Two assists props to bet on Friday night in NHL

When betting on NHL props, the eyes tend to either go to shots on goal, goals or points. I've loved points bets, but you typically need to parlay at least two of them, given the odds.

One prop hasn't gotten the attention it deserves, something I'd like to change. Assists.

There is some great value on assists props, and there's two Friday I like, both at plus-money.

Jakub Voracek

Columbus has been rolling of late, winners of four straight. While Patrik Laine has gotten a lot of the attention (and deservedly so), Jakub Voracek is a big reason for the Blue Jackets' scoring success.

Columbus is scoring wherever they are. Friday they're on the road, averaging the most goals per game in their past 10 at 4.2, a number that stays the same when looking at just the past five games.

Voracek has an assist in eight of his last nine games, including two Thursday night against Florida. On the road, Voracek has six assists in his last six, bringing terrific consistency to the table.

Let's address two potential concerns: playing on a back-to-back and playing against Carolina.

We'll start with the Hurricanes, who have been stingy to goals at home, allowing just 2.8 per game in their past 10.

Despite that, these teams have a familiarity with each other, and Columbus has had success against the Canes recently, scoring 10 total goals in their past two meetings this season. Frederik Andersen is expected in goal for Carolina, and he's having a great season, but he let up four goals to the Blue Jackets a few weeks ago before getting pulled from the game.

Now to the second layer of concern, Voracek and Columbus have played on six back-to-backs so far this season. The team has averaged 3.83 goals per game in these instances, and Voracek has an assist in four of the six games.

I'm convinced, and I love these odds for the Blue Jackets RW.

Best Bet: Voracek 1+ assist (+122 FanDuel)

Jesper Bratt

The Devils game Friday offers a lot of potential for scoring and is one I want a piece of.

New Jersey is averaging 5.0 goals per game on the road in their past five, including six Thursday night against Pittsburgh.

On the other end is a Chicago team allowing 4.0 goals per game in their past five at home, which is sixth-most.

Further aiding the expected onslaught of Jersey scoring is Kevin Lankinen, the Blachawks netminder for the evening. He's allowing 3.41 goals per game in his starts this season, and has allowed teams to score four-plus goals in three straight.

Now, to Jesper Bratt. Bratt has nine assists in his past 10 road games.

He's got seven points in his last five back-to-backs and is heavily involved in Devils scoring every night.

With plus-odds, I like this value a ton for a game I may end up taking New Jersey to go over their team total.

Best Bet: Bratt 1+ assist (+104 FanDuel)