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The NHL regular season is already underway, but we get our first games on North American soil tonight when the Rangers host the Lightning and the Golden Knights visit the Kings. Here are some player props to consider for tonight’s schedule.
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Jack Eichel over 3.5 shots on goal +100 (DraftKings)
It was an up-and-down 34 games for Eichel with the Golden Knights after his trade from Buffalo, but for the most part, the star center showed that he is still one of the premier forwards in the NHL. In those 34 contests with Vegas, Eichel averaged 5.6 shot attempts per game. With a full training camp under his belt, the 25-year-old should feel much more comfortable in his surroundings. Also, with Max Pacioretty no longer on the team, Eichel should be featured more on offense, especially on the man-advantage.
Kevin Fiala over 2.5 shots on goal -130 (bet365)
The big free agent signing of the LA Kings will make his home debut tonight against the Vegas Golden Knights. Fiala averaged 3.1 shots per game last season with Minnesota, playing 17:39 minutes per night. Presumably, he’ll get a bump up in minutes with the Kings, playing on the first line and first power play unit. 2.5 shots is just too low of a number for a player who historically has had no issue beating it.
Chris Kreider +108 over 2.5 shots on goal (FanDuel)
Much like the Fiala situation, this number is just too low for Kreider who also averaged 3.1 shots per game last year for the Rangers. Kreider is coming off a career-high 52 goals last season and is one of the trigger men on New York’s high-powered power-play. Tampa Bay is not the easiest matchup, but Kreider should get enough minutes and opportunity to make this work.
-Rob Wong