NHL Friday bets: Backing a pair of studs in the lone game tonight

We have just one NHL game tonight and 15 tomorrow as this weird week of hockey scheduling continues. In the spirit of just one matchup, we'll opt for a touch of simplicity, loading up the two studs on both ends to find some offensive production this evening.

1u: Jack Hughes & Tage Thompson 3+ shots (-125 FanDuel)

The Devils are allowing the third-most shots to centers over the past 10 games, which makes Tage Thompson look all the better, and the Sabres have been most vulnerable to wings, which is where Jack Hughes is skating at the moment.

Check one box. Then a simple look at these two's recent production and history against each other makes it seem all the better for a simple play tonight.

Hughes has 3+ shots in six straight games, with 4+ in three of his last five. He's averaged 4.0 SOG per game in his past six meetings with the Sabres, often landing on four or 5+ shots.

As for Thompson, he's steady at 3+ shots, hitting the mark in nine straight home games. He's also hit the mark in five of his past six games against New Jersey.

.5u: Hughes & Thompson goals (+550 ESPN)

The over does seem likely to hit tonight, and if it does, we like both of these players to get involved. Hughes has five goals in his past four games and six goals in his past six against the Sabres. In Buffalo, Hughes has a goal in three straight, tallying four total.

Thompson has three goals in his past six at home and a goal in two of his past three against the Devils. At home against New Jersey, Thompson has three goals in his last three.

ESPN was kind enough to boost this combo to score to +550, so be sure you head there for this one, and good luck tonight!