Bruins vs Stars Player Props: Pastrnak Faces a Defensive Wall

Pastrnak has registered 34 shots through nine games this season, averaging approximately 3.8 per appearance. He's reached at least four shots seven times, including four of his last five games.

That's impressive consistency.

The Czech winger has also been producing offensively, recording 12 points in nine appearances. He's currently riding a five-game point streak, including consecutive two-point performances against Anaheim and Los Angeles.

However, there's a reason I'm more interested in his shots than another goal.

Dallas has been exceptionally difficult to break down. The Stars are allowing approximately 22.6 shots per game, one of the lowest figures in the league, while conceding just 1.5 goals per appearance.

Oettinger has been outstanding, too. His three shutouts include Saturday's 4-0 victory against Chicago, when the Blackhawks managed just 19 shots.

Those numbers make a Pastrnak goal prediction considerably less appealing.

But shooting volume is a different proposition.

Pastrnak remains the focal point of Boston's offense, playing alongside Morgan Geekie and Pavel Zacha on the top line. He's averaging nearly 20 minutes per game and remains heavily involved on the power play.

Even when Boston's offense struggles, Pastrnak generally finds opportunities to shoot. He registered five shots in the Bruins' 4-1 defeat against Minnesota earlier this month, demonstrating that his shooting volume isn't entirely dependent on team success.

Dallas will certainly make things difficult, but four shots aren't beyond reach.

My preferred position is David Pastrnak to record at least four shots on goal, assuming the contract becomes available.

I'd estimate his probability of reaching that mark at approximately 50–54%, making an entry price of 46¢ or lower worth considering.

That's a considerably more cautious assessment than his seven-for-nine record might suggest, but Dallas deserves respect. The Stars have been exceptional at limiting shooting opportunities, and Boston could find itself spending more time defending than usual.

Pastrnak was also held to three shots against Los Angeles on Saturday, showing that even his impressive consistency has limits.

Nevertheless, his offensive responsibilities, recent form and willingness to shoot provide enough encouragement to consider the trade at the right price.