How to Research NHL Player Props: Shots on Goal, Points and More

Hockey props have low numbers. A shots on goal line of 2.5 means one shot either way decides the pick, so small details matter: ice time, power play minutes, and how many shots a player is taking, not only how many get through. Here's how to research an NHL prop in PickFinder, using Quinn Hughes' shots on goal for Minnesota against San Jose on November 6, 2026.

Find the line

The NHL props board covers shots on goal, points, goals, assists, saves, hits, blocked shots, faceoffs and time on ice, with each line next to the same prop at the other apps and sportsbooks.

Shots on goal vs shot attempts

Hughes' line was 2.5 shots on goal at -119 both ways on PrizePicks. He went over in 7 of his last 10 games (70%), averaging 2.8. The colored bars are shots on goal; the faded bars behind them are all his shot attempts, including shots that were blocked or missed the net.

The attempts tell you whether a result was skill or luck. Against Utah on October 27 he attempted 11 shots and only 2 reached the net. That's an under on the scoresheet, but 11 attempts shows a player fully involved in the offense. His two 1-shot games were different: he attempted only 3 shots in each. Volume is the leading indicator: a defenseman taking 6 attempts a game, which is his average in the Supporting Stats row, usually gets 2 or 3 through.

The Supporting Stats row also showed 28.5 minutes of ice time a game. For a defenseman, minutes and power play time drive everything, so check them before any shots line.

Defense rankings by position

San Jose allowed 1.5 shots on goal a game to defensemen this season, 21st in the league, which PickFinder labels Soft. But read the last-5 column: 2nd. The Sharks had tightened up against defensemen over their last five games. The team panel underneath shows Minnesota 5th in shots on goal and San Jose 29th in shots allowed, so the team-level matchup still favored volume.

Game odds

Minnesota was 70% to win at home, with a -1.5 puck line and a total of 6.5. A team that leads late tends to shoot less and defend more, while a trailing team pushes its defensemen forward. For shots props, a heavy favorite isn't always a plus.

NHL checklist

1. Hit rate across 5, 10 and 15 games and the season.
2. Shot attempts, not only shots on goal.
3. Ice time and power play role.
4. The opponent's rank against the position, for the season and the last 5 games.
5. Game script from the moneyline and total.

Goalie saves work the same way: check the opponent's shots per game and whether the goalie is confirmed to start. Star any line to add it to the Pick Builder, then export it to your app. The NHL research page lists every market we track.