Best NHL player prop bets (April 11): Ride Suzuki’s scoring streak
Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he handicaps the best NHL player prop bets for in a couple of big Atlantic Division matchups.
Nick Suzuki Anytime Goal (+260) at Sports Interaction
There’s a lot of buzz after the Senators clinched a playoff spot for the first time in eight years. But in this matchup, Montreal is the main character. The Canadiens can clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2021 with a regulation win, and 2024 No. 5 overall pick Ivan Demidov just arrived in the city after signing his entry-level contract last week. Meanwhile, Lane Hutson is a virtual lock to win the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.
Still, don’t forget about captain Nick Suzuki. The 25-year-old is tied with Nikita Kucherov and David Pastrnak for the second-most points since the NHL returned from the 4 Nations Face-Off. Suzuki ranks 11th in goals since Feb. 22. He leads the team with 13 goals in the last 22 games and has scored in six of his last seven.
The Senators have been a top-10 team in goals against per 60 minutes since they last faced Montreal. But according to Evolving Hockey, they’ve also been bottom-five in expected goals against at five-on-five. Ottawa also ranks bottom-five in shots against per 60. Plus, captain Brady Tkachuk has missed the last five games and will be unavailable on Friday.
Ottawa is a good defensive team with reliable goaltending. But as noted, they’ve been showing signs of weakness. Sports Interaction is offering the best price on Suzuki to score at least one goal, which makes him great value at +260.
Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 Points (+100) at Sports Interaction
Detroit will close out its three-game road trip in Tampa Bay on Friday, where the Lightning are still chasing the top spot in the Atlantic Division. The Red Wings have lost the first two games of the trip, 4-1 to both Montreal and Florida, and Tampa’s offense will be even tougher to contain.
Nikita Kucherov is currently tied with Nathan MacKinnon at 116 points in the Art Ross Trophy race. No one has produced more points per game since the 4 Nations Face-Off. Jake Guentzel also returned to practice on Friday after missing one game for personal reasons, so it looks like Kucherov, Guentzel, and Brayden Point will be back together.
With so much talent on one line, there will be plenty of chances for Kucherov to get on the scoresheet against a tired Red Wings team, especially with fatigue involved. The Lightning are the second-best offensive team this season, and their attack has been especially potent at home.
Detroit must win to keep its playoff hopes alive, but the odds suggest the Lightning have a good chance to end their season with a lopsided win. Kucherov is a strong candidate to lead the charge.