3 NHL Player Prop Bets to Target on Thursday 12/21/23

Player props can be useful in a variety of ways -- from taking advantage of them straight up to measuring a player's potential to produce in daily fantasy baseball on FanDuel. Here, we're going to focus on the former.

Utilizing numberFire's projections as a guide, here are some NHL player props bets that look appealing via the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Please note that betting lines and numberFire's projections may change throughout the day after this article is published. Also, the weather may be an issue in some locations.

John Tavares

To Score a Goal (+170)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off a loss and in a spot to bounce back versus the Buffalo Sabres.

This game has a 6.5 over/under with -142 on the over, a solid indication we are in for plenty of scoring tonight. The Leafs have a 3.50 implied goal total and should be in a spot to exceed that tonight.

Over the last two weeks, the Sabres are allowing 2.92 Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the ninth-worst in the league in that time.

We'll turn to John Tavares, who is having a very interesting season when it comes to scoring goals. Tavares has just nine goals in 29 goals this season, which is rather average. However, when we look at his Expected Goals Scored (xGF), Tavares is up at 16.6, which is the sixth-most in the entire NHL.

This is because Tavares is averaging 3.8 shots on goal and has a total of 26 High Danger Unblocked Shot Attempts, which is the third-most in the NHL. Tavares is doing legitimately everything right this season, he simply isn't finding the back of the net.

The positive regression in the goal department is coming for Tavares and a soft matchup versus Buffalo should help get that started.

Filip Forsberg

Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (+116)

With a great matchup, Filip Forsberg should be able to pile up the shots tonight.

Forsberg comes in with 120 shots on goal through 32 games this season, which is good for the ninth-most in the NHL. An average of 3.75 shots on goal per game is something we love to see when it comes to shot props because we get a high level of consistency, and the ability to exceed the prop quickly.

Tonight, Forsberg is up against the Philadelphia Flyers, who come in allowing 64.17 Total Shot Attempts per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the eighth-worst in the league over the last two weeks.

A high average and a great defensive matchup will put Forsberg in a position to do his usual thing -- fire the puck early and often.

Joel Eriksson Ek

To Score a Goal (+140)

Much like Tavares above, Joel Eriksson Ek is also underproducing goals this season.

The discrepancy between Eriksson Ek's actual goals (14) and his Expected Goals Scored (16.7) isn't as large as Tavares' above, but it's worth noting nonetheless. Those 16.7 xGF are the fifth-most in the league, so he's doing something right and will look to continue that tonight.

The Minnesota Wild have a big 3.69 implied goal total against the Montreal Canadiens, who are a very interesting team this season, especially as of late.

Over the last two weeks, the Canadiens are allowing 2.24 Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 13th best in the league. That seems good at face value but their Expected Goals Allowed (xGA) is up at 3.12, which is the third-worst in the league.

This is because they are allowing 13.45 High Danger Scoring Chances per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the seventh-highest in the league over the last two weeks.

They are allowing a ton of shot attempts, a ton of those attempts are coming super close to the net, but they're simply not giving up goals. That isn't sustainable and negative regression is going to hit like a ton of bricks.

Considering Eriksson Ek has the sixth-most (24) High Danger Unblocked Shot Attempts in the entire NHL, he's primed to jump on a defense that struggles with High Danger Scoring Chances.

Looking for the latest NHL odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and check out all of the NHL betting options.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.