Today’s NHL Prop Picks and Best Bets: Beniers Tags Visiting Caps

Prop bet #1: Alex answers

The Columbus Blue Jackets have found something with recently acquired winger Alexander Nylander. He’s been promoted to the No. 1 line for Thursday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, and Nylander has paced the Jackets in shots (13.57) and attempts (19.9) per 60 minutes through the past eight games. He’s also cleared this 2.5 total in six of those games.

Ottawa also allows 2.0 more shots per game and sports a 48.8 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 on the road compared to a 51.3 mark at home. So, with Nylander sporting a team-high 58.9 CF% at 5-on-5 and climbing to top-line duty, I’m expecting the ice to be tilted in his direction again.

Finally, there’s a sneaky advantage to these Alexander Nylander odds because he’s been the go-to shooter on the No. 1 power-play unit, and Ottawa has taken the seventh-most penalties per 60 minutes.

Alexander Nylander prop: Over 2.5 shots (+105 at Bet99)

Prop bet #2: Jake deals with Devils

The New Jersey Devils average 31.9 shots per game and rank fourth in shots per 60 minutes (31.2) at 5-on-5 on the road. So, while Dallas Stars starter Jake Oettinger isn’t in top form, he projects to see more than enough shots to cruise over tonight's deflated saves total. For comparison, he closed at 27.5 last time out against the Florida Panthers, and the Cats are tied with the Devils at 31.2 shots per 60 at 5-on-5 on the highway.

Oettinger's .869 SV% across his past six starts is miles below the .903 mark he posted across his first 36 appearances of the season, and also even further removed from his high-end .919 SV% from last season. Statistical correction is ahead.

I also value these Jake Oettinger odds because while Dallas suppresses opposing shots with just 28.2 allowed per game on home ice, the Stars climb from 27.67 shots allowed per 60 to 32.17 per 60 when leading. Big D is a big home favorite, so I’m anticipating the Devils stacking up shots while chasing the lead. New Jersey generates 2.37 more shots per 60 when trailing, too.

Jake Oettinger prop: Over 25.5 saves (-110 at Bet99)

Prop bet #3: Bank on Beniers

While it’s been a disappointing sophomore campaign for the reigning Calder Trophy winner, Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers is beginning to heat up offensively. He’s recorded eight points across his past 12 games, and a matchup against the Washington Capitals is a perfect opportunity for Beniers to continue clicking.

The Caps are playing their third road game in four nights, and they just served up a seven spot to the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.

Beniers is centering veterans Tomas Tatar and Jordan Eberle at 5-on-5, and the trio has caught fire over the noted 12-game stretch with 4.18 goals and 11.5 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes while driving possession with a 56.4 Corsi For percentage. Beniers also skates on the No. 1 power-play unit, and the Caps allowed three power-play goals to Edmonton on Wednesday.

I am also targeting these Matty Beniers odds because his recent offensive numbers align with last season’s production. He’s recorded 0.67 points per game and 2.28 points per 60 across the past 12 contests after posting respective 0.71 and 2.5 marks as a rookie. Additionally, I’m anticipating his 1.55 points per 60 this season to continue climbing towards last year’s mark.

Matty Beniers prop: Over 0.5 points (+100 at Bet99)