Pick 4: Valeri Nichushkin SOG Over 2.5 (-150)

Valeri Nichushkin's recent dip in shots on goal may have some bettors wary, but we're here to tell you why the over is where it's at for his 2.5 SOG line in the upcoming Avalanche vs. Coyotes showdown.

If you've been keeping tabs on Colorado Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin, you might have noticed a bit of a downward trend in his shots on goal (SOG) recently. Over the last 10 games, he's averaging 2.3 SOG, and in the last 5 games, it's down to 2.2. However, before you start thinking it's doom and gloom for our boy Val, we're here to spill the tea on why taking the over on his 2.5 SOG line is a solid move for this Avalanche-Coyotes matchup.

First off, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Nichushkin has been a solid contributor for the Avs, racking up 39 points through 41 games this season, and he's been on fire lately, notching a point in each of his last four games. Plus, he's been a consistently productive player, with more than 2.5 SOG in 23 games and less than 2.5 SOG in 18 games. So, while we acknowledge the recent dip in his SOG numbers, we also recognize that his overall performance and potential make him a prime candidate to bounce back.

Now, let's talk about the upcoming game against the Arizona Coyotes. In their previous encounter this season, Nichushkin went HAM, posting four shots on goal. That's right, four. So, if history is any indication, Nichushkin seems to have Arizona's number and knows how to find open space on the ice against their defense. Plus, with the Avs facing a Coyotes team that's far from a defensive powerhouse, we can expect some serious offensive fireworks.

Another key factor to consider is Nichushkin's performance at home versus on the road. This season, he's averaging 2.55 SOG at home and 3.11 SOG on the road. With Colorado hosting Arizona in this matchup, Nichushkin's slightly lower home average might have some bettors thinking twice. But let's not forget that he's still putting up solid numbers at home, and a slight uptick in SOG could easily land him above that 2.5 line.

Finally, we can't ignore the impact of recent roster changes on the Avalanche. With Evan Rodrigues sidelined due to a concussion, Nichushkin has been thrust into a more prominent role on the team. And as we've seen before, when opportunity knocks, Nichushkin has the potential to step up and deliver.

All things considered, it's clear that Valeri Nichushkin has the skill, history, and opportunity to break out of his recent SOG slump and go big against the Arizona Coyotes. Betting on the over for his 2.5 SOG line may not be a surefire winner, but it's a calculated risk we're willing to take based on the facts and context at hand. So, as the Avalanche and Coyotes prepare to face off, we suggest you buckle up, grab your popcorn, and get ready for Nichushkin's shot showdown.