Today’s NHL Prop Picks and Best Bets: Draisaitl Dominates Blue Jackets

Prop bet #1: McDavid's coattails

Nathan MacKinnon put up four points last night and took over the point lead in the NHL. Nikita Kucherov is trailing by four points and Connor McDavid sits six points behind Kucherov with games in hand.

Both McDavid and Kucherov are paying -120 for two or more points tonight and although I like both, it’s McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers linemate, Leon Draisaitl, who I think has the best value at +125 for Over 1.5 points. 

It’s point night for the Oilers as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have the second-worst GAA since January at 3.67 thanks to the No. 30 penalty kill of 69%.

Draisaitl has recorded a multi-point game in three straight games, in seven of his last 10, and has contributed on 70% of the team’s goals over those games. He has played exclusively with McDavid on the top line with Zach Hyman as well. 

The Blue Jackets have also been scoring these days, which could create more pressure on the Oilers to keep the offense at full tilt. Over the last 30 days, Columbus ranks seventh in goals per game at 5-on-5 and third in expected goals. 

I love McDavid and Kucherov Overs today, but I'll ride with Draisaitl for 45 cents more.

Leon Draisaitl prop: Over 1.5 points (+125 at Bet99)

Prop bet #2: Sid's sidekick

The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals face off tonight in the Steel City, and I’m backing a role player who is playing big minutes thanks to the injuries suffered by Pittsburgh wingers. 

Lars Eller is playing on the top line for the Penguins while also getting time on the first power-play unit. He played an insane 24 minutes in the last game vs. Columbus and although he was held off the scoresheet, the opportunity is worth more than production. Considering the Lars Eller odds are based on around 16 minutes of ice time, the extra playing time is not priced in enough for a point at +105.

Crosby always gets up for his battles vs. Ovechkin and Eller could be a part of that production thanks to playing all his shifts at 5-on-5 and PP1 with the Kid. Getting a first-liner and PP1 skater for a point at even money or better is always a solid move. With the Caps struggling in net, playing Over hockey of late, and sporting a bottom-10 penalty kill, Pittsburgh could flirt with four or even five goals. Both Washington goalies have also posted a sub-.890 save percentage since the beginning of February. 

Washington also traded away 20-minute D-man Joel Edmundsson to the Leafs so the Caps will be weaker on the blue line tonight. 

Lars Eller prop: Over 0.5 points (+105 at Bet99)

Prop bet #3: Double shot

I’m putting two of my favorite Over 1.5 SOG plays together for a solid +133 payout.

It starts in Columbus with the Jack Roslovic odds, which continue to be undervalued. He is 11-0 to the Over on this prop over his last 11 games and has recorded 3+ shots in nine games, including seven straight.

He’s playing on the top line and the first power play unit and I’m expecting some offense in this game vs. Edmonton as the total has hit 7. 

I’m pairing Roslovic with Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild. The rookie is playing more minutes of late and could continue to see a big role on PP1 with Mats Zuccarello out for personal reasons.

Even if Mats suits up tonight, I still like the matchup vs. the Arizona Coyotes, who rank 28th in shots allowed per game since February 1. Rossi has topped this number in five straight games and nine of his last 10. 

I’ve done well on the 1.5 shot market this week and hoping that streak continues today for plus money. 

Jack Roslovic prop and Marco Rossi prop: Over 1.5 SOG each (+133 at Bet99)