danger goals against per 60 (1.79). Both offer an extra incentive for Fiala to fire pucks on net.

Alex Nedeljkovic is the confirmed starting goalie for Pittsburgh. His .882 save percentage ranks 66th out of 86 qualified goaltenders this season.

Picks made at 1:26 p.m. 12/17/2024.

NHL prop picks Dec. 17: Bet on Morrissey, Svechnikov to produce on the power play

NHL fans are treated to an abounding ten-game slate on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: The Winnipeg Jets and Carolina Hurricanes are heavy favourites in their respective matchups. I’m taking Josh Morrissey and Andrei Svechnikov to produce on the man advantage. Thirdly, I’m backing Kevin Fiala’s shots on goal prop.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 17.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Morrissey over 0.5 power-play points (+165)

This is a price I can get behind for one of the best offensive defencemen in the NHL.

Morrissey has been on a tear all season, particularly in his last nine games. He’s racked up 10 points — with five coming on the power play — while averaging over 25 minutes of ice time in that stretch.

The former first-round pick leads all Jets in power play time-on-ice per game (3:14).

Winnipeg takes on a San Jose Sharks squad that struggles defensively.

3.5 goals allowed per game (28th)
32.6 shots allowed per game (31st)

San Jose also has the third-highest expected goals against per 60 minutes (3.41), per Natural Stat Trick.

Key stat: The Jets have the league’s No. 1 ranked power play, operating at 30.3%.

Quick picks

Svechnikov over 0.5 power-play points (+215): I’m taking full advantage of the matchup Carolina has tonight.

Normally a strong team under the supervision of Lou Lamoriello, the New York Islanders find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

New York takes the fewest penalties per game in the league (5.2), yet inversely, has the league’s worst penalty kill (64.7%).

Carolina has one of the most potent offences in the NHL, ranking at the top of the charts in every category:

3.5 goals per game (4th)
32.1 shots per game (2nd)
26.8% power-play rate (5th)
11.2 shooting percentage (7th)

The Canes and Isles squared off on Dec. 7 where Svechnikov potted not one but two power-play markers.

The Russian winger is having a nice season, with 24 points in 30 games and four power-play points in his last five contests.

Fiala over 2.5 shots on goal (-139): Fiala has found a nice home in Los Angeles after moving around earlier in his career.

Now, in his third season with the Kings, he’s produced 163 points in 180 games.

Fiala has cleared this mark five times in the last eight games, averaging 19:20 ice time/game, nearly two minutes more than his season average of 17:39.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are among the weakest defensive teams in the league. They rank 30th in shots/game (32) and 31st in goals/game (3.72).

The Pens also give up the fourth-most high-danger chances per 60 (12.47) and the most high-danger goals against per 60 (1.79). Both offer an extra incentive for Fiala to fire pucks on net.

Alex Nedeljkovic is the confirmed starting goalie for Pittsburgh. His .882 save percentage ranks 66th out of 86 qualified goaltenders this season.

Picks made at 12:26 p.m. 12/17/2024.

Jazz vs. Clippers same-game parlay predictions Dec. 16: Bet on Powell, Collins and the Clippers at +330

The Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers provide NBA fans with Monday’s nightcap.

The pregame narrative: Utah is one of the NBA’s worst teams and can’t be trusted on the road. I also have plays on Norman Powell and John Collins.

Check out my Jazz vs. Clippers same-game parlay predictions for Dec. 16.

Jazz vs. Clippers predictions

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Parlay: Clippers -6 + Powell over 2.5 threes + Collins over 14.5 points (+330)

Clippers -6 (-167): It hasn’t exactly been sunshine and rainbows for Jazz head coach Will Hardy.

The bench boss took over at the start of the 2022-23 season and has been progressively worse every year.

2022-23: 37-45 record, 12th in West, -0.7 net rating.
2023-24: 31-51 record, 12th in West, -5.1 net rating.
2024-25: 5-19 record, 14th in West, -9.5 net rating.

What was once a promising team that made six-straight playoff appearances under the direction of Quin Snyder has turned into a poverty franchise.

The Jazz have covered the spread just twice in their last eight contests, and only 10 times all season.

The head-to-head matchup favours the Clippers who have covered in three of the last four against Utah and own a top-five ATS record as the home favourite this season (4-2-0).

SGP legs

Powell over 2.5 threes (-240): Powell is having a resurgent season with the Clippers.

The 31-year-old has career highs in nearly every offensive category:

Field goals attempted: 16.4, field goals made: 8.0
3-point field goals attempted 8.0, 3-point field goals made: 3.8
3-point percentage: 47.4%
Points: 23.2

The former Raptor averaged his lowest PPG mark since his fourth season in the league last year with L.A. (13.9). He’s shooting the ball at a high level and his confidence has matched.

Powell finds himself at 14-to-1 odds to win the Most Improved Player award, with an increase of nearly 10 PPG from last year.

The Jazz allow the sixth-most made 3-pointers (3.28) and points (23.09) to opposing small forwards, per Betting Pros.

Powell has cleared this mark in five of his previous six appearances, shooting 46% on 50 attempts over that stretch.

Collins over 14.5 points (-152): As pitiful as the Jazz’s season has been, Collins has been one of the few bright spots so far.

He’s averaging the most points (18.1) since his 2019-20 season with the Atlanta Hawks, and he’s doing it on a team with the 22nd-ranked offensive rating (110.4).

The former first-round pick has been on a tear for the past five weeks. Since Nov. 12, Collins has averaged 19.6 PPG on .564/.510/.873 shooting splits. In those 14 games, he’s cleared this line 13 times.

Collins cleared the mark in 18 out of 24 games this season.

Picks made at 11:40 a.m. on 12/16/2024.

Senators vs. Hurricanes best bets Dec. 13: Take the under and back Gostisbehere, Batherson

The Ottawa Senators take on the Carolina Hurricanes in Friday’s lone NHL game.

The pregame narrative: The Senators have finally started to show some promise thanks to goaltender Linus Ullmark. Take the under and back Shayne Gostisbehere and Drake Batherson to produce.

Check out my Senators vs. Hurricanes best bets.

Senators vs. Hurricanes best bets

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Best bet: Under 6 goals (-106)

Carolina has consistently been a solid defensive team since head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s regime started in 2018.

Nothing has changed this season as the Canes rank high in the major defensive categories.

Goals/game: 12th (2.93)
Shots on goal/game: 2nd (25.1)
Penalty Kill: 3rd (84%)

Ottawa has been on a nice stretch lately, picking up wins in three of its last four games. That’s largely due to Linus Ullmark’s turnaround.

The Senators goalie has recorded a 4-0-1 record with a .944 save percentage in his last five starts. Before this, he began the season 4-7-1 with a .881 save percentage.

Whenever Ottawa travels to Carolina it seems to get shelled.

In the past four games, Ottawa has been outscored 15-5, while only recording one point over that stretch. That bodes well for this play.

Key stat: The under has hit in seven of the last 10 meetings between these teams.

Quick picks

Gostisbehere over 0.5 points (-125): Known for his offensive prowess, I like this spot for the Hurricanes defenceman to produce.

He plays on Carolina’s first-line powerplay, ranked third in the NHL (28.3%). The other four players on that line have odds of -177 or longer.

The American has been a machine this season, recording 25 points in 28 games. In his past eight contests, he has 11 points, with seven coming on the man-advantage.

Gostisbehere also performs well against the Senators. He’s racked up five goals, 17 assists and a plus-10 rating in 26 career games, per Statmuse.

Batherson over 0.5 goals (+220): I’m simply riding with this price until Batherson’s line adjusts.

The Senators’ winger has been lighting the lamp this season. With 12 goals, he needs just 16 more to break his career-high of 28. Ottawa’s fifth-ranked power play has been a huge bright spot this year.

Batherson is first on the Sens in power-play points (16) and second in power-play goals (7), only trailing Brady Tkachuk by one.

The former fourth-round pick has a shooting percentage of 18.8%, nearly six points higher than his career average of 13.1%.

Even with Carolina’s strong defensive play, it is somewhat vulnerable in the goalie position since Frederik Andersen went down with a knee injury.

Expected starter Pyotr Kochetkov has an inadequate .894 save percentage this year, while backup Dustin Tokarski has a 3.15 career goals-against average in the NHL.

Picks made at 12:32 p.m. ET on 12/13/2024.