From Boston to Los Angeles, NHL betting opportunities are abundant on Tuesday with nine games on the docket. As usual, when there’s a full slate of games, we’ve got five top NHL props to consider, starting with a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings and FanDuel and updated at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin
The Prop: 4.5 Shots on Goal (at Florida Panthers)
The Odds: Over +128/Under 4.5 -158
Ovechkin ranks second in the NHL with 19 goals through 22 games — a total that becomes even more impressive when realizing Ovechkin has been playing without injured star center Nicklas Backstrom. Backstrom is close to returning — he wore a non-contact jersey during last Wednesday’s practice — so the Capitals’ offense could get even better soon.
As for Tuesday, there’s reason to consider both sides of this prop. Ovechkin has hit the Over on this prop in half of his 22 games this season, but he’s stayed Under 4.5 shots in seven of his past 10 (although he’s still scored eight goals in that span).
The Panthers allow 31.6 shots per game, but Ovechkin scored a hat trick against Florida on Friday, tallying those three goals five shots.
⭐ @ovi8 recorded 4-3—7, including his 28th career hat trick, to help the League-leading @Capitals to a perfect 3-0-0 week. His 28 hat tricks are tied for sixth-most in NHL history.#NHLStats: https://t.co/7MFbiad3FB pic.twitter.com/d0cbWne4Ki
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 29, 2021
If there’s one thing we’ve learned anything during this NHL season, it’s “Don’t bet against Alex Ovechkin.” Take a shot with the Over.
San Jose Sharks at New Jersey Devils
The Prop: First Period Result
The Odds: Sharks +220/Tie +182/Devils +148
San Jose’s 14 first-period goals this season are among the lowest in the league, but New Jersey has been even worse with a meager 12. On the flip side, though, both defenses have been generous in the opening 20 minutes — the Devils have allowed 20 first-period goals (ninth-most in the league) to the Sharks’ 18.
San Jose has been tied at the end of the first period in four of its last five games, while the Devils haven’t held a lead at the end of the first period in any of their past five contests (tied twice, losing three times).
Given those stats, as well as the juicy plus-money odds, the best option seems to be rolling with a tie in this one.
Editor’s Note: New to NHL props? Check out our complete NHL Prop Betting Guide to get up to speed!
Minnesota Wild: Ryan Hartman
The Prop: Hartman to Score Anytime Goal (vs. Arizona Coyotes)
The Odds: Yes +245
Hartman has been remarkable this season, leading the first-place Wild with 12 goals. However, among his Minnesota teammates, he’s tied for the sixth-highest odds to score on Tuesday.
Hartman, who has exceeded two shots per game in all but one contest this season, has scored a goal in five of his last six contests. With teammate Mats Zuccarello questionable for this contest, Hartman could see increased ice time, especially on the power play. That, of course, would lead to increased goal opportunities.
Another reason to like Hartman’s goal-scoring chances: The Coyotes are in a back-to-back situation, having played at Winnipeg last night. While Arizona won the game 1-0, it allowed a whopping 46 shots, so there’s a good chance the Coyotes will be running on fumes Tuesday.
Nashville Predators: Eeli Tolvanen
The Prop: 2.5 Total Shots (vs. Columbus Blue Jackets)
The Odds: Over +136/Under -168
Eeli Tolvanen has averaged a little more than 2.5 shots per game this season, and he’s gone Over this prop number in three of his past five outings. A frustrated shooter, Tolvanen has just one goal this season on 56 shots.
However, on Tuesday, he should have plenty of chances to put the puck on net against a Columbus team allowing the second-most shots per game (34.3). Tolvanen ranks third among Predators skaters in shots on goal this season despite somewhat limited ice time. He also still skates on the second power-play unit and plays on the second line at 5-on-5.
Not only does Tolvanen seem likely to cash the Over here, but don’t be shocked if he lights the lamp for the second time this season.
Carolina Hurricanes at Dallas Stars
The Prop: Team to Score First Goal (excluding overtime)
The Odds: Hurricanes +100/Stars +100
Carolina has dropped three of its last four games, but at 15-4-1, the Canes remain one of the league’s most dangerous teams. By comparison, Dallas is just 10-7-2. Also, Carolina is averaging 3.3 goals per game, compared with 2.7 for the Stars.
So why are the odds on this prop a pick ’em? Probably because despite their strong record, the Hurricanes have scored first in barely half their games (11 of 20). On the other hand, the Stars have put the biscuit in the basket first in 12 of 19 contests, including each of their last four.
