Best NHL player prop bets (Nov. 19): Good value on Hellebuyck in a redemption spot
Join Daily Faceoff’s Nick Martin as he handicaps the best NHL props available on Tuesday night.
Connor Hellebuyck Under 2.5 Goals Allowed: +105 Sports Interaction
The Panthers hung a five spot on Hellebuyck on Saturday in Sunrise, and now the Jets get an immediate shot at redemption versus the defending champions.
It might not be fair to say a team sitting at 15-3-0 has much to prove, and if the Jets do lose this game it probably isn’t worth sounding any alarm bells. Still, it will be interesting to see if the Jets can bounce back from their two ugly performances in the state of Florida in which they were outscored 9-1.
Even versus a team as dominant as the Panthers are, getting Hellebuyck at better than even money seems like an easy play to lock in, especially as I do believe the Jets truly are a better team this season than last. Over the last two seasons, Hellebuyck has allowed over two goals just 40.5% of the time (35-of-74).
The Panthers’ greatest strength last season was their elite defensive play, and this season that looks to be even more accurate. Florida has generated 3.01 xGF/60 over the last 10 games, which ranks 17th in the NHL.
Under new head coach Scott Arniel, the Jets have taken steps forward at suppressing high-quality shots against, and do a great job of allowing mainly pressured looks from the outside. If Hellebuyck is set and square, he is going to save the vast majority of shots, and the Jets clearly understand that.
Jordan Kyrou Anytime Goalscorer: +260 Sports Interaction
Kyrou is in the midst of a five game goalless drought, but at +260 this presents as a great time to buy on the highly talented winger.
Blues top forward Robert Thomas is set to return to the lineup in this matchup, which provides a massive boost to Kyrou’s chances of being productive. Coach Drew Bannister is stacking Kyrou, Thomas, and Pavel Buchnevich on the top line, and that unit has been dominant when together the last two seasons.
In 18.3 minutes together this season that trio owns a 92.3% expected goal share and has generated 3.94 xGF/60.
Even with Thomas sidelined, Kyrou was still generating plenty of chances. During his five game goalless drought, Kyrou had 14 shots on goal, which doesn’t count the two posts he hit during that span. In 73 games under Bannister Kyrou has put up 31 goals.
The Wild have been one of the league’s best defensive sides, which is the obvious knock on this play. A price of +260 is drastically better than the price we have typically seen for Kyrou to score, though, and Thomas’ return to the lineup gives him a great chance to get off the schneid.