It's already been exciting to see new players on new teams since a very busy trade deadline last week. With 10 games on the board tonight, there's bound to be even more. There are some incredible matchups set to take place, none more notable than the New Jersey Devils hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. Of course, there are also some mismatches, which means heavy prices to pay to back teams to win. However, we can always target the player prop market instead for better value, and that's exactly what we've done for you here.
Along with our player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today's action.
Sidney Crosby over 0.5 assists (-140)
One of the games that should be a mismatch on paper is the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Pens may not be quite as dominant as years past, but they still look set to earn an Eastern Conference Wild Card spot. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets have been the worst team in hockey much of the season. There are many reasons for that, one of which is their poor goaltending. Columbus is allowing the 4th-most goals per game, and don't even seem to care.'
They acquired goalie Jonathan Quick last week, only to then also deal him away just days later. Therefore, we're expecting a big night from the Pens – Crosby specifically. His Hall-of-Fame resume speaks for itself, and he's showing no signs of slowing down. Crosby's 73 points leads the team, as does his 46 assists. The Pens' captain has had multiple points against Columbus in 3 of his last 4 games against them, and in 36 career games, he has 32 assists and 48 total points. Given that Crosby hasn't gone back-to-back games without an assist since mid-January, we'll trust him to send out a helper against a weak Jackets defense.'