Mark Lammey
NHL
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Tonight brings us double the NHL action from just 24 hours prior. We have 10 games on the board, and there have been some exciting developments in terms of trades. Arguably the most notable was Timo Meier to the Devils, but they won’t be on the ice tonight. Instead, we’ve found 2 great spots for player props with skaters who are solidified with their current teams. They’re both in the earlier games, so let’s get right into it.
Along with our player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today’s action.
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Tage Thompson over 0.5 goals (+100)
It may be just the last day of February to you, but this is a date that Buffalo Sabres’ Tage Thompson has had circled on his calendar for almost 3 months. They’re hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, which is already an advantageous matchup. The Jackets are allowing the 3rd-most goals per game this season and the Sabres are scoring the 3rd-most per game. When these teams met in December, that was on full display with a 9-4 Buffalo win. However, it goes deeper than that.
Thompson had an absolutely epic night, scoring 5 goals in that game, 4 of which came in the first period. Hat tricks are rare enough, and fans almost needed to go buy another cap at the pro shop of the stadium to throw on the ice if he’d have notched another goal. Regardless, that game was no fluke. Thompson has continued to have a breakout season, and his 40 goals are tied for the 3rd-most in the NHL. Anytime your stat line is comparable to Connor McDavid and David Pastrnak, you’re doing something right. Given that prior meeting and how things have shaped out since then, we’re expecting another big night from Thompson.
Don’t miss out on our NHL mega parlay at +1019 odds for today’s action!
Brandon Hagel over 0.5 assists (+115)
For our 2nd play, we’re shifting to another skater in blue, but a bit lesser known. The Tampa Bay Lightning just got smashed by the Pittsburgh Penguins, but it’s important to note that it was the 2nd night of a back-to-back with backup goaltender Brian Elliott in net. Now they get to head back to Florida to take on the other team from the Sunshine State. That in itself should help Tampa bounce back, as they’re the highest-scoring team on home ice this season. Combined with the fact that the Panthers have allowed the 4th-most goals per game since the start of 2023 and 9th-most overall, and a big night could be in store for the Lightning.
The first thought was to target Steven Stamkos for this play, but he’s not been having a strong month. Not only that, but his ice time has also decreased by multiple minutes per game while on the 2nd line. Meanwhile, Hagel has been skating alongside Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point, who have been on fire. They each recorded 2 points against the Pens, and each scored a goal. We’re looking at Hagel to assist them in finding the back of the net again tonight. He did so when Tampa faced Florida just 3 weeks ago. Hagel also had an assist in 3 straight games prior to the Pittsburgh matchup, and he can start a new streak tonight.
Be sure to check out our Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning prediction
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