Three forwards make up today’s NHL prop picks.
The pregame narrative: Steven Stamkos hasn’t been up to standard this season but I expect things to turn around starting tonight. Elsewhere, back Matvei Michkov and Matthew Knies to score points in their respective games.
Find my NHL prop picks for Nov. 20 below.
NHL prop picks
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Best Bet: Stamkos to record a point (-130)
This isn’t an attractive pick by any means but I like this spot for Stamkos.
The now-Nashville Predator has just 10 points in 19 games, which is the reason this line is at a playable number.
I believe a turnaround is imminent due to a few factors:
- Stamkos has scored a point per game in six of the last seven seasons
- He is coming off a two-goal performance in a win against the Vancouver Canucks
- 7/10 of his points have come in November (nine games)
The Seattle Kraken are a decent defensive team but allow 28.8 shots per game and have an average penalty kill (78.8%)
That last part is important as both of Stamkos’ goals last game came with the man advantage. He plays on the first power play unit.
More broadly, five of his six goals have come on the PP and he averages 3:26 of PP time per game.
Key stat: Stamkos had 81 points in 79 games last season.
Quick picks
Michkov to record a point (+100): I keep coming back to this pick because it’s been cashing for me.
Michkov is a top forward in Philadelphia and he keeps producing as a rookie.
- He has 15 points in 17 games
- That includes points in four of his last five
- The rookie played 19:47 last game, which is the most since Oct. 27
As the season goes on, Michkov should continue to earn coach John Tortorella’s trust, which isn’t easy to do.
One thing is clear, however, and it’s that Michkov is one of the more talented players on the Flyers despite his rookie status.
The Carolina Hurricanes are a strong opponent, but they’re worse on the road. The Canes allowed 12 goals over their previous three-game road trip.
Philly played Carolina once already this season, and Michkov scored a point in a 6-4 loss.
Knies to record a point (-130): Knies has stepped up in Matthews’ absence, and I love his value here.
The winger is playing a career-high 18:24 per game with three straight games of 20-plus minutes of ice time.
Knies has earned the trust of coach Craig Berube and has points in three of the last four games.
The Vegas Golden Knights are mediocre defensively, allowing 3.17 goals per game (16th-most).
Knies plays on the top line with Mitch Marner, who’s red-hot right now, and he also skates with the top PP when Matthews is out.
Considering the other Leafs’ top forwards have juiced odds in this market, I’m comfortable backing Knies based on his night-to-night opportunities.
NHL picks made at 1:42 p.m. on 11/20/2024.
Spencer is a true sports junkie. A graduate of the Sports Journalism program at Centennial College, he first joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2023. He is now a contributing writer. He loves finding the edge to bet on in all sports but has a deep passion for the NBA and UFC. Previous stops include Sportsnet.