@FastMoneyLabs’ Thursday NHL Picks - 5/18

Leg 1: Alexander Barkov (FLA) 3+ Shots on Goal
After he ripped 5 shots on net in Game 1, this bet moved to 19-4 (82.6%) all-time in Barkov’s playoff career. Now down 0-1 in the series, it’s hard to see a scenario where the Panthers captain stops shooting tonight. Weird stuff happens, but I love this bet for Leg 1.

Leg 2: Sam Bennett (FLA) 3+ Shots on Goal
Barkov and Bennett play on different lines, which increases the chances they can both get 3+ (since they’re not on the ice at the same time).

I trust Bennett for Leg 2, because he hit this 3+ line religiously in home games. Betting Bennet to get 3+ shots at home is 31-9 (77.5%) in 2021-22 (regular season + playoffs).

In Game 1, he landed 6 shots (double this line) on 10 attempts. Tonight, we only need him to land 3. That’s a bet I’m excited to make, so we’re riding with Bennett as Leg 2.

Leg 1: Cale Makar (COL) 3+ Shots on Goal
He was somewhat quiet (by Cale Makar standards) in Game 1 yet still finished with 3 shots on goal. That’s scary. For sportsbooks. Because in Round 1, Makar followed a similar path. He was quiet in Game 1 before going on an absolute rampage by attempting a career high 23 shots in Game 2, of which 12 hit the net.

That 12 shot Game 2 was an anomaly. Do not expect him to repeat it. Luckily we don’t need him to. We just need 3+ shots. Not too much to ask. I trust Cale Makar for Leg 1, and you should to.

Leg 2: Nathan MacKinnon (COL) 3+ Shots on Goal
If you follow me on Twitter, you know we already backed MacKinnon to get 5+ shots on goal with confidence as a single bet. Consider this 3+ prop leg as my insurance.

If we lose this leg and I don’t recap right away. It’s because I’m busy buying FanDuel stock.

Leg 3: Valeri Nichushkin (COL) 3+ Shots on Goal
Books continue to sleep on this guy. It’s amazing. He just notched ANOTHER 4 shot performance in Game 1. This 3+ prop has now cashed in 7 straight games and 24 of his last 30 (80%).

If you’re feeling risky, you should know Nichushkin’s 4+ shots prop cashed in 6 of his last 7 games (85.7%) and 11 of his last 15 (73.3%). You can bet him to do it again tonight at plus money odds. But to be safe, we’re going with 3+ for our parlay.