Best NHL Prop Bets Today: Target a Team Total in a Metropolitan Divisional Matchup

With the Pittsburgh Penguins back line struggling to defend their net, the New York Rangers offense have the opportunity to light up the scoreboard by consistently exploiting their gaps in coverage to create high quality scoring opportunities. Later in the night, we turn our attention towards the Edmonton Oilers as they are in a favorable position to put together a dominant performance by walling off the regressing Colorado Avalanche offense.

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Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers - Prop Bets (7:00 PM, EST)

New York Rangers Team Total Over 3.5 (-105) at BetMGM Sportsbook

After winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-2024, the New York Rangers have failed to carry over their momentum into this season as they have struggled to stay above .500. With less than 30 games remaining in the year, the Rangers are in jeopardy of missing out on the playoffs as they are five points back from the Detroit Red Wings in the Eastern Conference wildcard standings for the last wild card spot.

While their defense has severely underwhelmed, their front line has still played at a very high level as their offense ranks top-10 in Expected Goals For in All Situations with an average of 3.33 Expected Goals per game. Their offense features plenty of playmakers who all excel at creating high quality Shots on Goal on a nightly basis as seven players average over 0.25 Expected Goals per game. 

On Friday night, every bit of the Rangers offensive production will be on full display while they skate circles around a Pittsburgh defense who ranks 28th in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Especially with Alex Nedeljkovic struggling to play at a competitive level as their starting goalie averages nearly three Goals Against per game. With minimal support from his back line, expect Nedeljkovic to continue to underwhelm while the Rangers offense consistently pressures their net for the duration of the contest.

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Chris Kreider Anytime Goalscorer (+210) at FanDuel Sportsbook

As for who will do the scoring for the Rangers offense, Chris Kreider has excelled at creating high quality Shots on Goal as he averages 0.47 Expected Goals per game. With the Penguins back line struggling to stay in front of the puck, Kreider will have the opportunity to generate a higher volume of shots towards their net which increases his chances of scoring. For some Friday night fun, also sprinkle a small wager on Kreider to be the first goal scorer at +1400 on FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Colorado Avalanche vs. Edmonton Oilers - Prop Bets (9:00 PM, EST)

Colorado Avalanche Team Total Under 3 (-145) at BetMGM Sportsbook

Colorado has severely underwhelmed on offense over the past few weeks as the Avs continue to drop down the board in Expected Goals For in All Situations. Even with reigning Hart Memorial Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge, the Avs have struggled to create high quality scoring opportunities at a consistent rate. Their lack of offensive production brings in a higher amount of variance into their contests, hurting their chances of winning to help climb back up the Central division standings.

Unfortunately for Colorado, their struggles on offense are poised to persist as they face off against an Edmonton defense who ranks second overall in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Their suffocating coverage has helped Stuart Skinner round back into form as the Oilers starting goalie continues to move up the board in average Goals Against per game. Should the Avs team total crash down to 2.5 across all sportsbooks before you place a bet, then reduce the size of your wager.

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Cale Makar Under 2.5 Shots on Goal (-130) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Even though Cale Makar excels at creating high quality Shots on Goal from the blue line as his high mark in Expected Goals indicates, negative regression looms large over the Avs defenseman as he will struggle to weave the puck through the Oilers stout coverage. The Avs offense underwhelming in their efforts of spacing out opposing back lines also lessens the quality of his shooting lanes, hurting his chances of turning his shot attempts into Shots on Goal.

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