Per usual, this NHL season continues its severe back-and-forth approach in terms of number of games. After just 2 games on Wednesday and a loaded 13-game Thursday, we're back to just 2 contests tonight. However, we also have the continuation of the NHL's Global Series. The season kicked off with back-to-back games in Prague between the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks. Today will feature a matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the defending Stanley Cup-champion Colorado Avalanche in Finland. We'll be targeting that premier afternoon game, so let's dive right in. Along with our playe r props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today's action.
Let's take a closer look at my favorite player prop.
Johnny Gaudreau over 2.5 shots on goal (-160)
The Blue Jackets have allowed the most goals per game and 7th-most shots per game this season. Therefore, there is no issue targeting any of the Avalanche skaters and their points or shots on goal props. However, we want to provide you with a different play that may not be quite as obvious. For those who follow the game a bit more intently, you'll know that there is nothing outside-the-box about Johnny Gaudreau. He's coming off an MVP-caliber season with Calgary Flames, where he led the entire NHL in plus-minus. That was largely in part because his 115 points were tied for the 2nd-most in the league.'