Underdog Fantasy NHL Picks October 21: Filip Forsberg looks to continue his dominant form

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 today's slate we have 15 games on tap around the NHL and plenty of options for player props! I have highlighted a trio that I will be following tonight that include 3 players around the league for the Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Arizona Coyotes. We are starting to get more and more data for these players props now so let's use them to win some money!
NHL Underdog Fantasy Top Picks October 21
Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators - HIGHER than 3.5 Shots On Goal
Good rule of thumb for this season, if a team is playing the Sharks take a look at the props for the team facing them! This rule applies in a big way today as the Predators are at home against the Sharks and their star winger Filip Forsberg could have a night. The Sharks have allowed an average of 40.5 shots on goal this season, the most in the NHL and they also allow the most shots attempts. Forsberg on the other hand has topped his prop of 3.5 shots in 4 of 5 games so far and is projected for 5 shots on goal tonight. Seems like simple math and a great play to me for him to go higher than his prop total tonight.
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins - HIGHER than 3.0 Shots On Goal
Sometimes a long offseason can help players get ready and locked in for a season and that is very true with Evgeni Malkin this season so far. Through 4 games Geno has collected 18 shots on goal and has gotten at or higher than 3 shots on goal in every single game. His opponent tonight shouldn't slow him down either as the St. Louis Blues are allowing 35.67 shots on goal, the 5th highest mark in the NHL. What's more is that the Blues Corsi metrics are in the toilet so the Penguins should have the puck the majority of the game, so let's keep the train running here Mr. Malkin!
Sean Durzi, Arizona Coyotes - HIGHER than 1.5 Shots On Goal
Not everyday you'll try out a blue liner for a player prop with shots on goal but if the stats back it you should at least take a look! The Coyotes are going to be a bad team this season, no debating that but they have some pieces Durzi included that will be productive. Through 4 games this season Durzi has collected 12 shots on goal and has comfortably topped his line of 1.5 shots in 3 of 4 games this season, with the one miss being last time out against the Blues in which he did have a goal but only 1 shot. That train may stop at some point for him but tonight against the Ducks who allow 32.33 shots on goal per game I don't see it missing so lets roll with him to continue his production, at least for one more game!
Player News
Dolphins signed No. 13 overall pick DT Kenneth Grant to a four-year contract.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Grant will sign his contract today. The former Michigan defensive tackle is expected to fill a major void left by Christian Wilkins, who left for the Raiders in the 2024 offseason. Grant totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, and seven TFLs in his final season at Michigan and excelled at stopping the run while also generating 27 pressures in his final season, per PFF.
Daulton Varsho picked up three hits, three RBI and a homer in a win over the Angels on Thursday.
Varsho has only played in seven games this year, but they’ve been seven good ones. He’s homered three times already, and his slugging percentage is a remarkable — and entirely unsustainable — .727 over 22 at-bats. Varsho has been a mediocre offensive player in his two seasons with the Blue Jays, but it’s possible at the age of 28 he’s having a breakout campaign. Far from a guarantee, but possible.
Taylor Ward hit a two-run homer in a loss to the Blue Jays on Thursday.
Ward, 31, gave the Angels a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer off Chris Bassitt in the first inning. He’s now gone deep in two of his last three games, and it ‘improves’ his slash to .181/.224/.391. Ward has been one of the most hot/cold players players in the sport over the last few years, so fantasy managers who can afford to make some roster moves may want to look at Ward while the going is good.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. picked up three hits and scored twice in an 8-5 win over the Angels on Thursday.
Guerrero also drew a walk. It gives the first baseman multiple hits in back-to-back games, and it’s the third time in May that he’s reached that mark. That’s helped raise his average from .268 to .295, and the only thing fantasy managers can be disappointed with is his .432 slugging percentage. That number should continue to climb as the season unfolds, but Vladdy Jr. has had some inconsistent seasons when it comes to power production.
Chad Green picked up his first save of 2025 with a scoreless ninth against the Angels on Thursday.
Green got the save after Jeff Hoffman worked in back-to-back games — and struggled — in the first two contests against the Angels. He struck out two and looked the part while needing just nine pitches to get through the inning. Hoffman should remain the closer, but Green is on his tail if the struggles were to continue.
Chris Bassitt allowed five runs — four earned — while working six-plus innings against the Angels on Thursday while picking up a win.
Bassitt allowed three runs over the first two innings on a pair of homers, but settled down over his next four frames. He came out to work the seventh, but ended up being charged for two more runs after leaving the contest. The 36-year-old veteran has forged a 3.35 ERA and outstanding 49/8 K/BB ratio over the first quarter of the season, but this wasn’t him at his best. He’ll get the Rays next week if the rotation order stays the same for Toronto.