Best NHL Prop Bets Today: Regression Looms Large Over the Golden Knights

After a mediocre stretch of play, the Carolina Hurricanes odds to win the Metropolitan division title have steadily declined as the Washington Capitals continue to build their lead at the top of the standings. Fortunately for Carolina, their high powered offense will have the opportunity to carry them to victory in a favorable matchup against the regressing Vegas Golden Knights back line.

At the same time as their puck drop, we also focus on the only other game on Friday’s slate as the matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres is projected to be an exciting one. With both defenses struggling to play at a competitive level, there may be an uptick in high quality Shots on Goal which creates the perfect opportunity to escalator bet the full game total.

As for where to wager on NHL props, BetMGM Sportsbook has been the front runner for the league as they offer a wide range of markets for their users to choose from and at very favorable odds when compared to the rest of the mobile apps. If you have not signed up yet with BetMGM Sportsbook, you can get up to $1,500 back in the form of bonus bets should you lose your first wager after creating an account with the WSN promo code WSNSPORTS.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes - Prop Bets (7:00 PM, EST)

Carolina Hurricanes Team Total Over 3 (-140) at BetMGM Sportsbook

After nearly rivaling the Washington Capitals for first place in the Metropolitan division standings earlier in the year, the Carolina Hurricanes have trended in the wrong direction over the past few weeks of play. Even during their slump, the Hurricanes front line have been able to sustain their high level of play as their offense ranks second overall in Expected Goals For in All Situations with an average of 3.60 Expected Goals per game.

Against Vegas, the Hurricanes offense will have the opportunity to string together another dominant performance as they face off against a Golden Knights back line who has steadily regressed throughout the season. As of writing, Vegas ranks below league average in Expected Goals Against in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. Even with their goaltending playing at a very high level, the Golden Knights have struggled to stop opposing offenses from scoring at a consistent rate due to their lackluster coverage.

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Andrei Svechnikov Anytime Goalscorer (+230) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Andrei Svechnikov has been a steady source of production for the Hurricanes offense as he currently leads the team in Expected Goals while averaging 2.80 Shots on Goal per game. With the Golden Knights back line struggling to stay in front of the puck, expect Svechnikov to exploit their gaps in coverage and generate a high volume of shots towards their net. This prop also serves as a reminder to always line shop as Svechnikov’s odds can be found as high as +230 at FanDuel and as low as +185 at Caesars.

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Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabres - Prop Bets (7:00 PM, EST)

Alternate Full Game Over 6.5 (+106) at FanDuel Sportsbook

It’s been a rough year for the Buffalo Sabres as they are currently in last place in the Atlantic division standings and possess one of the lowest point totals in the league. Their lack of defensive production has played a major role in their struggles this season as the Sabres currently rank 27th overall in Expected Goals Against in All Situations with an average of 3.26 Expected Goals Against per game.

Their struggles on defense are poised to persist as they face off against a Pittsburgh Penguins front line who has quietly graded out very well in Expected Goals For in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, their defense has also struggled to play at a competitive level which gives the Sabres front line an opportunity to match their level of production. This creates the perfect opportunity to escalator bet the full game total by placing smaller wagers on their alternate overs.

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Kris Letang Over 1.5 Shots on Goal (-120) at BetMGM Sportsbook

While Kris Letang has struggled to generate high quality scoring opportunities as his low mark in Expected Goals indicates, that has not stopped the Penguins defenseman from firing an aggressive amount of shots from the blue line as he averages 2.30 Shots on Goal per game. With the Sabres back line struggling in coverage, Letang will find himself with higher quality shooting lanes to help get the puck towards their net at a more consistent rate and clear the over on his Shots on Goal prop.

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