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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 (-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.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Predators Dec. 4: Back Toronto to win and Matthews to score

The Atlantic Division-leading Toronto Maple Leafs host the sputtering Nashville Predators on Wednesday.

The pregame narrative: Toronto has won nine of its past 11 games behind the spectacular goaltending of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. I expect the Leafs to win in regulation tonight. I am also backing their captain, Auston Matthews, to score.

Check out my Maple Leafs picks vs. Predators picks for Dec. 4.

Maple Leafs vs. Predators picks

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

Leafs fans haven’t enjoyed goaltending like this in a long, long time.

Woll and Stolarz have led Toronto to the second-best goals-against average (2.54), and the third-best team save percentage (.919).

Winning the Jennings Trophy is very much in play and down-ballot Vezina votes for either netminder isn’t out of the question.

Stolarz got the call on Monday vs. Chicago. As of Wednesday morning, the Leafs hadn’t announced who will start vs. Nashville, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if it’s Woll.

Check out Woll’s stellar November numbers:

5-1 record (four regulation wins)
1.99 GAA (fifth among goalies with 5+ starts)
.929 SV% (fourth among goalies with 5+ starts)

Toronto’s offence (nine goals in the last two games) has also come alive with Matthews back in the fold.

Nashville, meanwhile, is off to a brutal start after going all-in over the offseason.

The Predators are 7-12-6 and have lost four straight (though three came in overtime). They rank dead last in goals per game (2.32). Juuse Saros, who is expected to start Wednesday, has given up 16 goals in his past four starts.

Key stat: The Maple Leafs have won four of their past five games in regulation.

Quick pick

Matthews to score (-105): Matthews’ season has been a strange one.

He started goalless in three straight, then scored in three straight, then slumped again, before being placed on the IR and flying to Germany to see a specialist for an undisclosed injury.

But if we’re taking the Leafs’ comments at face value, Matthews’ recent IR stint is nothing to be worried about.

Matthews backed that up Monday with a goal against the Blackhawks.

https://twitter.com/TicTacTOmar/status/1863752867598741618

He also had a pair of assists Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning in his return. He appears to be skating at 100%.

We’re talking about getting a guy who scored 69 goals a year ago at nearly even money to score against one of the worst teams in the NHL. Sign me up.

NHL picks made at 8:48 a.m. ET on 12/04/24.

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).

Maple Leafs props vs. Blackhawks Dec. 2: Matthews, Marner have exploitable matchup

The Toronto Maple Leafs can reclaim the division lead with the Chicago Blackhawks in town.

The pregame narrative: With the lead in the Atlantic on the line, I’m trusting the Maple Leafs’ top dogs to get it done. Therefore, I have prop picks on Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

Check out our Maple Leafs props vs. Blackhawks for the game on Dec. 2.

Maple Leafs props vs. Blackhawks

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Best Bet: Matthews over 4.5 shots (+100)

This is a great matchup for Toronto’s top forwards.

Chicago allows the sixth-most shots against per game (31.0).

The Blackhawks give up the 17th most goals on average (3.1)

I also like Matthews to score tonight but those odds are too juiced for my liking (-143), so I will roll with his shots prop in a good matchup.

The Leafs’ captain hasn’t been as productive this season with only five goals and 58 shots in 14 games.

That’s still 4.14 shots per game, however, so I expect an uptick in goals as the year carries on.

Matthews averaged 4.6 shots per game last season and this is a good team to get back on track against. He had just two shots in his return against the Lightning but also had 20:23 of ice time.

With an increase in playing time and a soft landing spot against the Blackhawks, he should have plenty of good looks at goal tonight.

Key stat: Matthews had 12 shots in two games against Chicago last season.

Quick pick

Marner to score 2+ points (+130): Marner held down the fort in Matthews’ absence. He scored 15 points in nine games and added two points in Matthews’ first game back.

With that performance, Marner now has multiple points in eight of his last 10 games.

He’s on an incredible run and I think it’s safe to assume the return of Matthews will help his production, especially on the powerplay.

Again, I have to stress that this is a strong matchup against the Blackhawks. They’ve allowed three or more goals in seven of their last eight road games.

If Toronto can produce an offensive outbreak at home, I can see Marner being heavily involved, like usual.

Picks made at 12:11 p.m. ET on 12/02/24.

Maple Leafs props vs. Blackhawks Dec. 2: Matthews, Marner have exploitable matchup

The Toronto Maple Leafs can reclaim the division lead with the Chicago Blackhawks in town.

The pregame narrative: With the lead in the Atlantic on the line, I’m trusting the Maple Leafs’ top dogs to get it done. Therefore, I have prop picks on Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

Check out our Maple Leafs props vs. Blackhawks for the game on Dec. 2.

Maple Leafs props vs. Blackhawks

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Best Bet: Matthews over 4.5 shots (+105)

This is a great matchup for Toronto’s top forwards.

Chicago allows the sixth-most shots against per game (31.0).

The Blackhawks give up the 17th most goals on average (3.1)

I also like Matthews to score tonight but those odds are too juiced for my liking (-143), so I will roll with his shots prop in a good matchup.

The Leafs’ captain hasn’t been as productive this season with only five goals and 58 shots in 14 games.

That’s still 4.14 shots per game, however, so I expect an uptick in goals as the year carries on.

Matthews averaged 4.6 shots per game last season and this is a good team to get back on track against. He had just two shots in his return against the Lightning but also had 20:23 of ice time.

With an increase in playing time and a soft landing spot against the Blackhawks, he should have plenty of good looks at goal tonight.

Key stat: Matthews had 12 shots in two games against Chicago last season.

Quick pick

Marner to score 2+ points (+143): Marner held down the fort in Matthews’ absence. He scored 15 points in nine games and added two points in Matthews’ first game back.

With that performance, Marner now has multiple points in eight of his last 10 games.

He’s on an incredible run and I think it’s safe to assume the return of Matthews will help his production, especially on the powerplay.

Again, I have to stress that this is a strong matchup against the Blackhawks. They’ve allowed three or more goals in seven of their last eight road games.

If Toronto can produce an offensive outbreak at home, I can see Marner being heavily involved, like usual.

Picks made at 10:43 a.m. ET on 12/02/24.

NHL schedule, odds and betting lines Dec. 2: Devils and Rangers meet in pivotal game, Blackhawks visit Maple Leafs

The hockey week starts with a light three-game NHL schedule on Monday.

The latest: The New York Rangers host the New Jersey Devils in an important divisional matchup. Up north, Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks are hefty underdogs on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Check out the latest NHL schedule for Friday, Dec. 2.

NHL schedule: Dec. 2

Go to full NHL betting markets

New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils

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Chicago Blackhawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

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Dallas Stars vs. Utah Hockey Club

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Betting insights

The Rangers snapped a five-game losing skid on Saturday. New York is now fourth in the Metropolitan while New Jersey has been steady all year and currently sits in second. Due to the Rangers’ recent struggles, the total in this game sits at 6.5, even though both teams sit inside the bottom seven for goals allowed.

Toronto can reclaim first place in the Atlantic with a win over Chicago. The Blackhawks are 8-14-2 on the season and 4-8-2 away from home. The Leafs, on the other hand, are 10-3-0 at home. All of this contributes to Toronto being a wide -345 favourite.

The night’s final game sees the Stars travelling to Utah to take on the Hockey Club. Dallas is 7-3 in its last 10 games and third in the Central. It’s coming off a big win over the Jets and looks to maintain momentum on the road. Utah is 10-10-4 and two spots behind Dallas in the division.

Best NHL prop picks Dec. 1: Back Claude Giroux, Miro Heiskanen on Sunday

There are only five NHL games today but I found two player props worth taking in the later window.

The pregame narrative: Claude Giroux headlines the picks as the veteran has been efficient lately. I’m also backing the streaking Miro Heiskanen in his game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 1.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Giroux to record a point (-118)

Giroux continues to be productive as a decline is seemingly nowhere in sight.

The veteran winger has 17 points in 23 games this season. He was held off the scoresheet last time out, but Giroux scored a point in five straight games before that.

And now he has a prime matchup against the middling Anaheim Ducks.

Anaheim allows the most shots against per game (33.5)

The Ducks have the seventh-worst penalty kill (75%)

Anaheim has been carried by elite goaltending all season long but those aren’t stats anyone can trust.

Lukas Dostal and John Gibson are proving to be a strong tandem but the team has still allowed four or more goals in eight games this season.

Ottawa records the fourth-most shots on net per game (30.9), so I’m confident there will be loads of chances tonight.

Key stat: Giroux has 160 points in 187 games since joining the Ottawa Senators.

Quick pick

Heiskanen to record a point (-118): I made this pick on Friday and Heiskanen came through with two assists. I’m going back to the well tonight despite a much tougher matchup.

The defenceman is the most important overall player on the Dallas Stars and he’s starting to heat up in the offensive zone.

Heiskanen had 127 points over the last two seasons but struggled to start this year.

First 18 games: six points
Last four games: six points

It’s not surprising to see his production increase considering he leads the Stars in time on ice (24:25).

Heiskanen is one of the best defencemen in the league and I am looking to ride this high and get behind Dallas’ busiest skater.

NHL picks made at 10:42 a.m. on 12/01/2024.

Best NHL prop picks Dec. 1: Back Claude Giroux, Miro Heiskanen on Sunday

There are only five NHL games today but I found two player props worth taking in the later window.

The pregame narrative: Claude Giroux headlines the picks as the veteran has been efficient lately. I’m also backing the streaking Miro Heiskanen in his game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 1.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

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Best bet: Giroux to record a point (-120)

Giroux continues to be productive as a decline is seemingly nowhere in sight.

The veteran winger has 17 points in 23 games this season. He was held off the scoresheet last time out, but Giroux scored a point in five straight games before that.

And now he has a prime matchup against the middling Anaheim Ducks.

Anaheim allows the most shots against per game (33.5)

The Ducks have the seventh-worst penalty kill (75%)

Anaheim has been carried by elite goaltending all season long but those aren’t stats anyone can trust.

Lukas Dostal and John Gibson are proving to be a strong tandem but the team has still allowed four or more goals in eight games this season.

Ottawa records the fourth-most shots on net per game (30.9), so I’m confident there will be loads of chances tonight.

Key stat: Giroux has 160 points in 187 games since joining the Ottawa Senators.

Quick pick

Heiskanen to record a point (-122): I made this pick on Friday and Heiskanen came through with two assists. I’m going back to the well tonight despite a much tougher matchup.

The defenceman is the most important overall player on the Dallas Stars and he’s starting to heat up in the offensive zone.

Heiskanen had 127 points over the last two seasons but struggled to start this year.

First 18 games: six points
Last four games: six points

It’s not surprising to see his production increase considering he leads the Stars in time on ice (24:25).

Heiskanen is one of the best defencemen in the league and I am looking to ride this high and get behind Dallas’ busiest skater.

NHL picks made at 10:42 a.m. on 12/01/2024.

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