$FML's Best Bet for NHL Wednesday - 2/8

Small slate, but I sniff value in New York! Here’s why: The Rangers tweaked their lineup 4 games ago, and the payoff was swift. Since reuniting Filip Chytil, Alexis Lafreniere and Kappo Kakko in 5v5, the youthful trio has been wrecking havoc. To put a number on it: They’ve combined to create 25 scoring chances in 5v5 alone — more than 6 per game, an insane number. Importantly, they’re converting scoring chances into goals.

While all 3 players are contributing, Chytil is leading the charge in terms of point production. He’s recorded 7 points across these 4 contests, all vs. tougher opponents (Florida, Toronto, Vegas, Calgary). 3 of these games were multi-point efforts.

All that is to say — Chytil’s on fire, the timing coincides with this lineup adjustment, and I don’t think it’s a fluke given the trio’s history as an effective combo last season

Tonight’s matchup also projects favorably. Vancouver allows the 2nd most goals per game this season and 10th most scoring chances in 5v5. The Blueshirts are heavily favored to win in the moneyline market and have the highest team total on the mini slate tonight.

All these things inspired me to back a Rangers scoring prop. And of the choices, I see the best value in a bet that Chytil will find the scoresheet (via goal or assist) @ -120 Draftkings or MGM (playable down to -130).