Although the lead-up to the NHL season doesn’t reach quite the fever pitch that’s achieved during NFL preseason, puck drop is nearly here, and I could not be more excited.
Sportsbook has spoiled hockey bettors this year by releasing an extensive list of player point props. Below I’ve broken down some of my favorite OVER/UNDERs on the board but make sure to check out the NHL tab on the home page to find breakdowns of all the season futures, team previews and other interesting material.
The Anaheim Ducks didn’t start quacking until the second month of the season last year and that was awful for the production of players like Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The two finished with 62 and 63 points respectively in what was Perry’s worst points per game season since 2006-07 and Getzlaf’s worst since 2011-12. In the three seasons before last, Perry and Getz both averaged about a point a game. If these two stay healthy – which they always have – their set point totals will both be eclipsed.
- Over 65.5 -120
- Under 65.5 -120
- Over 68.5 -120
- Under 68.5 -120
What Connor McDavid was able to do in his abbreviated season last year was absolutely extraordinary. He scored 48 points in 45 games and has already been anointed captain of his team. Sportsbook has pegged him with an O/U point total of 86.5 and I don’t think it’s ridiculous to project this kid as a 100-point scorer. Connor does something electric every time he touches the puck and actually had the second-highest points per 60 minutes among players who played more than 12 games. The dude is efficient and could very easily lead the league in scoring in just his second year as a pro.
- Over 86.5 -120
- Under 86.5 -120
Connor’s linemate, Jordan Eberle, is the most likely beneficiary of the McDavid show and is in line to have a career year. The right-winger’s O/U right now is 59.5 and, honestly, it may be the easiest money on the board. Ebs had 76 points his second year in the league and he did that playing alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. RNH is good, but he’s definitely not Connor. Another checkmark on the OVER side of this prop is the hole left by the Taylor Hall trade. Hall had 65 points playing on the Oilers’ top line last season and his spot has been filled by the lumbering Milan Lucic. Eberle is set up very nicely to break the 40-goal mark for the first time in his young NHL career.
- Over 59.5 -130
- Under 59.5 -110
Here’s some more of the player props available at Sportsbook:
- Over 87.5 -120
- Under 87.5 -120
- Over 62.5 -120
- Under 62.5 -120
- Over 61.5 -120
- Under 61.5 -120
- Over 55.5 -120
- Under 55.5 -120
- Over 63.5 -120
- Under 63.5 -120
- Over 75.5 -120
- Under 75.5 -120
