Welcome into NHL player prop central for the season on Underdog Fantasy! Player props are becoming one of the hottest growing things in hockey over the past few seasons and I have definitely taken notice as it adds yet another layer to a great game experience. Throughout this season you will find picks offered on the Underdog site that I find the most appealing as there are many to choose from so that's why I'm here to help you sift through the options. 

For tonight's slate we have 2 games on tap around the NHL and plenty of options for player props! I have highlighted a pair that I will be following tonight that include two top tier players for the New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins. We have very little new data to use but at least both of these players have strong track records from last season so let's lean on that and hit some props on Underdog tonight!

 

NHL Underdog Fantasy Top Picks October 13

Reilly Smith, Pittsburgh Penguins - HIGHER than 2.0 Shots On Goal

Reilly Smith is entering just his 2nd game as a Penguin this season but in game 1 he made his presence felt with 4 shots on goal and nearly 17 minutes of ice time. Tonight he gets his first taste of a decades long rivalry between the Penguins and Capitals in what figures to be a high scoring game at least that's what the books are predicting with a 6.5 game total line. Smith will play on the second line tonight with Evgeni Malkin and that is signficant because Geno has become a bit slower as he has aged and become a pass first player and that should set up Smith plenty. Smith also has a knack for shooting the puck to begin with overall as in the last 30 games he has gone over 2 shots on goal in 63% of his outings. The Capitals are a team on the downswing too so expect their defense to allow at least 30 shots on net tonight as the Penguins try to get in the win column on the young season. 

Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils - HIGHER than 4.0 Shots On Goal

Last season Jack Hughes became a household name in NHL circles with his massive season of 43 goals and 99 total points while leading the Devils into the playoffs. I expect much of the same this season if not more as the New Jersey powers that be did nothing but add more to this team around the young star. Hughes put up big games all of last season and this was thanks to his ability to put the puck on net as he averaged 4.2 shots on goal per game. Last night he started the season with 4 shots on goal and added 2 tucks to his resume and tonight against Arizona he should be in the mix plenty. The Coyotes allowed 35.05 shots on goal last season which was the 3rd highest mark in the NHL so the resistance will be minimal for the Devils and Hughes should get over this prop without major issues.