With a whopping 13 match-ups on the schedule, there is no shortage of NHL betting opportunities to take advantage of this Saturday, March 18th. Be sure to check out my top five NHL player props picks for today’s games.
Mika Zibanejad – Over 0.5 Points (-175)
When the New York Rangers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 earlier this week, Mika Zibanejad chalked up two points during the win, bagging a goal and an assist. On Saturday, the teams meet once again at Madison Square Garden.
Not only has Zibanejad notched two points in each of his last two outings, but he has also notched two points in five of his previous 10. The Swedish center is enjoying an eye-catching run of form right now, and that run looks set to continue this weekend.
Adrian Kempe – Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (+115)
The Los Angeles Kings welcome the Vancouver Canucks to Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night, with four places between the teams in the Pacific Division. The Kings find themselves second following a run of eight wins in 10 games, while the Canucks occupy sixth place.
Los Angeles’ Adrian Kempe has registered 3+ shots on goal in six of his past nine appearances, including an impressive 7 shots on goal against the Montreal Canadiens earlier this month. For that reason, I’m confident that Kempe will notch over 3.5 shots on goal against Vancouver.
Jamie Benn – Over 0.5 Points (-130)
Having won six of their last 10 games – and 37 of their 69 outings this season – the Dallas Stars are sitting pretty at the summit of the Central Division. Over in the Pacific Division, the Calgary Flames find themselves fifth after suffering seven losses in 11 games.
In addition to scoring 10 points in his last six appearances, Dallas’ Jamie Benn has racked up 14 points across the previous 10 games. The winger has been scoring and assisting for fun recently, so I’m backing him to add to his points tally this weekend.
Brock Nelson – Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-120)
Brock Nelson was the star of the show when the New York Islanders thrashed the Anaheim Ducks 6-3 last time out. Not only did the experienced center find the back of the net on two occasions, but he also chalked up six shots on goal.
On Saturday, the Islanders face the San Jose Sharks, who find themselves rock bottom of the Pacific Division following five successive defeats. Since Nelson has recorded 14 shots on goal across his past five appearances, I expect him to notch over 2.5 SOG against lowly San Jose.
Clayton Keller – Over 0.5 Assists (-150)
Blackhawks vs. Coyotes Preview
The bottom two teams in the Central Division lock horns on Saturday, as the Arizona Coyotes host the Chicago Blackhawks. While the Blackhawks occupy last place, the Coyotes have registered a three-game winning streak to steer clear of the bottom side.
I’m backing in-form Arizona to get the better of Chicago and I can see Clayton Keller playing a pivotal role for the hosts. Keller has racked up seven assists in his previous seven games, so I recommend backing him to enhance his assists tally this weekend.
