We have a four-game NHL slate to close out the week and we have some really interesting matchups tonight.

There are three heavy money line favorites with the Maple Leafs, Capitals, and Wild, so let's jump in!

 

 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 11/8

After another successful few props in Wednesday's article, I'll to keep things rolling as we head into the weekend!

A few teams are dealing with some injuries and thus, changing some lines up, giving us a few different spots to consider.

 

 

 

Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs Prediction: Friday, November 8th

The Toronton Maple Leafs host the Detroit Red Wings in a solid Original Six matchup, but it will be without Auston Matthews, who will miss his second straight game. Obviously, Matthews being out of the lineup is a big offensive loss for the Maple Leafs and that means someone else is going to have to step up. 

That should be very doable tonight since it's an easier matchup against the Red Wings' defense, which has been good but not great this season. The Red Wings have allowed the eighth-fewest (36) goals this season, which his certainly very strong. However, that doesn't tell the entire story for them and ultimately, we are here for a shot prop, not goals. 

The Red Wings are allowing 65.51 Total Shot Attempts per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the fifth-most in the league. They are allowing opposing teams to pile up the shots but aren't actually allowing a ton of goals. I could sit here and talk about how they are due for some regression in the goal department, but again, we are here for a shot prop. 

Max Pacioretty is on the second forward line and the second power-play unit, giving him a solid offensive role, which should allow him to help fill the void left by Matthews. Pacioretty has at least two shots on goal in each of his last three games, and over this mark in two straight. I love the matchup for the Leafs tonight and Pacioretty's line is worth the look. 

 

 

 

Penguins vs. Capitals Prediction: Friday, November 8th

The Pittsburgh Penguins vs the Washington Capitals means one thing – Sidney Crosby vs Alex Ovechkin. We have been treated to this matchup for the last two decades and with them both at the final parts of their hall-of-fame careers, let's enjoy what we have in front of us!

I certainly don't mind leaning towards the over in this matchup and this will ultimately happen due to a substantial amount of scoring chances. Both teams sit in the top 13 of the league for Total Shot Attempts Allowed per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. When it comes to goals allowed, the Penguins are significantly worse than the Capitals, but that plays into the favor of Sidney Crosby. 

The Penguins have allowed 59 goals this season, which is the most in the NHL. They are often playing from behind, which means they need to crank up their offensive pressure to get back into the game. This has led to Crosby amassing 45 shots on goal through 15 games, which leads the Penguins. 

His role on the first forward line and the first power-play unit is etched in stone at this point, which continuously puts him in a spot to rack up the shots and hit over 3.5 on his prop tonight. 

 

 

 

Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 11/8