Ovechkin to shoot the lights out vs. Sabres

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.

We started the week strong, cashing two of three player props on Monday night.

We'll look to build on a solid foundation with three more plays for Tuesday's fruitful card.

Alex Ovechkin: Over 3.5 shots

The Capitals are holding onto a playoff spot by the skin of their teeth. They'll need their captain to carry a heavy load to get the team over the finish line.

We're already seeing that from Ovechkin, as he's logged 20 minutes or more in four of the past five games. Washington hasn't played since Saturday, so he's well-rested and likely heading toward another healthy chunk of ice time.

Ovechkin has fared very well coming off of two days' rest this season. He's gone over his total in seven of the past 11 games in such situations, falling only one shot shy in three of the four deficits. He's getting the job done - or at least knocking on the door - each time out.

When logging 20 minutes this season, Ovechkin's success rate is slightly under 60% - and I expect him to clear that time on ice bar in this one.

It's also worth noting that Ovechkin is a Sabres killer. He's averaged 1.4 points, 5.4 shots and well over 10 attempts over his last seven games against Buffalo.

The Sabres aren't strong defensively, have taken plenty of penalties of late (which bodes well for a power play marksman like Ovechkin), and the Capitals are desperate for every point. Ovechkin should get a lot of ice and be heavily involved offensively.

Odds: -102 (playable to -125)

David Pastrnak: Over 4.5 shots

Pastrnak is in a bit of a shooting rut, recording four shots or fewer in five consecutive games.

Although the Predators are competent in their own end, they mark a great opportunity for Pastrnak to get back on track.

The Preds play extremely high-event hockey: They rank second in five-on-five pace over the past 10 games. The Bruins sit 32nd over the same span, so the Predators should be able to drag more out of them - which would benefit Pastrnak. More shots flying in both directions means more opportunity for the Bruins' best shot generator.

Pastrnak took full advantage in a contest against Nashville earlier this season, firing six shots on 10 attempts despite only 17 minutes of ice.

He's logged at least 20 minutes in five straight games and is coming off multiple days of rest, so he should get a full workload in a pace-up spot. Look for him to capitalize on it.

Odds: -106 (playable to -125)

Jack Eichel: Over 3.5 shots

I generally prefer to avoid targeting shooters against the defensively sound Canucks. Eichel is worth the exception.

He's recorded at least four shots in 13 of his past 16 games, averaging more than five per game in that span. He collected three shots each time he fell short, meaning there was always an opportunity for him to get the job done.

Eichel has consistently gone over the number, no matter how difficult the matchup. He registered four shots against the Jets, seven against the Predators, four against the Bruins, four against the Avalanche, and six against these same Canucks during this hot streak.

The Golden Knights are jockeying for home ice in the Pacific Division - with a win tonight, they'd only be three points behind the Oilers - so Eichel will see all the ice he can handle. He's proven capable of making the most of it, no matter the opponent.

Odds: -125 (playable to -140)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.

Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.