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We have ten NHL games to enjoy this Thursday, January 5th, as three of the four division leaders return to action. With heaps of intriguing match-ups on the schedule, we are set for another night of top-class hockey.
If you’re looking for the best NHL player props picks for Thursday, you have certainly come to the right place. Be sure to keep reading to discover my recommended NHL picks for the upcoming batch of games.
Chandler Stephenson – Over 0.5 Assists (-130)
Penguins vs. Golden Knights Picks
The Vegas Golden Knights will be confident of extending their lead at the summit of the Pacific Division when they face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. After all, the Penguins have lost each of their previous five games.
Following a series of eye-catching individual performances, I’m backing Chandler Stephenson to enjoy even more success at T-Mobile Arena. The Golden Knights forward has bagged over 1.5 assists in three of his last six outings, so he shouldn’t struggle to add to his tally against off-form Pittsburgh.
Artemi Panarin – Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-145)
Artemi Panarin has been in excellent form for the New York Rangers recently, chipping in with goals, assists and plenty of shots on goal. With that in mind, I can see him starring against the Montreal Canadiens, who head into the upcoming meeting on a six-game losing streak.
The Russian winger has notched over 2.5 shots on goal in eight of his last nine appearances, as well as over 3.5 in six of his previous eight. Given Montreal’s recent struggles, Panarin looks destined to record over 2.5 SOG on Thursday.
Travis Konecny – Over 0.5 Goals (+135)
Following three consecutive victories, the Philadelphia Flyers boast the joint-longest winning streak in the NHL. On Thursday, the Flyers meet the Arizona Coyotes, who find themselves second from bottom in the Central Division following back-to-back losses.
Travis Konecny has been key to Philadelphia’s recent upturn, netting five goals across the past four games. Since Arizona has one of the worst defensive records in the league, I expect Konecny to extend his scoring streak at the Wells Fargo Center.
Jack Hughes – Over 0.5 Goals (+115)
The New Jersey Devils head into their showdown against the St. Louis Blues on the back of a 5-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. As a result, they sit second in the Metropolitan Division with just one win fewer than the high-flying Carolina Hurricanes.
Jack Hughes was arguably the star of the show against Detroit, registering one goal, one assist and six SOG. The exciting 21-year-old has now bagged four goals across the past three games and looks set to punish the Blues on Thursday.
Alex Ovechkin – Over 4.5 Shots on Goal (-120)
Capitals vs. Blue Jackets Picks
Only two players – David Pastrnak and Timo Meier – have racked up more shots on goal than Alex Ovechkin this season. The legendary 37-year-old has notched 176 SOG in 40 outings, meaning he averages 4.4 SOG per game in 2022-23.
On Thursday, Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals face the Columbus Blue Jackets, who find themselves rock bottom of the Metropolitan Division. Ovi has dished up 18 shots on goal across his previous three outings, so I’m backing him to record over 4.5 SOG against lowly Columbus.
