The dust is settling following last week’s trade deadline, and our NHL player props are the perfect complement to Tuesday’s busy 10-game slate.
A pair of tape-measuring matchups jump off the page with contenders in the Stanley Cup odds going toe-to-toe in the early wave. The New York Rangers visit the Carolina Hurricanes in a Metropolitan Division tilt, while the Dallas Stars host the Florida Panthers in another marquee matchup.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota Wild are the two largest favorites in the NHL odds, and the Rangers are the only team playing the second leg of a back-to-back set.
Here are our free NHL picks for Tuesday, March 12.
NHL prop picks and best bets for March 12
- Raymond Under 0.5 points (-140 at Bet99)
- Couturier Over 0.5 points (-105 at Bet99)
- Colton Over 1.5 shots (-140 at Bet99)
Picks made on March 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Read full analysis of each pick.
Bet on the NHL at Bet99!
Sign Up Offer
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for NHL betting, join Bet99 and get a 100% match on your first deposit of up to $1,000 when using Bet99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
Today’s NHL prop picks and best bets
Prop bet #1: Run from Raymond
The Detroit Red Wings are in the midst of a five-game losing streak with just eight goals, and No. 1 center Dylan Larkin has missed the past three and won’t play against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, either.
No Larkin is especially bad news for winger Lucas Raymond, too. The frequent linemates have been on the ice for 4.24 goals per 60 minutes this season, and Raymond has only been on for 3.31 when he isn’t skating with Larkin. The third-year winger drops from 3.35 to 2.49 marks at five-on-five, and Raymon has also missed the scoresheet entirely in 10 of the past 15 games.
Making matters worse is the fact that Buffalo Sabres netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been the best in the league out of the holiday break, boasting a league-leading .931 SV%, 1.90 GAA, and 0.71 goals saved above average per 60.
Lucas Raymond prop: Under 0.5 points (-140 at Bet99)
Prop bet #2: Cushy setup for Couts
It’s been a miserable 20-game stretch for Philadelphia Flyers captain Sean Couturier. He’s recorded just five points and 0.91 per 60 minutes, and the go-to center was even relegated to the fourth line for a spell during the scoring slump. It’s a huge drop from the 2.2 points per 60 he posted across the first 41 games of the season.
Couturier projects to return to the top of the lineup Tuesday against the visiting San Jose Sharks, centering wingers Travis Konecny and Tyson Foerster. Both the matchup and assignment are cushy for Couturier, as San Jose has surrendered the most five-on-five goals (3.21) and expected goals (3.08) per 60. Meanwhile, Couturier and Konecny have combined for a high-end 60.7 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5.
Philadelphia was steamrolled 7-0 last time out by the Tampa Bay Lightning, and head coach John Tortorella was suspended two games after being ejected from the game and refusing to leave the bench. I am anticipating Philly having a big showing on home ice against the inferior Sharks.
Sean Couturier prop: Over 0.5 points (-105 at Bet99)
Prop bet #3: Rolling with Ross
Colorado Avalanche center Ross Colton’s shots prop total has been bouncing back and forth between 1.5 and 2.5, and we’re landing a favorable spot for the former on Tuesday. Colton has recorded two or more shots in 11 of his past 15 games, and he’s third in shots (8.68) and attempts (15.46) per 60 minutes among Colorado forwards during that stretch.
The acquisition of center Casey Mittelstadt also better positions Colton in a third-line role for the Avs. He should see better on-ice matchups and was already playing a solid possession game with a 53.5 Corsi For percentage and 2.5 relative CF% at five-on-five for the season.
The Calgary Flames lineup has lost several go-to players over the past months, particularly on the blue line. Calgary recently allowed 40 shots to the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, and Colorado averages just 0.4 fewer shots per game than Carolina.
Ross Colton prop: Over 1.5 shots (-140 at Bet99)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
🏆North Carolina: Sports betting is here!
North Carolina sports betting officially launched this week — and available sportsbooks are offering welcome bonuses and sign-up offers exclusively for residents in the Tar Heel State!
See what offers are available from the best North Carolina sports betting apps with our list of best North Carolina sportsbook promos!
21+ and present in NC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Today’s NHL games
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
