Best NHL player prop bets (Nov. 5): Celebrini’s back and ready to produce
Join Daily Faceoff’s Nick Martin as he handicaps the best NHL props available on Tuesday night.
Noah Dobson Over 2.5 Shots on Goal: -139 Sports Interaction
The Islanders enter this critical matchup with the Penguins battling a nightmare injury situation. Not only is top forward Mathew Barzal set to miss this matchup, they will likely be without three regular defenders as well, including Adam Pelech.
That should mean Noah Dobson is relied upon to play huge minutes once again, and presents us with another good opportunity to back him recording over 2.5 shots on goal. In two games with Pelech sidelined, Dobson has recorded eight shots on goal and averaged 25:00 of ice time.
In his last 10 games, Dobson has averaged four shots on goal and gone over this line eight times. It’s already surprising this price hasn’t moved more ahead of this matchup. But when you factor in the chances, the fact that Dobson plays huge minutes, and the Penguins’ propensity to allow shots against, -139 looks especially appealing.
The Penguins have allowed 34.26 shots against per 60 this season, which is the third-highest mark in the NHL.
Macklin Celebrini Over 0.5 Points: -125 Sports Interaction
Celebrini will make his return to the lineup tonight versus the Blue Jackets, and will see game action for the first time since his NHL debut on October 10. This being his first game back adds a layer of volatility to this bet to be sure, but that is well accounted for by this price considering what the numbers could be moving forward if Celebrini lives up to the hype.
Celebrini looked tremendous on opening night in recording a goal and an assist in 17:35 of ice time. He centered Tyler Toffoli and Mikael Granlund at today’s morning skate, which puts Celebrini in a favorable role as Toffoli and Granlund have been highly productive together this season. He also looks set to play on the top power-play unit.
Over the last 10 games, Toffoli and Granlund have combined for 21 points. Granlund is priced at -238 to record a point in this matchup, while Toffoli is priced at -143. Given that Celebrini has the highest offensive upside of any of the three, I’d argue his price should be closer to his two counterparts.
The Blue Jackets have been better than expected defensively this season, but have faltered in allowing 12 goals against over the last two games. They allowed 3.63 goals against per game last season, though, and should still prove to be a below average side at best this season.