Best NHL Props for Today

Reading NHL Betting Odds

Understanding the American odds format is essential for betting on NHL props. American odds show you how much money you can win from a bet, based on $100 wagers:

• Positive NHL Odds (+): Positive odds indicate how much profit you’ll earn from a $100 bet. For example, if Connor McDavid’s odds to score a goal are +150, an initial stake of $100 wins $150 profit.
• Negative NHL Odds (-): Negative odds show how much you need to bet to win $100. If Igor Shesterkin has -120 odds to make over 25 saves during game time, you would bet $120 to win $100 profit.

American odds help you quickly see potential payouts and determine the implied likelihood of each bet. Knowing how to interpret these odds can give you an advantage when betting NHL player props or other props.

Popular Types of NHL Player Props

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

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

Total Points

Player total points props involve choosing the combined number of goals and assists a specific player will record during an NHL game. The sportsbook sets a point line and you wager whether the player’s total will go over or under that number.

When choosing these NHL player props, consider factors such as a player’s recent form, ice time and historical performances against the opposing team. High-scoring players or those heavily involved in offensive situations often attract attention in this market.

Example: Auston Matthews has a total points line set at 1.5 against the Montreal Canadiens. If you think Matthews will record two or more points (goals plus assists combined), bet the over. If you believe he’ll finish with one or fewer points, bet the under. If Matthews scores one goal and adds one assist, that’s two total points, making the over the winning bet.

Total Power Plays

This prop bet focuses on how many power-play points (goals and assists) a player will earn during a game. This bet targets players who regularly feature on their team’s power-play unit, especially those known for scoring or assisting frequently when their team has the man advantage.

Before placing this NHL player prop bet, check the player’s recent performance, their team’s efficiency and the opponent’s penalty-killing effectiveness. Players who consistently contribute on special teams present strong betting options.

Example: Leon Draisaitl has a power-play points line set at 0.5 points in a game against the Vancouver Canucks. If you bet the over, Draisaitl must record at least one power-play goal or assist. If you wager the under, you win if he has zero power-play points.

Total Saves

This NHL player prop involves betting on the number of saves a goalie makes during a hockey game. Sportsbooks set a total line and bettors wager whether the goalie’s total saves will be over or under that number.

Consider factors like recent save totals, the defensive quality of their team and how often the opposing team typically shoots on goal. Goalies facing opponents that generate high shot totals are ideal targets for the over.

Example: Igor Shesterkin’s saves total is set at 28.5 against the Boston Bruins. For this NHL player prop, if you bet the over, Shesterkin must record 29 or more saves to win your bet. A bet on the under means you think he will make 28 saves or fewer.

Total Assists

This prop involves betting on the number of assists a specific player records in a game. Sportsbooks set an assist total line and bettors predict whether the player’s actual assist total will finish over or under that number.

With this NHL player prop bet, consider a player’s role on offense, play time, linemates and recent performance. Players known for playmaking or consistently playing alongside strong scorers can be excellent bets in this market.

Example: Sidney Crosby’s assists total is set at 0.5 against the New Jersey Devils. Betting the over means Crosby needs at least one assist to win this player prop. Choosing the under means you believe he’ll have zero assists.

Player To Score First Goal

These props involve wagering on which player will score the first goal of an NHL game. Unlike other props, there are multiple betting options since every player on both teams can potentially score first. Because of this, odds are usually higher, offering bigger payouts.

When choosing this NHL player prop, focus on players who regularly start games, receive significant time on the ice and frequently take shots on goal. Top-line forwards are usually the best bets.

Example: Nathan MacKinnon has odds of +800 to score the first goal in a game between the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild. If you place a $100 player prop on MacKinnon and he scores the game’s opening goal, you’d win $800 in profit.

Parlay Prop Bets

Parlay betting with NHL props involves combining multiple prop bets into one wager to boost potential winnings. Each selection (or “leg”) must be correct for the parlay to pay out. Even one incorrect bet causes the entire parlay to lose. There are both same-game parlays and mixed-game parlays available.

Sports fans often combine props they feel strongly about, such as total points, assists or saves from different players or games. Parlays increase potential returns but also increase risk, so carefully choose your bets.

Example: You build a three-leg NHL parlay including Connor McDavid over six points (+110), Auston Matthews to score a goal (+120) and Igor Shesterkin over 28.5 saves (-115). If all three NHL player prop bets hit, your payout will be much higher than individual options.

Additional NHL Prop Betting Markets

In addition to NHL player props, there’s a wide range of options that focus on broader game or team-related outcomes.

Each of the following NHL prop markets highlight unique betting opportunities, adding depth to your overall NHL betting experience all season long:

Game Props

Game props are bets on specific outcomes or scenarios within a hockey game, unrelated to the final score or winning team. These NHL prop bets focus on events during the game, such as total goals scored, overtime possibilities or special teams’ performance.

Example: A sportsbook sets the line for total goals scored between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers at 6.5. If you believe the two teams will combine for at least seven goals, choose the over. If you expect six or fewer, choose the under.

Team Props

Team props involve betting on specific team dynamics and outcomes within an NHL game, independent of the game’s outcome. These NHL prop bets often include options like a team’s total goals, whether they’ll score first or performance metrics like total power-play goals.

Example: The Detroit Red Wings have a goals line set at 3.5 against the Anaheim Ducks due to their recent scoring trends. Wagering on the over means the Red Wings must score four or more goals to win. Betting the under means they must score three or fewer goals.

How To Get Started With NHL Betting

Betting on NHL props at an online sports betting site offers convenience and access to a wide variety of markets. Simply follow these easy steps to get started with your preferred sports betting site or mobile app:

• Choose a Sportsbook: Select a reputable sportsbook or mobile sports betting app that offers a wide range of NHL props and competitive odds. Top sportsbooks in the online sports betting industry include DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook.
• Navigate to the NHL Props: Find the NHL section in the sportsbook menu, then browse through the NHL player prop or team prop betting markets for specific upcoming games or events.
• Analyze the NHL Betting Odds: Review the available props, compare NHL odds to find the best 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 NHL action during game day.

Online sportsbooks also allow you to track bets in real time with live NHL odds, 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 tools, whether you’re betting on the NHL or other sports.

Our Top NHL 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 top NHL prop betting tips can help you stay ahead and improve your chances of being profitable throughout the NHL regular season:

• Research Trends & Injury Updates: Analyze relevant NHL news, recent performances, injury reports and head-to-head matchups.
• Focus on Key Metrics: Consider factors such as time on ice, shooting tendencies, penalty kill efficiency or home/away splits.
• Shop for the Best Odds: Compare the NHL betting odds across multiple sportsbooks to get the best price and maximize potential payouts. Small differences in the NHL odds can significantly impact long-term profitability.
• Consider Using Our NHL Picks: Our top NHL computer picks can provide valuable insights to help you make data-driven and informed decisions when it comes to placing player prop bets.
• Use Sportsbook Bonuses & Promo Codes: Take advantage of promo codes and bonus offers to increase your bankroll.

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

Conclusion

NHL props add extra excitement and variety to hockey games, giving fans new ways to engage with the National Hockey League.

By focusing on specific outcomes and performances beyond the game’s outcome, sports fans can find unique opportunities to turn their knowledge of hockey into profit.

NHL 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 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, BetMGM 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.