Pastrnak, Ovechkin, McDavid Lead Richard Trophy Odds; None Have Scored in Last Three Games

Odds taken Dec. 9, 2019

The Favorite

For the first time all season, Bruins winger Pastrnak has been held without a goal through three consecutive games. However, despite not finding the back of the net, it’s not like No. 88 was irrelevant on the ice.

David Pastrnak joined some very elite company by scoring 25 goals through December 1st. pic.twitter.com/OKivlPyYrB

— Sam Reis (@SamuelReisTV) December 2, 2019

The Czech winger had eight shots in those three games, and those chances will eventually turn into goals once again. Plus, with the Bruins beginning a four-game road trip on Monday night, Boston will look to their go-to offensive genius to produce to overturn their current two-game losing streak.

Bump this on your speakers. 🔊

David Pastrnak (@pastrnak96) recommends it. pic.twitter.com/5gFLT7kgWe

— NHL (@NHL) December 2, 2019

One thing that will help Pastrnak is the return of Patrice Bergeron, who has been sidelined with a lower-body injury. Skating alongside Pastrnak and Brad Marchand, Bergeron’s return will have Boston’s top line back in business. When intact, it’s one of hockey’s most dominant trios.

The Old Faithful

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has been written off multiple times in his career, going back to the 2010-11 season when he “only” scored 32 goals. However, each time, he finds a way to bounce back. Just last June, he managed to parlay the eighth 50-goal season of his career into his eighth Rocket Richard Trophy.

CAPS TODAY: In his most recent game, Alex Ovechkin reached the 20-goal mark for his 15th consecutive season, joining a class that includes only Marcel Dionne, Mike Gartner, Jaromir Jagr and Mats Sundin. More info on Ovechkin and the Caps at https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/2aeaq8GTuE

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 3, 2019

With 20 goals in 31 games, he’s currently on pace for nearly 53 this season. Much like Pastrnak, playing on a successful, dominant team such as the Caps will only help Ovechkin in his quest for another goal-scoring title. At 22-4-5, the Caps are off to the best start in franchise history, and their 115 goals lead the league in that category.

Ovechkin leads the way – once again – with 147 shots and a 13.7% shooting percentage, which is about in line with his S% over the last seven seasons. Playing in that offense and taking that many shots, more goals are going to be coming his way.

The Contenders

When paired together, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid may well be the most dynamic duo in the entire NHL. They’re certainly crucial to the fate of the Oilers this year, with their combined 38 goals accounting for 39% of Edmonton’s output this season.

Connor McDavid (@cmcdavid97) ➡️ Leon Draisaitl. Money every time. pic.twitter.com/kRV1mmGtyU

— NHL (@NHL) December 2, 2019

But is one a better bet to win the Rocket Richard than the other? They’ve taken a similar number of shots, with McDavid edging Draisaitl slightly in this category, 106-99.

However, McDavid’s shooting percentage is at 17.9%, well above his career average of 15.1%, while Draisaitl is converting at 19.2%, north of his career rate of 16.4%.

Connor McDavid, doing Connor McDavid things. But Andy says nope.

Namestnikov called for a slash. #Sens head to the PK. pic.twitter.com/KgYNLb3r2D

— Hailey Salvian (@hailey_salvian) December 5, 2019

Both percentages should regress slightly over the course of the season, although Draisaitl did register his 50-goal campaign last year shooting at a 21.6% clip, so maybe that regression isn’t quite as dramatic as it could be.

With a career-high of 38 goals, it’s tough to see Pastrnak leading for the remainder of the season, while Ovechkin always seems to be in the conversation right to the end, making him the best pick at this point (+400).

Pick: Ovechkin (+400)