Freedman’s Favorite NHL Matchup (Jan. 19): Artemi Panarin vs. Cam Atkinson

Each day, I publish at least one quick-n’-dirty piece highlighting a favorite prop of mine.

For more information on my research process and the resources I use, see the master list of my 2019 prop bets.

2019 Year-to-Date Record

13-9-2, +11.83 Units

• Golf: 2-1-0, +1.30 Units
• NFL: 3-4-0, +6.35 Units
• NBA: 4-2-0, +1.73 Units
• NHL: 4-1-2, +3.45 Units
• NCAAF: 0-1-0. -1.00 Units

Freedman’s Favorite NHL Matchup for Saturday, Jan. 19: Artemi Panarin vs. Cam Atkinson, More Points

• Artemi Panarin: +135
• Cam Atkinson: -165

The ice has been kind to us this year, so we're returning to the NHL for Saturday night's Wild-Blue Jackets game (9 p.m. ET).

Panarin and Atkinson are both Columbus wingers, and they skate on the same forward and power play lines, meaning that this matchup could easily end in a push.

But I see too much value in Panarin not to invest.

Per the FantasyLabs NHL Models, Panarin has markedly outproduced his teammate over the past 12 months.

• Panarin: 1.19 points, 20.11 time on ice, 17.95 Corsi For
• Atkinson: 0.99 points, 19.80 time on ice, 15.06 Corsi For

For the season, Panarin has averages 1.16 points per game to Atkinson's 1.04.

Panarin has also had the clear edge over the past month.

• Panarin: 1.29 points, 20.41 time on ice, 18.42 Corsi For
• Atkinson: 1.0 points, 20.66 time on ice, 16.25 Corsi For

Since joining the Blue Jackets in 2017, Panarin has scored 1.06 points per game; Atkinson has averaged 0.85 over that same span.

Panarin is probably the better player, and he's at plus odds. It's hard not to bet on him.

I would bet on Panarin down to +115.

The Pick: Panarin (+135)

Matthew Freedman is the Editor-in-Chief of FantasyLabs. He has a dog and sometimes a British accent. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he’s known only as The Labyrinthian.