Eighteen NHL teams are in action on October 10. Instead of focusing on all those games, let's focus on four players in four different games. Here are my player prop picks for tonight's slate of NHL games.
I'm particularly stoked to see Steven Stamkos play in his first regular season game for the Nashville Predators, so I've got him to score anytime at a mouthwatering +195.
Maple Leafs vs Devils: Auston Matthews Anytime Goal (-135)
Game: Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils, Oct. 10, 7:00 pm ET
Matthews has scored in three of his last four games where he put up 5.5 shots or more and didn't score.
You know Matthews is chomping at the bit to get on the scoresheet for the first time as captain. He did his best last night with six shots on goal and 0.77 xG in all situations.
Matthews has done well against the Devils in his career with 18 goals in 18 games. He's also done well against Markstrom scoring six goals in ten career games against the Devils' new tendie.
Penguins vs Red Wings: Sidney Crosby O0.5 Assist (-125)
Game: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 10, 8:00 pm ET
Crosby owns the Red Wings with 44 points in 35 career games. Last year Sid The Kid scored six points with four assists in three games against Detroit.
The combination of Crosby, Beauvillier, and Rakell was successful in terms of generating opportunities vs the rest of their teammates with a 38.25 relative xGF%. Rolling that line again tonight against a weaker Detroit team should yield success on the scoresheet. Sid created two rebound opportunities for his linemates last night, I'm wagering that they start to clue in as to where Crosby wants them to be to tap those in with Sid getting at least one assist.
Blue Jackets vs Wild: Kirill Kaprizov Anytime Goal (-120)
Game: Columbus Blue Jackets vs Minnesota Wild, Oct. 10, 8:00 pm ET
This is as easy of a matchup as the Wild could expect. I'm confident the Blue Jackets land at the bottom of the NHL this year with a similar record to last year's San Jose Sharks at about 45 points.
Karpizov who's scored no less than 40 goals in each of the last three seasons should easily get on the score sheet tonight. In five career games against Columbus, Kirill the Thrill has seven goals.
Standing in his way tonight is CBJ goalie Elvis Merzlikins who's got a poor career 0.904SV% and 3.20GAA. He also allowed four goals when he played the Wild last season.
Stars vs Predators: Steven Stamkos Anytime Goal (+195)
Game: Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators, Oct. 10, 8:00 pm ET
I'll admit this is a pure vibe play. I hate that Stamkos was made to leave Tampa, but I couldn't think of a better landing spot for him than in Nashville.
Remember, Stammer isn't washed. He scored 40 goals and was over a point per game for Tampa last year. Sure, he played with good linemates, but he'll play with good linemates in Smashville too with Jonathan Marchessault and maybe Ryan O'Reilly as their center.
I like Stamkos to come out flying in his regular season debut for Nashville and repay Barry Trotz's faith immediately with a goa on day one.
