We're closing in on the 2-month mark of the NHL season, which means we've got a solid base of data on teams. However, if you're not feeling many of the sides or totals for tonight's action, we have plenty of data on individual skaters as well. One issue many handicappers have had so far this season has been with stat-keepers and shots on goal props. Shots have been taken away from skaters, or not being correctly given at all, at an alarming rate. If you've been following throughout the season, you'll notice we pick those spots very carefully. Thankfully, we won't have to worry about that with our plays tonight, so let's dive in.'
Along with our player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today's action.
Tomas Hertl over 0.5 assists (+110)
The San Jose Sharks may not be a team that looks poised for a deep playoff run, but it doesn't mean that they don’t have talented individual skaters. Timo Meier has been incredible for shots on goal, and we're targeting his line mate with this play. Hertl being the center alongside Meier provides a huge boost to this prop. Meier is a prolific goal-scorer, and Hertl is usually providing him with an assist in the process. He has 21 points through 24 games this season, and just had an impressive 6-game point streak snapped. However, that should not cause any concern. He hasn't gone back-to-back games without a point since the first handful of games of the year.'
Not only is Hertl always on the same line as Meier, he's also on the first power play unit. So is defenseman Erik Karlsson, whose 32 points are tied for the 3rd-most in the NHL. Now the Sharks get to face a struggling Montreal Canadiens team. They're allowing the 8th-most goals per game, even after 2 strong games. Those were against weak opponents, and the game prior to those, they allowed 7 goals to the Buffalo Sabres. That was also a home game, where they are actually even worse. The Canadiens are allowing just under 4 goals per game in Montreal, the 2nd-most in the NHL. With a great matchup and Hertl looking to start a new point streak, expect a big game from him tonight.''