Pick 9: Kuznetsov over 1.5 SOG(-190)

Evgeny Kuznetsov's upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Penguins sets the stage for a shot-taking spree, with the over at 1.5 being the smart bet.

As we gear up for the next NHL face-off between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals, all eyes are on Evgeny Kuznetsov and his shot-taking prowess. This Russian center has been a driving force for the Capitals, and when it comes to placing bets on his shots on goal, there's a clear trend worth considering: Kuznetsov loves to take shots, and he's not shy about it.

This season, Kuznetsov has been averaging 2.22 shots on goal per game, and he's been remarkably consistent both at home and on the road. At home, he's putting up 2.31 shots on goal per game, while away games see him delivering a slightly lower 2.14 shots on goal. With numbers like these, it's hard not to see the appeal in taking the over on his 1.5 shots on goal line.

But let's not just rely on overall averages here; let's dive into some more recent trends to get a clearer picture of Kuznetsov's shot-taking habits. Over the past 20 games, he's been averaging 2.0 shots on goal per game, with 16 of those games seeing him take more than 1.5 shots. In the last 10 games, his average dips slightly to 1.9 shots on goal per game, but he still managed to take more than 1.5 shots in eight of those contests.

Zooming in even further, Kuznetsov's performance in the past five games reveals an average of 2.2 shots on goal per game, with four of those games featuring more than 1.5 shots on goal. Even though he's been trending down in the last 10 games, his recent five-game performance shows a slight uptick, and it's crucial to consider this when placing bets on his shots on goal.

What's particularly interesting about Kuznetsov's shot-taking habits is his performance against the very team he's about to face: the Pittsburgh Penguins. In their two previous matchups this season, Kuznetsov has been firing on all cylinders, averaging a whopping 4.0 shots on goal per game. This stat alone should make bettors feel confident in taking the over for his 1.5 shots on goal line.

Now, we all know that past performance is not a guarantee of future results, and anything can happen on the ice. However, when it comes to making informed bets, it's essential to weigh the data and consider the trends. Evgeny Kuznetsov has consistently shown that he's not afraid to take shots, and his numbers against the Penguins make a compelling case for the over on his 1.5 shots on goal line.

As you lock in your bets for the upcoming Pittsburgh-Washington showdown, don't overlook Kuznetsov's shot-taking potential. With a history of consistent shots on goal and a penchant for going big against the Penguins, there's plenty of reason to believe that he'll deliver the goods once again. So, gear up for an exciting match, and keep an eye on Kuznetsov as he takes to the ice and aims for yet another shot-filled performance.