The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by defensemen Evan Bouchard (2). Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

NHL bets: Backing a pair of defensemen tonight

By Griffin Carroll | Last updated 5/16/24

Another split for our NHL props yesterday, but thanks to some plus-money, we came out ahead. That is once again the name of the game, as we have two games on the docket and some very profitable trends that sportsbooks continue to offer us at tremendous prices.

1u: Brady Skjei point (+115 ESPN BET)

Carolina has stormed back and won two straight against New York, and suddenly we have ourselves a series. Whether or not the Hurricanes can keep it up remains to be seen of course, but I do like their momentum as they head home for this massive Game 6.

Off that, I'm going back to an old friend of ours in Brady Skjei. The defenseman has been incredibly consistent this series, logging a point in four straight games, two of which have come on the power play. The Rangers have had their difficulties staying out of the box, allowing 4.0 power play opportunities per game this round.

Knowing that element exists makes me feel all the better we continue to see Skjei get involved this evening. He now has points in 10 straight home games.

.75u: Evan Bouchard 4+ shots (+150 DraftKings)

What do we need to say about Evan Bouchard? I'm definitely going back to him to keep things rolling, and I really don't hate if you wanted to bet on his goal either.

Bouchard has piled up 15 SOG across his last three games, but it's his outrageous 35 shot attempts that really catch the eye. He now has 4+ shots in three straight, with a goal in each to boot.

Bouchard has been rocketing shots from the top of the zone both during even-strength play and during the power play, and I expect Edmonton to continue outshooting Vancouver and pushing the pace as they work to take a series lead. By all means, opt for Bouchard down at 2.5 and use it in a parlay, I prefer jumping right to this 4+ number.

If we conservatively project Bouchard for 8+ attempts based on what he's been doing of late, this number seems well-worth a grab. The Oilers defenseman has 4+ shots in 79% of his games this year when he operates with that type of volume.

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