The opening game of this series featured two spectacular goaltenders, but there was plenty of quality plays for the skaters, too. Even if the scoring doesn’t open up, a lot of value remains in player props. This betting guide will give some value selections for player props entering Thursday’s Game 2.
Gabriel Landeskog Assists (Over 0.5, +120)
The Avalanche captain isn’t playing on the top line anymore, but Gabriel Landeskog has been every bit as effective. After two assists in Game 1, Landeskog is the second-leading scorer on the Avs in the postseason with eight points. Landeskog is involved because he’s gotten his physical mojo back, and he had six more hits in the series opener.
Not playing up top with the likes of Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen has opened things up for him, and he’s taken advantage. A lot of the talk after the first round was about Cale Makar and MacKinnon, and not undeservedly so. But Landeskog is on a roll right now, and his 22 career assists against the Blues are tied for his most against any single opponent. This is a good number (+120) for him to get an assist in Game 2.
Ryan O’Reilly Shots (Over 2.5, +130)
Ryan O’Reilly was the best offensive player for the Blues in Game 1, and it wasn’t close. O’Reilly was responsible for five of the team’s 25 shots on goal, and he scored the opening goal. He’s been great the entire postseason, and he’s been very good against the Avalanche his entire career.
He only played in two of the regular-season contests but amassed nine shots on goal across those two games. O’Reilly has eclipsed this number in five of his seven playoff games, and this is some great value for him to get at least three shots (+130) again. He’s been the driving force of the offense the whole postseason, so expect another high-volume night from O’Reilly.
Nazem Kadri Shots (Over 3.5, +130)
Everybody for Colorado seemed to be getting shots on goal in Game 1. For some Avalanche players, that’s nothing new, and Nazem Kadri is one of those players. He had five shots on goal in the series opener on the way to picking up an assist. Including playoff games, he’s generated a point in five consecutive games against the Blues, which means he’s active and looks like he will continue to do so going forward in this series.
This is kind of a high number for him, but Kadri has cleared this number in six of his last nine contests against the Blues. Along with going over this number on Tuesday, Kadri had at least four shots in each of the last two regular-season contests against St. Louis. Colorado’s going to keep pouring it on, and with his power-play time, Kadri has a good shot of going over 3.5 shots on goal (+130) again.
Odds via FanDuel and BetMGM
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