Top NHL Game and Player Props Picks for Today: Best Bets, Predictions
Sportsgrid Staff
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NHL Game and Prop Picks for Friday
Friday night in the NHL offers a small slate of two games but with prime opportunities for both game picks and prop bets. We’ve analyzed both matchups featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabres and Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes, breaking down stats, trends, and betting value to help you make informed wagers. Let’s dive into the top picks for these matchups, focusing on moneyline winners and anytime goal scorer props.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are on a solid run, having picked up points in seven of their last ten games, including six wins. Despite this success, their recent form is beginning to show cracks. Over their past five games, the Sabres’ offensive production has faltered, managing only 6.6 high-danger chances per game and falling below 39.7% in expected goals-for in three contests. Their reliance on overachieving metrics suggests they could struggle against a more analytics-driven opponent.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, by contrast, have found their rhythm. Over their last three games, they’ve outperformed opponents significantly, recording a 68.3% cumulative game score while generating 31 quality chances and allowing just 10 in that span. The Penguins’ ability to dictate the pace and control possession gives them a decisive edge in this matchup. Backing the Penguins moneyline (+114) offers excellent value, given their recent form and superior metrics.
Game Pick: Penguins ML +114
On the prop side, Tage Thompson of the Sabres remains a standout player to watch. With 19 goals this season, Thompson’s scoring ability and imposing presence on the ice make him a strong candidate to notch his 20th goal of the year. Taking him as an anytime goal scorer (+155) is a worthwhile wager, as he remains a focal point of Buffalo’s offense despite their struggles.
Top Prop: Tage Thompson Anytime Goal Scorer +155
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Vegas Golden Knights vs Carolina Hurricanes
The matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes could be a preview of the Stanley Cup Final. Both teams have been strong throughout the season but are looking to snap out of recent funks. The Hurricanes enter this game on a two-game slide, but their underlying metrics show they are still an elite team. Over their last four games, Carolina has averaged 11.8 quality scoring chances per game while out-chancing opponents in each contest.
On the other hand, the Golden Knights are showing cracks in their defensive structure. Vegas has given up the 11th-most scoring chances and eighth-most high-danger opportunities this season, with goaltenders posting a .860 save percentage over their last four games. This mismatch heavily favors the Hurricanes, who should capitalize on Vegas’s defensive lapses. Betting on the Hurricanes moneyline (-156) provides a strong combination of value and likelihood.
Game Pick: Hurricanes ML -156
For prop betting, Pavel Dorofeyev of the Golden Knights is an intriguing pick. With 19 goals this season, including five in his last five games, Dorofeyev has been a consistent offensive threat. Against a Hurricanes team that has had inconsistent goaltending, taking Dorofeyev as an anytime goal scorer (+320) offers exceptional value.
Top Prop: Pavel Dorofeyev Anytime Goal Scorer +320
*All Odds Courtesy FanDuel
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Friday’s NHL matchups present great betting opportunities, with a focus on analytics-driven insights to uncover value. The Penguins are primed to continue their strong play and secure a win against the struggling Sabres. At the same time, the Hurricanes should leverage their offensive dominance to overpower the defensive lapses of the Golden Knights. On the prop side, Tage Thompson and Pavel Dorofeyev are standout picks as anytime goal scorers, offering strong potential returns. Whether wagering on the moneyline or diving into player props, these insights provide a solid foundation for your Friday NHL bets.
