I’m looking for two NHL veterans to cash their point props to end 2024.
The pregame narrative: Steven Stamkos is in great form and I believe he’s a strong candidate to record a point on Tuesday. Elsewhere, Jake DeBrusk is my second choice to close out the year with a nice performance.
Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 31.
NHL prop picks
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Best Bet: Stamkos to score 1+ points (-106): The Nashville Predators didn’t receive the boost they were expecting after adding Stamkos.
The Predators are a pitiful 11-19-7 this season and are nowhere near the playoffs. Stamkos’ 11 goals and 22 points across 37 games aren’t going to turn heads, but his production is trending upwards.
Stamkos has nine points in his last nine games. His chances at finding the score sheet tonight are boosted by his opponent, the Minnesota Wild.
Minnesota is ceding the sixth-fewest goals per game (2.68) but does own the third-worst penalty kill in the NHL (70.0%).
Key stat: Stamkos’ 12 power-play points lead the Preds, making this a nice opportunity to back the veteran.
Quick picks
DeBrusk to score 1+ points (-118): Like Bunting, DeBrusk has proven to be a streaky player throughout his career.
The Vancouver Canucks winger has a point in three consecutive games after going four contests without a point.
He’s coming off a two-point performance against the Seattle Kraken where he registered a power-play point.
DeBrusk skates on Vancouver’s top power play, which has a plus matchup against the Calgary Flames. Calgary ranks a lowly 29th in penalty kill percentage this season (72.2%).
This will be the third meeting between the Flames and Canucks this season. DeBrusk has a point in the previous two contests.
Picks made at 1:25 p.m. 12/31/2024.
Stevie’s an avid NFL, NHL, and tennis bettor who has no problem talking himself into the underdog. His previous stops include Yahoo! Sports Canada and Toronto Metropolitan University, where he received a degree in Sport Media.