NHL Best Bets Today, 12/27: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Friday
WE ARE BACK!
After a few days off, the NHL is back in action with a strong eight-game slate to get the weekend's NHL best bets started!
NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 12/27
The holiday break is over for the NHL, and we are back in action with a great set of games. Prior to the break, there were a number of teams thriving, along with several teams struggling to stay consistent.
We know who is for real at this point in the season and it should give us a high level of consistency in the prop market for our NHL best bets.
Bruins vs. Blue Jackets Prediction: Friday, December 27th
After a slow start to the season, the Boston Bruins made a coaching change and have surged up the standings to third in the Atlantic Division. They won seven of their last 10 games prior to the holiday break and get a soft matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets to get things started after the break.
Over the last two weeks, the Blue Jackets have allowed 70.54 Total Shot Attempts per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the worst in the league. This is where they've been over the last few seasons and they are generally a great team to target for shot props.
This brings me to David Pastrnak for over 3.5 shots on goal. Yes, this prop has a bit of juice and it might not be for everyone. But, it's important to identify the differences in props when you are looking at different sportsbooks. Pastrnak's prop is listed at 4.5 on FanDuel, with +110 to the over.
If you don't love the juice, look at other options for a bit of plus money. Regardless of that, Pastrnak leads the league with 140 shots on goal through 36 games or 3.8 per game. He's coming off a game with only a single shot on goal and this is the perfect spot for him to bounce back and pile up the shots.
- Expert Bruins vs. Blue Jackets Picks:
- David Pastrnak Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (-168 on DraftKings)
Golden Knights vs. Sharks Prediction: Friday, December 27th
The Vegas Golden Knights were one of those teams rolling into the break as winners of four straight and eight of their last 10 overall. They come in with a juicy 4.1 implied goal total against the San Jose Sharks, which puts them in a spot for plenty of offense.
Let's take a look at Shea Theodore to record 1+ points tonight. He comes in with 10 points in his last 10 games, while skating as the defender on the Golden Knights' top power-play unit. Speaking of their power-play, they are up at 25.9%, which is the sixth-best in the league.
As for the Sharks, their penalty kill is at 79.0%, which is 19th in the league. While this isn't a prop for a power-play point and just any point overall, it's good to know that Theodore will be in a good spot when they Golden Knights are playing with the man advantage.
The Golden Knights are one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league and are always capable of posting several goals in a hurry and there's no reason not to trust Theodore tonight.
- Expert Golden Knights vs. Sharks Picks:
- Shea Theodore 1+ Points (-145 on DraftKings)
Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 12/27
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings Over 5.5 Total (-124 on FanDuel Sportsbook)