Best NHL Player Props for Today

What is an NHL prop bet?

NHL prop bets (or proposition bets) focus on specific aspects of a hockey game that don’t necessarily relate to the final score. These wagers allow bettors to concentrate on individual player performances, team statistics or unique in-game events.

Prop bets are appealing because they shift the focus from broad game outcomes to more specific scenarios, offering a fresh way to engage with the action on the ice. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or you’re new to hockey betting, NHL props provide diverse options to match your preferences.

Reading Prop Betting Odds

Understanding how to read prop betting odds is essential for making informed wagers. Most sportsbooks use the American odds format, which shows potential payouts relative to a $100 bet. Here’s how to interpret these odds when betting on NHL player props:

• Positive Odds (+): These indicate how much profit you’d make on a $100 bet. For example, if a prop bet on Auston Matthews to score a goal is listed at +150, a $100 bet would yield $150 in profit if he scores.
• Negative Odds (-): Negative odds indicate the moneyline favorite team. These odds represent how much you’d need to bet to win $100. For instance, if betting on Igor Shesterkin to record over 30 saves is listed at -120, you’d need to bet $120 to make a $100 profit.
• Even Odds (+100): A $100 bet would result in $100 in profit, essentially doubling your money if the bet wins.

Understanding these odds helps you calculate both potential payouts and the implied probability of a bet. For example, odds of +150 imply about a 40% chance of success, while odds of -120 suggest a 54.5% chance. Always consider the implied probability when deciding if a bet offers good value.

Common Types of NHL Player Props

NHL player props allow bettors to focus on specific player performances and game-related outcomes. These wagers offer a variety of options, making them a favorite for hockey enthusiasts who want more than traditional betting markets.

In the following sections, we’ll explore popular categories for NHL player prop betting. Each section highlights the unique aspects of these bets, giving you the tools to make informed choices.

Anytime Goal Scorer Props

Anytime goal scorer props focus on whether a specific player will score a goal at any point during the game. This bet type is straightforward and popular because it emphasizes individual player performance rather than the overall team outcome.

Example: You decide to bet on David Pastrňák to score at least one goal during an upcoming game. If he finds the back of the net during that game, your bet wins, regardless of when or how many goals are scored by others.

These props are particularly exciting for bettors who follow key offensive players or who analyze matchups closely. Factors like a player’s recent form, power-play opportunities and the opposing goalie’s performance can significantly impact the likelihood of success.

Assists Props

Assists props focus on whether a specific player will record at least one assist during a game. This individual player prop betting option is ideal for those who follow playmakers who excel at setting up scoring opportunities rather than scoring themselves.

Example: You decide to bet on Leon Draisaitl to record at least one assist. If he sets up a teammate for a goal, your wager wins.

When considering assists props, factors like the player’s role on the power play, linemates’ scoring ability and recent performance are critical. These props add an extra layer of strategy by rewarding insight into team dynamics and player chemistry.

Total Goals Props

Total goals props revolve around the combined number of goals scored in a game by both teams. Bettors can wager on whether the total will exceed or fall short of a specific number set by the sportsbook.

Example: An online sportsbook sets the total goals line at 6.5 for a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Calgary Flames. You can bet on whether the total goals scored by both teams will go over (7 or more) or under (6 or fewer).

This prop bet offers a way to engage with the overall pace and scoring trends of a game without relying on a specific team or player. Key factors to analyze include offensive and defensive matchups, recent scoring trends and goalie performance.

Shots on Goal Props

Shots on goal props focus on the total number of shots a specific player will take during a game. These sports bets are popular among fans who follow high-volume shooters or anticipate a player taking an active role in generating offensive opportunities.

Example: You decide to wager on Alex Ovechkin to record over 4.5 shots on goal. If he takes 5 or more shots that the goalie saves or that result in a goal, your bet wins.

When betting on this prop, consider factors like the player’s shooting tendencies, the opposing team’s defensive strategies and whether the player is featured on the power play. This prop adds excitement by spotlighting aggressive offensive players and their impact on the game.

Power Play Points Props

Power play points props focus on whether a specific player will earn points during their team’s power play opportunities. A point can be earned by scoring a goal or registering an assist while on the power play.

Example: Betting on Cale Makar to record at least one power play point means your wager wins if he scores or assists during a power play.

This type of prop bet are great for bettors who study power play units and their efficiency. Key factors include the player’s role on the power play, their team’s success rate with the man advantage and the opposing team’s penalty-killing performance. This prop highlights the importance of special teams in hockey betting.

Goalie Saves Props

Goalie saves props focus on the total number of saves a goaltender makes during a game. This type of prop bet is popular among those who analyze matchups and the expected workload for each goalie.

Example: Betting on Andrei Vasilevskiy to make over 28.5 saves means your bet wins if he stops 29 or more shots on goal.

When evaluating these bets on players, consider the opposing team’s offensive firepower, the goalie’s recent performance and the anticipated pace of the game. Goalie saves props provide an exciting way to bet on defensive performances and goaltending skills.

NHL Player Futures Props

NHL player futures props focus on long-term outcomes related to individual player performances over a season or playoff series. These full-season prop bets often include milestones, awards, statistical achievements and outcomes for other future events.

Example: Betting on Connor Bedard to win the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year means your wager wins if he is named the league’s top rookie at the end of the hockey season.

These props require careful analysis of a player’s past performance, team dynamics, injury history and the season’s overall context. Futures props are ideal for bettors who enjoy tracking long-term storylines and predicting major accomplishments in the NHL.

NHL Draft & Free Agency Props

NHL draft and free agency props focus on predicting outcomes related to player selections, trades or signings during these pivotal off-season events. These bets are ideal for those who follow team needs, player rankings and front-office strategies.

Example: Betting on which team will sign a high-profile free agent like Auston Matthews in free agency means your wager wins if he joins the team you predicted.

These props require insight into team rosters, salary cap situations and scouting reports. They add excitement to the off-season by allowing experienced bettors to speculate on the moves shaping the future of the league.

Parlay Betting & Props

Parlay betting combines multiple wagers, including NHL props, into a single bet, offering higher payouts but increasing the risk since all selections must win. Adding player or game props to parlay bets can create unique and rewarding betting opportunities.

Example: Combining a bet on Sidney Crosby to score a goal, Igor Shesterkin to make over 30 saves and the total goals in an individual game to exceed 6.5 creates a multi-leg parlay with higher potential rewards. If each leg of this parlay hits, your bet will payout.

This form of betting allows you to mix various prop markets for creative and high-stakes wagers. However, because the risk multiplies with each added selection, it’s essential to evaluate each component carefully. Parlays are a fun way to increase engagement but should be approached with a solid understanding of the odds and potential outcomes.

Additional NHL Prop Betting Markets

In addition to player-specific props, NHL prop betting offers a wide range of options that focus on broader game or team-related outcomes. These markets provide bettors with diverse opportunities to engage with the action and tailor their wagers to specific preferences.

The following sections will explore the other popular NHL prop betting markets. Each category highlights unique betting opportunities that go beyond traditional wagers, adding depth and excitement to your overall NHL betting experience.

Game Props

Game props focus on specific events or outcomes within a single NHL game, rather than individual player performances or the final score. These bets offer a variety of creative ways to engage with the game’s action.

Example: Betting on whether the game will go to overtime, the total number of penalties called in a game or which team will score first creates an opportunity to focus on unique game dynamics and scenarios.

Game props are ideal for bettors who want to explore diverse aspects of gameplay beyond traditional bets. To improve your chances, analyze team tendencies, referee styles and recent trends in similar matchups.

Team Props

Team props focus on specific outcomes or achievements by an NHL team during a single game, providing options beyond the final score. Team prop bets allow you to wager on team-specific scenarios, creating exciting opportunities to engage with broader gameplay elements.

Example: Betting on a team to score the first goal, win the most faceoffs or record more power-play goals than their opponent highlights team performance metrics rather than individual contributions.

Team prop bets are perfect for bettors who follow team trends, strategies and performance patterns. Factors that affect the entire team like recent form, head-to-head matchups and special teams efficiency are crucial when considering these wagers.

Wagering on NHL Props at Online Sportsbooks

Betting on NHL props at online sportsbooks offers convenience and access to a wide variety of markets. From player-specific wagers to team and game-related props, online sportsbooks provide numerous options for tailoring your bets.

• Choose a Trusted Sportsbook: Select a reputable sportsbook or mobile sports betting app that offers a wide range of NHL props and competitive odds. Popular options in the online sports betting industry include DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook.
• Navigate to NHL Props: Find the NHL section in the sportsbook menu, then browse through the prop betting markets for specific games or events.
• Analyze the Odds: Review the available props, compare odds and consider the implied probabilities before placing your sports bets.
• Place Your Bet: Enter your wager amount on your digital bet slip, confirm your selection and enjoy the action.

Online sportsbooks also allow you to track bets in real time, making it easy to follow the progress of your wagers. For the best experience, use platforms that offer user-friendly interfaces, live updates and helpful betting tools. Always ensure you gamble responsibly and within your limits.

Prop Betting Strategies & Tips

Successful prop betting requires a combination of research, strategy and discipline. Whether you’re betting on NHL player props or other markets, these prop betting tips can help improve your chances of making profitable wagers.

• Research Trends & Injury Updates: Analyze recent performances, injury reports for star players and matchups. For example, a player on a hot streak or facing a weaker opponent might have better chances of hitting their props.
• Understand the Betting Market: Look for inefficiencies in prop lines. Smaller markets like NHL props may have softer odds, offering opportunities to find value.
• Focus on Key Metrics: For player props, consider factors such as ice time, power-play usage and shooting tendencies. For team props, analyze metrics like penalty kill efficiency or home/away splits.
• Shop for the Best Odds: Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks to maximize potential payouts. Small differences in odds can significantly impact long-term profitability.
• Avoid Overloading Parlays: While combining props into parlays can increase payouts, the risk also rises. Stick to single bets or small parlays to manage your exposure.
• Monitor Game Context: Consider game flow factors such as team motivations, potential blowouts or divisional rivalries, which can impact prop outcomes.
• Consider Using Our NHL Picks: Our computer-generated picks can provide valuable insights to help you make data-driven and informed betting decisions when it comes to placing player prop bets.
• Use Sportsbook Bonuses & Promo Codes: Take advantage of promotional offers to increase your bankroll, giving you more opportunities to explore prop markets without added risk.

By applying these strategies, you can approach NHL prop betting with a more informed and methodical mindset, increasing your chances of long-term success.

Conclusion

NHL player props offer an exciting way to engage with hockey games by focusing on individual player performances, team achievements and specific game scenarios. From goals and assists to power-play points and goalie saves, these bets provide diverse opportunities for every type of bettor.

Prop betting adds depth to NHL games and allows fans to enjoy the sport from a fresh perspective. With careful research and discipline, you can turn these unique wagers into rewarding opportunities throughout the regular season.

NHL Player Props: Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a prop bet in hockey?

One example of a prop bet in hockey is the “Anytime Goal-Scoring” prop, which allows you to bet on whether a player will score a goal in a single NHL game. The odds for this type of bet vary based on the player’s profile and opponent’s strength.

How do you win a prop bet?

Understanding player and team performance, analyzing odds and exploiting market inefficiencies are key strategies for success in NHL prop betting.

What is the Winning Margin bet in the NHL?

The Winning Margin bet involves predicting the goal difference between the winning and losing teams at the end of regular time. For example, selecting a team to win the Stanley Cup by a specific goal margin means predicting that the team will score that many more goals than its opponent.

What sportsbook has the best NHL player props?

The online sportsbooks with the best NHL player props include FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook. These fan-favorite sportsbooks offer a wide range of hockey player prop markets including goals, game props, team total, assists, points and shots/saves.

What happens to a prop bet if the player doesn’t play?

If an NHL player doesn’t play, the prop bet can be voided depending on the sportsbook’s rules. However, if the player participates in the game to a minimal extent, such as playing a single snap, the bet may still stand.