Best player props for Thursday's NHL slate: Stamkos comes out firing

Jan 13, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) works out prior to the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Amalie Arena.

Thursday brings us 9 games of NHL action. That means there are plenty of opportunities to find value in some player props. We’re taking a deeper dive into 2 of the matchups and choosing a pair of player props that we think will provide good value and have a great chance of hitting. Along with these player props, be sure to check out our full game previews for each game on the docket tonight. Also, be sure to follow our main Twitter account, as well as my personal account for more daily free picks covering all sports.

Let’s get to it.

Steven Stamkos over 2.5 shots on goal (-125)

Line available at DraftKings at time of publishing

It’s no secret that Steven Stamkos likes to shoot the puck. He has fired 21 shots on goal through 7 games this season, and has reached 3 shots or more in 4 of those 7 games. Stamkos did not register a single shot in Tampa Bay’s last game against Pittsburgh. That was his first game without a shot this season. The good news is that he has not gone below 3 shots in back-to-back games this season. After putting just 1 shot on goal in the opener, he turned around and fired 5 on net the next game. After recording just 2 shots last week against Colorado, he put 3 on net in the next game against Buffalo. That trend should continue tonight as Stamkos and the Lightning face the Arizona Coyotes.

The Coyotes are in rebuild mode, and because of that, they are not very good. They shipped long-time veteran players to new teams, including defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and goalie Darcy Kuemper.  Tampa Bay is off to a mediocre 3-3-1 start, so look for them to use this as a bit of a “get right” game against a lackluster Arizona squad.  That could lead to pucks flying at the net early and often, with Stamkos in on the action.

Be sure to check out our full game preview for Arizona Coyotes vs Tampa Bay Lightning.

Johnny Guadreau over 0.5 points (-150)

Line available at DraftKings at time of publishing

Johnny Guadreau is a big reason why the Calgary Flames are riding a 4-game winning streak. The 28-year-old winger has registered 6 points during this run, and 8 points over his last 5 games. He has not scored a goal, as all the points have been assists. However, he is more than capable of lighting the lamp. Pittsburgh is off to a strong 3-1-2 start, but they are still missing a number of key guys including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Jeff Carter. The Flames are hot, and Calgary should be raring to go against a depleted Pittsburgh lineup. Ride the hot hand and look for Guadreau to get on the scoresheet again tonight.

Be sure to check out our full game preview for Calgary Flames vs Pittsburgh Penguins.

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