With just 2 games on the board tonight, it may feel like a boring Friday night. However, we're still here to find you the best value. Not only that, we've actually found great spots in both games. Many times with small slates we don't like to force anything, and we aren't tonight either. Thankfully the matchups provide worthwhile opportunities, so let's check them out.'
Along with our player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today's action.
Valeri Nichushkin over 0.5 points (-170)
Our guy Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche has been incredible for us this season. Now it's time to target his linemate. Since Nathan MacKinnon's return from injury, the Avs have actually separated him from Rantanen. Now that Nichushkin is back healthy, they've had him with Rantanen. Therefore, Nichushkin should continue to have success. Although he's only been on the ice for 16 games this season, he's recording 17 points.'
Now he and the Avs get to take on a terrible goaltending team in the Vancouver Canucks. The Tampa Bay Lightning just traveled cross-country to Vancouver and put up 5 goals with ease. Colorado can do the same, especially with the groove they've recently found. They've won each of their last 3 games by at least 3 goals, including a 7-0 thrashing of the Ottawa Senators. There should be plenty of Colorado skaters getting in the box score tonight, and Nichushkin should be one of them.''