In the upcoming showdown between the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins, betting on Kris Letang to have over 2.5 shots on goal is a savvy play that you don't want to miss out on. 

When the Pittsburgh Penguins hit the ice against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena, all eyes will be on defenseman Kris Letang as he continues to make waves in the NHL. Known for his offensive prowess and ability to generate scoring opportunities, Letang has consistently proven himself as a valuable asset for the Penguins. With 34 points this season (10 goals, 24 assists), he's a force to be reckoned with, and that's why we're all in on Letang to have over 2.5 shots on goal in this matchup.

First and foremost, let's talk about Letang's recent performance. The 34-year-old veteran has been on fire lately, showcasing his ability to create offensive chances and contribute to the scoreboard. His 26 points in 52 games put him second among Pittsburgh defensemen, right behind fellow blueliner Brian Dumoulin. With Jeff Petry, who's been sidelined with an upper-body injury, potentially returning as a game-time decision, it's crucial for Letang to maintain his momentum and step up for the Penguins.

But why, you might ask, is taking the over on Letang's shots on goal such a solid play? For starters, Letang is no stranger to firing the puck at the net. In fact, he's been averaging around 2.8 shots per game this season, slightly above the 2.5 line we're looking at. Furthermore, with the Penguins' high-powered offense and their ability to maintain puck possession, it's only natural that Letang will get more opportunities to put the biscuit in the basket.

Moreover, the Red Wings' defense has been somewhat porous this season, allowing an average of 33.1 shots per game. This puts them in the bottom third of the league when it comes to shots allowed. With Letang's offensive instincts and the Penguins' relentless attack, it's hard to imagine the Red Wings being able to keep him off the scoresheet.

Another factor to consider is the importance of this game for both teams. As the regular season winds down, every point matters, and the Penguins will be looking to secure a strong playoff position. With a player like Letang, who's known for stepping up in clutch situations, it's only logical that he'll be putting in the extra effort to generate scoring chances for his team. Add in the potential return of Jeff Petry, and the Penguins' blue line will be even more formidable than usual.

Lastly, let's not forget the impact of special teams on this matchup. The Penguins boast a strong power play unit, converting on 20.5% of their opportunities this season. With Letang as a key component of that unit, he'll have ample opportunity to fire away from the point and rack up those shots on goal. On the flip side, the Red Wings' penalty kill ranks in the bottom half of the league, which could spell trouble for them when trying to contain Letang and the Penguins' power play.

Pick #1 - Kris Letang o2.5 SOG - available on Draftkings @ -155