Best NHL Prop Bets & Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Today on Opening Day of Playoffs

If you’re looking for anytime goal scorer and player prop picks today, the first day of the NHL playoffs delivers exactly what bettors want. We're getting meaningful hockey, real urgency and three high-stakes games packed with star power.

The regular season is over, the margin for error is gone, and every shift starts to carry more weight once the postseason begins. That makes this a great slate to target players whose offensive roles are clear and whose teams will be leaning heavily on them right away.

For bettors seeking for NHL anytime goal scorer predictions and the best NHL prop bets today, this card is built around proven scorers, playmakers and playoff-tested offensive drivers.

Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Today

Sebastian Aho Anytime Goal Scorer (+200 via DraftKings)

Aho is a strong opening-round goal scorer target because he remains the offensive heartbeat of Carolina. He is dangerous off the rush, sharp around the slot, and the kind of player who can score without needing a ton of clean looks. In playoff hockey, where chances can be tighter, that matters. At plus money, backing Carolina’s top-line center to find the net is a solid way to attack Game 1.

Jason Robertson Anytime Goal Scorer (+120 via FanDuel)

Robertson is always one of the cleaner anytime goal scorer bets on any slate because his game is built around finishing. He doesn't need a huge volume night to make one count, and Dallas will need its best scorers to show up right away against Minnesota. He is calm in scoring areas, dangerous in the offensive zone and exactly the type of winger worth backing once the playoffs begin as an anytime goal scorer today.

Bryan Rust Anytime Goal Scorer (+200 via DraftKings)

Rust is a good plus-money look because he plays the kind of game that tends to translate well in the postseason. He is active, opportunistic and often finds himself around quality chances when Pittsburgh’s top offensive players are creating pressure. With so much attention likely going toward Sidney Crosby and the Penguins’ bigger names, Rust is the kind of secondary scorer who can make this number pay off.

Best NHL Prop Bets Today

Brady Tkachuk Over 0.5 Assists (+155 via FanDuel)

Tkachuk is known first for his physicality and scoring touch, but he also creates plenty through sheer pressure and chaos. He draws defenders in, keeps plays alive, and can turn one strong offensive-zone shift into a helper. In a playoff setting, that style becomes even more valuable. At plus money, this is a nice way to player prop bet on Ottawa’s captain impacting the game without needing to score himself.

Mats Zuccarello Over 0.5 Assists (+125 via DraftKings)

Zuccarello makes a lot of sense in this market because playmaking is still one of the defining parts of his game. He sees the ice well, he is comfortable facilitating offense and he is the type of winger who can cash this with one quality pass in a tight game. In a series opener where stars and veteran creators matter, this is a very reasonable plus-money assist look.

Sidney Crosby Over 1.5 Points (+170 via FanDuel)

This is an aggressive prop, but Crosby is exactly the kind of player worth taking a swing on in a playoff opener. He is still one of the smartest offensive players in hockey, and he has always had the ability to control the tone of a game when the stakes rise. Multi-point props are never easy, but Pittsburgh will be asking a lot from Crosby in this spot, and he still has the vision and overall offensive feel to deliver a big night.

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The first day of the playoffs always brings a little extra intensity, and that is what makes this such an interesting NHL prop bets slate. As always, be sure to check out multiple sportsbooks to ensure you're getting the best odds.

All Odds as of 6:00 a.m. ET on April 18