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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.

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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.

Avalance vs. Canucks prop picks Dec. 16: Elias Pettersson has good matchup to get on the score sheet

The Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Cancuks headline Monday’s NHL schedule.

The pregame narrative: Both teams can be weak on the defensive end, so I’m backing the over on three player props featuring Elias Pettersson and Casey Mittelstadt.

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Best bet: Pettersson to score 1+ points (-150)

Pettersson can be inconsistent but he’s still having a strong season with Vancouver.

The centreman has 26 points in 29 games. On Monday, he faces an Avalanche squad that hasn’t been the best defensive team, by any means.

Colorado allows the fourth-most goals per game (3.5) and has the league’s seventh-worst penalty kill (74.7%). That is cause for concern against a talented offence like the Canucks’.

Considering Pettersson has eight power play points this season, he could easily get on the board against a struggling PK unit.

The forward hasn’t scored a point in back-to-back games, but I like the prospect of him getting on the score sheet on Monday.

Key stat: Pettersson is 16-13 against this line this season.

Quick picks

Mittelstadt to score 1+ points (+105): I like the value of this pick at plus money.

Mittelstadt is fourth on the Avs with 22 points in 32 games. He plays on the first PP unit, where he’s recorded nine points.

That’s unsurprising considering he plays with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar with the man advantage.

He had no points between Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 but has bounced back with four points in the six games since.

His full-season point total is all the more impressive considering he didn’t record a point for an eight-game stretch.

There’s too much talent surrounding Mittelstadt on the second line/PP1 that I can’t pass on this price.

Picks made at 2:03 p.m. ET on 12/16/2024.

Avalance vs. Canucks prop picks Dec. 16: Elias Pettersson has good matchup to get on the score sheet

The Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Cancuks headline Monday’s NHL schedule.

The pregame narrative: Both teams can be weak on the defensive end, so I’m backing the over on three player props featuring Elias Pettersson, Casey Mittelstadt and Artturi Lehkonen.

Check out my Avalanche vs. Canucks prop picks.

Avalanche vs. Canucks prop picks

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Best bet: Pettersson to score 1+ points (-143)

Pettersson can be inconsistent but he’s still having a strong season.

The centreman has 26 points in 29 games. On Monday, he faces an Avalanche squad that hasn’t been the best defensive team, by any means.

Colorado allows the fourth-most goals per game (3.5) and has the league’s seventh-worst penalty kill (74.7%).

Considering Pettersson has eight power play points this season, he could easily get on the board against a struggling PK unit.

The forward hasn’t scored a point in back-to-back games, but I like the prospect of him getting on the score sheet on Monday.

Key stat: Pettersson is 16-13 against this line this season.

Quick picks

Mittelstadt to score 1+ points (+105): I like the value of this pick at plus money.

Mittelstadt is fourth on the Avs with 22 points in 32 games. He plays on the first PP unit, where he’s recorded nine points.

He had no points between Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 but has bounced back with four points in the six games since.

His full-season point total is all the more impressive considering he didn’t record a point for an eight-game stretch.

There’s too much talent surrounding Mittelstadt on the first line/PP1 that I can’t pass on this price.

Lehkonen anytime goalscorer (+215): This is the best value on any goalscorer prop in this game.

Lehkonen started the season injured but has scored 10 goals in his first 20 games back.

To make things even better, the winger has a goal in six of the last nine games.

Lehkonen plays on the top forward line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, who are both inside the top-three in the NHL for points.

Picks made at 2:03 p.m. ET on 12/16/2024.

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Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres Dec. 15: Marner poised for another huge night against Buffalo

The Toronto Maple Leafs are back home for their second game in as many nights, and the Buffalo Sabres are in town.

The pregame narrative: Toronto lost a tough one to the Detroit Red Wings last night, but I like this as a strong bounce-back spot for the Leafs. With that in mind, I’m backing Mitch Marner to score multiple points. For Buffalo, I’m getting behind Owen Power with his extended minutes.

Check out my Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres for Dec. 15.

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Best Bet: Power to score 1+ points (+115)

As Rasmun Dahlin continues to be sidelined, Power is eating minutes on the Sabres’ blue line.

22+ minutes in five straight games
28+ minutes in back-to-back outings

It’s not like Power isn’t used to playing a lot (22:38 average time on ice), but this is an uptick even for him.

With Dahlin out, Power skates on the first power play with the Sabres’ top dogs.

Despite having zero power-play points on the season, the defenceman has 19 points in 30 games. And the PP futility is likely to change with this increased opportunity.

Additionally, the Leafs are without Anthony Stolarz and will resort to prospect goalie Dennis Hildeby for the second half of a back-to-back.

The Swedish netminder let in six goals on 38 shots in his last NHL start, which came in October against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Key stat: Power has four points in five games with Dahlin out.

Quick picks

Marner to score 2+ points (+155): I can’t keep myself away from this market, especially in this spot.

Even though Marner is slowing down slightly, he’s on a ridiculous run right now.

The winger has multiple points in 12 of the last 17 games.

He is 4-1 against this line after a loss during that span.

The Sabres’ are also a great matchup. They allow the seventh-most goals per game (3.27) and have a below-average penalty kill (79.2%).

James Reimer is expected to start for Buffalo, and the former Leaf has not been good this season. He’s started five games for two different teams and owns a 3.60 GAA and .879 SV%.

Everything points to Marner having another big night.

NHL picks made at 10:25 a.m. ET on 12/15/24.

Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres Dec. 15: Marner poised for another huge night against Buffalo

The Toronto Maple Leafs are back home for their second game in as many nights, and the Buffalo Sabres are in town.

The pregame narrative: Toronto lost a tough one to the Detroit Red Wings last night, but I like this as a strong bounce-back spot for the Leafs. With that in mind, I’m backing Mitch Marner to score multiple points. For Buffalo, I’m getting behind Owen Power with his extended minutes.

Check out my Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres for Dec. 15.

Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres

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Best Bet: Power to score 1+ points

As Rasmun Dahlin continues to be sidelined, Power is eating minutes on the Sabres’ blue line.

22+ minutes in five straight games
28+ minutes in back-to-back outings

It’s not like Power isn’t used to playing a lot (22:38 average time on ice), but this is an uptick even for him.

With Dahlin out, Power skates on the first power play with the Sabres’ top dogs.

Despite having zero power-play points on the season, the defenceman has 19 points in 30 games. And the PP futility is likely to change with this increased opportunity.

Additionally, the Leafs are without Anthony Stolarz and will resort to prospect goalie Dennis Hildeby for the second half of a back-to-back.

The Swedish netminder let in six goals on 38 shots in his last NHL start, which came in October against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Key stat: Power has four points in five games with Dahlin out.

Quick picks

Marner to score 2+ points (+155): I can’t keep myself away from this market, especially in this spot.

Even though Marner is slowing down slightly, he’s on a ridiculous run right now.

The winger has multiple points in 12 of the last 17 games.

He is 4-1 against this line after a loss during that span.

The Sabres’ are also a great matchup. They allow the seventh-most goals per game (3.27) and have a below-average penalty kill (79.2%).

James Reimer is expected to start for Buffalo, and the former Leaf has not been good this season. He’s started five games for two different teams and owns a 3.60 GAA and .879 SV%.

Everything points to Marner having another big night.

NHL picks made at 10:05 a.m. ET on 12/15/24.

Canucks props vs. Bruins Dec. 14: Bet on DeBrusk revenge game, Marchand to shoot the puck

It’s a 2011 Stanley Cup rematch as the Vancouver Canucks host the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.

The pregame narrative: Jake DeBrusk’s tenure with Boston had its fair share of highs and lows. I expect the speedy forward to register a point against his old squad. Brad Marchand is taking it upon himself to lift Boston’s offence, and he’s a nice option to clear his shot total.

Check out our Canucks props vs. Bruins for the game on Dec. 14.

Canucks props vs. Bruins

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Best Bet: DeBrusk to score 1+ points (-136)

DeBrusk earned a reputation for being a streaky performer with the Bruins.

The talented winger appears to be in the midst of a hot streak for his new squad. He has 13 points in his last 10 games, finding the score sheet in eight of those contests.

New head coach Rick Tocchet is putting the forward in positions to succeed. He has DeBrusk skating on the first line, alongside Elias Pettersson, and on the top power-play unit.

Boston’s reputation for being a defensively responsible team that wins with good goaltending has been challenged this season. It ranks 25th in team save percentage (.884) this campaign.

The Bruins also place an underwhelming 22nd in penalty kill success rate (77.1%).

DeBrusk will receive the right opportunities to strike against his ex-team on Saturday.

Key stat: DeBrusk scored a goal against Boston in his first meeting vs. the Bruins on Nov. 26.

Quick picks

Marchand over 2.5 shots (-114): Boston’s offence is sputtering and Marchand is taking it upon himself to produce.

The Bruins forward is shooting the puck more than usual recently. He has 13 shots in his last four outings, topping this total in each of those games.

The matchup isn’t a plus per se, as the Canucks are tied for 18th in shots against per game (28.4).

But Marchand is one of Boston’s go-to trigger man, and he’ll likely have plenty of opportunities to fire the puck on Saturday.

The Bruins forward is second on the team with 89 shots, averaging 2.87 per contest.

Picks made at 12:02 p.m. ET 12/14/2024.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Red Wings Dec. 14: Bet on Toronto to win, Marner to score a power-play point

The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t travelling too far for a road date with the Detroit Red Wings.

The pregame narrative: Toronto is a legitimate contender in an Atlantic Division that isn’t as competitive as its been recently. The Maple Leafs should win against a struggling Detroit squad. Additionally, I’m betting on Morgan Rielly to score a point and Mitch Marner to earn one on the power play.

Check out my Maple Leafs picks vs. Red Wings for Dec. 14.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Red Wings

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Best Bet: Maple Leafs to win in regulation (-105)

Bettors can expect this to feel like a pseudo-Maple Leafs home game.

This is a weekend southern Ontario sports fans have had circled on their calendars for months. The Maple Leafs play the Red Wings tonight while the area’s adopted football team, the Buffalo Bills, battle the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

This game could feel like a Leafs nation invasion.

I expect Toronto to feed off the raucous environment and continue playing some solid hockey.

The Maple Leafs have won seven of their last 10 games ahead of this contest. The team is getting excellent goaltending from Joseph Woll. The netminder owns a .935 save percentage across his last six appearances.

Detroit, meanwhile, is struggling to receive quality puck-stopping contributions. It ranks 22nd in save percentage (.888) across the last month.

The Red Wings have lost six of their last seven, ceding four-plus goals in five of those outings.

Key stat: 15 of Toronto’s 18 wins this campaign have come in regulation.

Quick picks

Rielly to score 1+ points (+110): Rielly snapped a three-game pointless streak on Thursday, and there’s potential for him to do more damage tonight.

Detroit’s recent goaltending struggles work in his and the offence’s favour. Additionally, Rielly skates on Toronto’s top power play which is an advantageous spot to be in.

The Red Wings rank 31st on the penalty kill this season (67.9%).

A good portion of Rielly’s production has come on the man advantage. Seven of his 16 points are power-play tallies.

Marner to score a power-play point (+150): Rielly isn’t the only Maple Leafs star I’m picking to have a strong game.

Marner should also be able to take advantage of this matchup, too.

The winger leads the squad in points (38) and power-play points (15).

Marner’s recent production on the man advantage is encouraging. He has two power-play points in his last five contests and six in his last 12.

He’s historically done well against Detroit, too. Marner has 30 points in 25 career games against the Red Wings.

NHL picks made at 10:30 a.m. ET on 12/14/24.

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.

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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.

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.

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Best bet: Under 6 goals (-108)

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 (+235): 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 11:57 a.m. ET on 12/13/2024.

NHL parlay picks Dec. 12: Back the Capitals and Avalanche to win in +365 ticket

The NHL schedule shows 13 games tonight which gives options for Thursday’s parlay.

The pregame narrative: The Washington Capitals continue to win games and I like them to get the victory tonight over the Colombus Blue Jackets. I’m adding the Colorado Avalanche on the moneyline and the under in the Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild game to make up this +365 ticket.

Check out the full +365 NHL parlay picks for Dec. 12.

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Parlay: Capitals moneyline + Avalanche moneyline + Oilers/Wild under 6 goals (+365)

Capitals moneyline (-167): Washington continues to turn heads and win hockey games at a high rate.

The Capitals have an 11-2 away record with a +25 goal differential.

Jet Greeves is expected to make his season debut for the Blue Jackets in net and that gives me all the more confidence in the Caps.

After all, Washington scores the most goals per game (4.04) while conceding the seventh-fewest (2.74).

On the other side, Columbus allows the second-most goals against per game (3.61).

The Capitals have just six losses on the season and I can’t see the Blue Jackets providing much of a threat, even at home.

Other SGP picks

Avalanche moneyline (-188): The Avalanche swapped goalies with the San Jose Sharks in a trade earlier this week.

MacKenzie Blackwood was acquired from the Sharks for Alexandar Georgiev and a few other assets.

Blackwood, despite playing for San Jose, is having a much better season than Georgiev.

The newest Avs’ netminder has a .909 SV% and 2.79 GAA in 19 appearances. In his final game with the Sharks, he stopped 51 of 54 shots in a 3-1 loss.

I would be shocked if Blackwood has to face 50-plus shots again this season and I personally love this move for the Avalanche.

Blackwood ranks 21st out of 82 qualified goalies in Money Puck’s goals saved above expected (3.9). For context, Georgiev ranks 80th (-9.4).

Colorado allows the fourth-most goals per game (3.50) on the fourth-least shots against (26.4). That combo screams poor goaltending.

With Blackwood between the pipes, I’m predicting a run for the Avs starting with a win over the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday.

Oilers/Wild under 6 goals (-112): These two teams are known for their offensive talents. However, I see this being a competitive low-scoring contest.

Minnesota allows the fewest goals per game (2.39) and Edmonton’s goaltender Stuart Skinner has been playing exceptionally well.

In his past five starts, he has a 4-1 record with a 1.41 GAA and .947 SV%. Skinner has conceded two or fewer goals in all five of those outings.

The Wild have been blessed by the services of Filip Gustavsson to start the year. He owns a 2.08 GAA and .927 SV% across 21 starts.

Both sides will be hungry for a win over another elite Western Conference opponent and I expect strong goaltending to be the key to this leg.

Picks made at 2:22 p.m. on 12/12/2024.