NHL Props for Wednesday Dec. 20: This prop is a Capital idea

It's been a less-than-ideal start to our hockey betting week, which has me thinking it may be time for a shake-up. We have a small three-game slate, which on its surface doesn't look too appealing. I'm opting for a touch of creativity here, let's have some fun tonight in hockey.

.75u: Connor McMichael point (+154 DraftKings)

I completely understand if you have a puzzled look on your face, as those who don't follow the Washington Capitals may not be thinking of Connor McMichael too much. However, the 22-year old center has been one of Washington's more involved players at home lately.

Here's what I'm seeing. First, the New York Islanders are allowing 4.0 goals per game on the road over the past month and have allowed 3+ goals in 10 straight as the visitor. Factor in that they're on a back-to-back and off a big win against Edmonton, and it's not hard to envision a let-down spot here in Washington.

The Capitals have found a scoring groove of late at home, notching 3+ goals in six of their past seven. It's there that I really dug in, trying to gain an understanding of who has been most involved in that stretch of scoring.

By far, it's been Washington's second line of Connor McMichael, Aliaksei Protas and Sonny Milano. (Milano is now on IR, replaced with Anthony Mantha, who has 4 points at home in his past seven games.) Protas and McMichael have accounted for seven total goals between them in this stretch, and both are tied for the second-highest point totals at home this season for Washington.

To be honest, I would have liked to see a Protas point, but he's not offered, so we opt for the second-line center in McMichael at one hecl of a price. Oh and look at that, McMichael assisted a Protas goal against the Islanders the last time these two met.

Let's get weird here, what the heck.