3 NHL Shots on Goal Props to Back on October 9

The NHL slate on October 9 is loaded with shots on goal value, and three names stand out above the rest: Sidney Crosby, J.T. Miller, and Pierre-Luc Dubois. All three are logging heavy minutes on their respective top lines, and the shot volume says the books may be a step behind where these guys actually are right now.

Here’s why each of these shots on goal props makes sense tonight, broken down so you can see exactly where the edge is coming from before you lock anything in.

Sidney Crosby Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+122)

Crosby is dealing with a real goal-scoring slump to start the season — no argument there, and it’s been widely covered. But shots on goal is a different conversation than finishing, and Crosby’s shot volume has actually held up well even while the puck isn’t going in. Over his last four games, he’s posted 3, 2, 5, and 2 shots on goal, which works out right around his 3.4 shots-per-game season average.

The Penguins captain is still logging nearly 19-20 minutes a night and seeing regular power-play time, both of which keep the shot attempts coming even during a cold stretch. Tonight’s matchup is against Columbus, a Blue Jackets team that hasn’t given Pittsburgh much trouble defensively in recent meetings. At plus money, Over 2.5 shots only needs Crosby to hit a total he’s cleared in three of his last four outings.

J.T. Miller Over 1.5 Shots on Goal (+114)

Miller’s counting stats took a minute to get going this season, but the shot volume and ice time have been consistent, and he’s trending in the right direction after a slower start. Over his last several games he’s averaging close to 1.7 shots on goal per outing, clearing the 1.5 mark in four of his last five appearances with totals of 3, 1, 2, 1, and 2.

He’s the Rangers’ captain and still plays a featured role at 17+ minutes a night, including power-play shifts. New York is rolling with a strong start to the year, and Miller’s game-winning goal performance over Utah on October 4 is a reminder he’s still finding ways to get the puck to the net even outside the goal column. Facing the Capitals tonight in a Metro Division matchup, the shot attempts should keep coming from a Rangers team that’s generating offense in bunches early this season.

Pierre-Luc Dubois Over 1.5 Shots on Goal

Dubois has been one of the more pleasant surprises in Washington early on, filling a top-six role and contributing across the board. He’s up to a goal, three assists, and a plus-3 rating through his first few games, and the shot totals back up the role he’s playing. In his most recent outing, a 5-3 win over Pittsburgh, he put three shots on net to go with a goal and an assist.

Dubois is logging over 16 minutes a night in that top-six spot, and Washington’s offense has looked sharp out of the gate under a new-look lineup. Facing a Rangers team tonight that just allowed a full head of steam in a three-game winning streak, Dubois should see enough minutes and enough looks to clear 1.5 shots on goal again.

Lock These In

All three of these props line up with real shot volume trends, featured roles, and favorable matchups on tonight’s board. Here’s the full card for October 9:

• Sidney Crosby Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+122)
• J.T. Miller Over 1.5 Shots on Goal (+114)
• Pierre-Luc Dubois Over 1.5 Shots on Goal (check your book for current odds)

Before placing any of these, check the latest NHL odds since lines can shift closer to puck drop. All three come down to volume and role, and all three players have the usage to get there tonight.