Predators vs. Capitals: The best player prop bets for Dec. 29

The Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals are back in action at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night.

There’s no rivalry feeling to this game, but even a casual hockey fan can get excited for a matchup pitting Filip Forsberg against Alex Ovechkin. Both teams are also playing well at the moment, with the Predators riding a seven-game win streak, while the Capitals have been near the top of the Eastern Conference standings for most of the campaign.

Let’s dive into this matchup and see which three player props bettors should focus on.

Nashville Predators (19-10-1) at Washington Capitals (18-6-7), 7:00 p.m. ET

Ryan Johansen to score at least one point

Ryan Johansen should be able to find the scoresheet in his first game back for Nashville since Dec. 10.

Johansen was off to a good start in December despite having his six-game point streak interrupted on Dec. 2 against the Boston Bruins. He had two goals and four assists over his team’s following four games before hitting the shelf.

The Vancouver native has done some of his best work on the road this year, amassing 13 points over 14 tilts.

NHL pick: Yes (-118)

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Eeli Tolvanen Over/Under 2.5 shots

Despite ranking 15th in ice time on the Predators roster (eighth among forwards), Eeli Tolvanen is third in shots with 77. He also had a four-game goal-scoring streak in December, but was blanked over his last three contests prior to the NHL’s season pause. Prop bettors should be bearish about Tolvanen having a big impact on this game.

Tolvanen has slowed down over his last four starts, firing two or fewer shots on goal in each instance. That’s come despite a significant increase in ice time in that span.

The Capitals do not give up a ton of shots – in fact, they’re second in the NHL in shots allowed per game (28.7) – so don’t be shocked if Tolvanen is kept under 2.5 shots here.

NHL pick: Under (-139)

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John Carlson goal scorer

Props bettors appear to be getting good value on John Carlson to find the twine in this one.

Washington’s stalwart blueliner has peppered opposing netminders with 73 shots this year, second only to Ovechkin on his club. Carlson has 25 shots through eight games this month, yet only one goal.

He seems overdue for a goal – perhaps Carlson will find one on the power play, where three of his six tallies on the season have come. Nashville is a modest 21st in penalty killing this year (79.4%).

NHL pick: Carlson anytime goal (+340)