It’s another slow night on the ice with just a pair of games dotting the schedule. The Columbus Blue Jackets visit the St. Louis Blues, and the San Jose Sharks host the Seattle Kraken.
The Blues and Kraken are both notable favorites in the NHL odds, and while these matchups lack star power, I still have picks from both games included in tonight's NHL player props.
Here are my free NHL picks for the action on Tuesday, January 30.
NHL prop picks and best bets for January 30
- Chinakhov Over 2.5 shots (+100 at Bet99)
- Blackwood Over 28.5 saves (-120 at Bet99)
- Couture Under 0.5 points (+110 at Bet99)
Picks made on January 30 at 1:20 p.m. ET.
Read full analysis of each pick.
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Today’s NHL prop picks and best bets
Prop bet #1: Three or more for Yegor
Bright spots have been few and far between for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season, but 22-year-old winger Yegor Chinakhov’s recent uptick in offensive numbers shines. He’s found chemistry with playmaking winger Johnny Gaudreau, and the duo project to be centered by Boone Jenner on Tuesday.
Chinakhov has collected a team-high 28 shots and 64 attempts across his past nine games, and he’s skated primarily with Gaudreau during the stretch (97:45 of 160:55 ice time). There’s nothing to be scared of with tonight's matchup against the St. Louis Blues, either.
The Blues rank second last in Corsi For percentage (42.6%) at 5-on-5 and have allowed the eighth most shots (31.49) and attempts (64.1) per 60 minutes at all strengths through 15 games out of the holiday break.
My numbers are also showing value on these Yegor Chinakhov odds. I have him projected for 3.16 shots against the Blues on Tuesday, and he’s trading at +100 at Bet99.
Yegor Chinakhov prop: Over 2.5 shots (+100 at Bet99)
Prop bet #2: Backing Blackwood
The San Jose Sharks have surrendered the second-most shots (34.78) and attempts (69.72) per 60 minutes since the calendar flipped to January, and they still allow the most of each for the season. Top goalie Mackenzie Blackwood has faced an average of 32.6 shots across his seven starts this month, and he turned away 23 of 26 in relief over just 37:54 in his other outing.
Blackwood sports a rock-solid .913 SV% and 2.86 GAA through the highlighted eight appearances. The Seattle Kraken head to SAP Center with 30.22 shots and 61.92 attempts per 60 on the road, which is notably higher than their 26.74 and 58.37 marks at home.
Additionally, Seattle has a healthy lineup jumping the boards tonight while San Jose will be without multiple impact players. Sharks center Tomas Hertl (undisclosed) is also questionable to suit up against the Kraken.
With San Jose ranking sixth last in Corsi For percentage (45.6%) at 5-on-5, Seattle is set to drive possession and pile up shots. I value these Mackenzie Blackwood odds because I think his improved recent form isn’t being fully accounted for.
Mackenzie Blackwood prop: Over 28.5 saves (-120 at Bet99)
Prop bet #3: Counting out Couture
Sticking with the Sharks, center Logan Couture has missed the scoresheet in three of four games since returning from a lower-body injury. The veteran has only registered three shots on 13 attempts, and he’s only been on the ice for 3.58 expected goals. His 42.5 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 is an eyesore, too.
As noted, San Jose is also dealing with multiple injuries to key players, which will make it all the more easy for Seattle to match up against Couture. The Kraken are also in a nice January groove defensively with the ninth-fewest goals against (2.57) per 60 minutes overall and seventh-fewest at 5-on-5 (1.95).
Seattle's starting goaltender is the only question mark. Philipp Grubauer hasn’t started since returning from a lower-body injury, and a date with the Sharks would be the perfect spot to ease him back in. I’d prefer it to be Joey Daccord in net for the sake of this prop, but the Kraken rallying in front of Grubauer is in the cards.
Still, even with the uncertainty surrounding the Seattle starter, these plus-money Logan Couture odds stand out. The 34-year-old center only began skating again in December, and he sustained multiple setbacks attempting to return to action this fall. I’m not convinced he’s set to be a consistent scorer going forward, and especially with the underwhelming supporting cast of the bottom-feeding Sharks.
Logan Couture prop: Under 0.5 points (+110 at Bet99)
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