Best NHL player prop bets (Oct. 29): Habs provide great matchup for McCann to stay hot
Join Daily Faceoff’s Nick Martin as he handicaps the best NHL player props available on Tuesday night.
Noah Dobson Anytime Goalscorer: +650 Sports Interaction
Dobson has put up double-digit goals in each of the last three seasons. If anything, most informed observers would have bet on the 24 year-old setting a new career high in 2024 as he trends towards his true prime.
He’s netted zero goals so far, but not for a lack of trying. Over the last four games, Dobson has poured 19 shots on goal and attempted 32. He has averaged over 26 minutes of time on ice in those four matchups.
A lot of his attempts are simply throwing it into traffic from the point, which are always going to be lower percentage looks. He is great at jumping up as a fourth man in the attack, though, and Ducks forwards have struggled to pick up trailers the last two seasons.
The Ducks have allowed 4.02 xGA/60 this season, which is the third-worst mark in the NHL. They have also allowed 4.02 shots against per 60.
Dobson is going to break out with some more notable production soon. Backing him to record over 2.5 shots on goal or a point in this matchup are also viable options, but I see most value with Sports Interaction’s price of +650 for him to record a goal.
Jared McCann Anytime Goalscorer: +210 Sports Interaction
At their opening prices around the -140 range, the Kraken looked to be a great bet in this matchup, and I’m not surprised to see the price has swung heavily. Seattle’s offense has fallen flat recently, as it has generated only six goals.
Those matchups came against the Avalanche, Jets, and Hurricanes. The Jets and Hurricanes will allow among the fewest goals against in the league this season, and the Avs’ are looking like a formidable side once again when Justus Annunen is in goal.
Even still, McCann managed two goals and four points in those matchups. He is one of the NHL’s most lethal mid-range shooters, and is getting plenty of looks playing alongside Jordan Eberle and Matty Beniers at even strength. In 37.6 minutes together, that unit holds a 61.5% expected goal share, and has generated 3.83 xGF/60.
The Canadiens have allowed 4.03 xGA/60 this season, which is the worst mark in the NHL. They are doing a little better where it counts with an actual goals-against average of 3.56 goals, but they still provide a great matchup for McCann to stay hot.