Best NHL Prop Bets Today: Regression Looms Large Over the Tampa Bay Lightning

After failing to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals while ranking near the top of the board in Expected Goals For, the Carolina Hurricanes will have their work cut out for them as they try to avenge last year’s shortcomings while without Jake Guentzel. The Tampa Bay Lightning also find themselves in a similar situation, entering the year without their main source of offensive production after longtime captain Steven Stamkos took his talents to the Nashville Predators.

Later in the night, we turn our attention towards the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets as the Jets defense will be in a position to continue to succeed as they face off against an anemic Blackhawks offense. After shutting out the Stanley Cup betting favorite Edmonton Oilers in their season opener, the Jets now get to defend against a Blackhawks offense who ranks near dead last in Expected Goals For in All Situations.

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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes - Prop Bets (7:00 PM, EST)

Tampa Bay Lightning Under 3 Total Goals (-125) at BetMGM

It’s a new era for the Tampa Bay Lightning as they enter the year without their longtime captain Steven Stamkos after the star forward signed with the Nashville Predators this offseason. The ten year captain was the focal point of their offense in their runs to the Stanley Cup Finals, leading the organization in total points and goals scored. Even after signing Jake Guentzel to help replace the star forward, the Lightning offense will be prone to a sluggish start after breaking up their chemistry.

To make matters worse for Tampa, they draw the unfortunate task of having to open up their season skating against one of the best defenses in the league. After finishing last year ranked first overall in Expected Goals Against in All Situations, the Carolina Hurricanes are projected to maintain their high marks on defense after retaining a majority of their top defenseman throughout the offseason. Back the Hurricanes continuity to hold the Lightning’s new look offense to minimal scoring opportunities.

Nikita Kucherov Under 1.5 Total Points (-155) at BetMGM

After finishing last season leading the league in total points, the Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov will be hard pressed to replicate last year’s success after losing one of his main sources of offense. While Jake Guentzel is a productive player in his own right, timing may be an issue due to the lack of chemistry which will lessen the quality of his shots on goal after receiving a pass from Kucherov.

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Chicago Blackhawks vs. Winnipeg Jets - Prop Bets (8:00 PM, EST)

Chicago Blackhawks Under 2.5 Total Goals (-145) at BetMGM

After finishing last year ranked well above league average in Expected Goals Against, the Winnipeg Jets picked up right where they left off after walling off the Edmonton Oilers high powered offense. Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck was instrumental in their win, holding the Oilers to zero total goals while Edmonton generated an Expected Goal of 2.82.

Now back on their home ice, the Jets defense gets the opportunity to continue to play at a high level as they are set to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks lowly offense. While the uncertainty surrounding the Utah Hockey Club makes it hard to project how concrete the Blackhawks struggles on offense are, it is worth noting that Chicago’s mark in Expected Goals For in All Situations already mirrors last year’s near dead last mark. Continue to fade the Blackhawks offense, especially when matched up against a red hot defense.

Mark Scheifele Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+115) at BetMGM

Not only do the Blackhawks offense already mirror last year’s disastrous metrics, but their defense is also on the same trajectory as they currently rank near dead last in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. With the Blackhawks front line unable to smother opposing shots on goal, Winnipeg’s offense will be in a position to continue their onslaught. The Jets center Mark Scheifele was aggressive in his efforts of sending the puck towards the net against the Oilers, potentially carving out another big role this time around against a far weaker coverage unit.

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