Today’s NHL Prop Picks and Best Bets: Nino Comes Out Firing Against Sharks

Prop bet #1: A trio for Nino

Game-to-game consistency in the shooting department is nowhere to be found on Winnipeg Jets winger Nino Niederreiter’s game log. While he’s second on the club in shots per 60 minutes (9.68) among regulars, he’s stacked up 34 of his 64 shots this season across just seven games.

Niederreiter has settled into a defensive role alongside center Adam Lowry and winger Mason Appleton, and the trio spend big minutes opposite their opponent’s best players.

Here’s the thing... the San Jose Sharks could be without multiple key players Tuesday, and they already had a league-worst lineup jumping the boards.

The Sharks allow the most shots and attempts per 60 minutes and rank last in five-on-five Corsi For percentage (42.5%). So, with the Lowry-Niederreiter-Appleton line driving 5-on-5 possession with 50.97 CF% — solid considering their nightly assignments — I like Nino Niederreiter's odds to stack up the shots. 

It’s also worth noting Lowry and Appleton aren’t traditional shoot-first players, and the trio might see a few more shifts with Kyle Connor potentially out with a lower-body injury. 

Nino Niederreiter prop: Over 2.5 shots (+125 at Bet99)

Prop bet #2: Back off Barabanov

Switching to the other side of the Jets-Sharks matchup, Sharks winger Alexander Barabanov has returned to a top-six gig following an 18-game absence due to a finger injury. He primarily skated with center Tomas Hertl and winger William Eklund, but Ekland sustained a lower-body injury and missed Sunday’s game.

Then, Sharks winger Anthony Duclair left Sunday’s game with an upper-body injury, and the San Jose lines went into the blender. How they shake out for Tuesday's game against the Jets remains to be seen.

With the Sharks expected to be without multiple key wingers Tuesday, their matchup against the Jets becomes all the more difficult. Winnipeg allows the sixth-fewest shots (27.61) and attempts (55.16) per 60 minutes at five-on-five and ranks 11th in Corsi For percentage, so I expect the ice to be tilted in their favor all night. 

Finally, with Barabanov clearing this 1.5-shot total in just 37 of 78 games dating back to last season, I value the +110 Bet99 price. The 29-year-old Russian is a pass-first winger set to see difficult matchups against Winnipeg’s top scorers and/or top defensive line all night, so if you're looking to bet on any Alexander Barabanov odds, lean toward the Under.

Alexander Barabanov prop: Under 1.5 shots (+110 at Bet99)

Prop bet #3: Fade the juice with Jake

Taking the Under 3.5 shots for Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel is a numbers-based play. He’s a proven high-volume shooter in an ideal matchup. Not only do the Arizona Coyotes serve up shots and shooting opportunities on serviettes, but they’re also playing the second leg of a back-to-back road set and their third on the highway in four nights. 

The Coyotes have surrendered the eighth-most shots per 60 minutes (31.49) for the season, and there hasn’t been a sign of meaningful improvement with their 30.07 mark across the past 10 games.

In this particular case, though, the odds are too juiced to the Over and offer value on the opposite side. Plus, even good players in cushy matchups don’t always reach the four-shot benchmark. Gunetzel has only registered four or more in 11 of 26 games this season, after all.

Additionally, I’m anticipating Pittsburgh pulling away at PPG Paints Arena in short order as a sizable home favorite. The Pens are looking to snap a four-game losing streak Tuesday, and this is also Game 1 of their own back-to-back set. Pittsburgh grabbing an early lead and leaning on all four lines should also help those who take the Under on Jake Guentzel's odds in the shot department.

Jake Guentzel prop: Unde 3.5 shots (+110 at Bet99)