Best NHL Prop Bets & Anytime Goal Scorer Picks in Lone Contest

Written By Nick Crain | Published at May 16, 2026
May 12, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson (72) scores a goal on a bad bounce while dumping the puck in the corner during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

If you’re looking for anytime goal scorer picks or player props today, Saturday’s NHL playoff slate is all about pressure because there’s only one game on the board and Buffalo is skating to keep its season alive. Montreal heads home up 3-2 in the series, so a Canadiens win ends it, while a Sabres victory pushes this thing to Game 7.

That kind of setup is perfect for player markets because the stars are going to carry even more weight, and there is not much room for anyone to ease into the game. For readers searching for NHL anytime goal scorer predictions today and the best NHL prop bets today, this is a good board to trust top-line usage, power-play involvement and the players most likely to stay around the puck in a high-stakes environment.

Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Today

Starting with goal scorers, these are a game that bring out the best of the best. In a potential closeout game, lean on players who are built for the moment for the best anytime goal scorers today.

Tage Thompson Anytime Goal Scorer (+181 via BetMGM)

Thompson is the cleanest Buffalo goal-scorer look because if the Sabres are going to force a Game 7, there is a strong chance their biggest offensive weapon is right in the middle of it. He is the kind of scorer who can beat a goalie from distance, cash in on the power play, or turn one clean look into a goal without needing a ton of volume. In an elimination game, Buffalo’s best players should be leaned on heavily, and this is a fair plus-money number on the Sabres’ top finisher.

Nick Suzuki Anytime Goal Scorer (+190 via DraftKings)

Suzuki makes a lot of sense from the Montreal side because he is the type of player who tends to show up when the pressure rises. He drives offense, gets key touches, and gives the Canadiens a player they can trust in big moments. On home ice with a chance to close the series, Montreal is going to rely on its core guys to set the tone, and Suzuki is one of the most important of them. At this number, backing the captain in a potential clincher feels very reasonable.

Alexandre Texier Anytime Goal Scorer (+462 via BetMGM)

Texier is the value swing on the board, and this is exactly the kind of one-game slate where a longer-shot scorer can be worth the gamble. You are not betting on him to dominate the game. You are betting on one moment, one rebound, one loose puck, or one finish off secondary pressure. At a price this big, a player who can benefit from attention flowing toward Buffalo’s bigger offensive names is always worth a look.

Best NHL Prop Bets Today

In terms of player props, taking assists, points and shots on goal are the cleanest to predict. As such, here are the best NHL player props today.

Lane Hutson Over 0.5 Assists (-168 via DraftKings)

This is one of the cleaner role bets on the board because Hutson drives so much of Montreal’s offense from the back end. He touches the puck constantly, gets involved in transition, and has the kind of vision that makes one assist a very reachable number. In a game where the Canadiens should be attacking with confidence at home, this is a straightforward way to bet on one of their most important play-drivers without needing him to score himself.

Rasmus Dahlin Over 0.5 Points (-155 via DraftKings)

Dahlin is a strong point prop because Buffalo needs offense from everywhere, and that starts with its top defenseman helping to create and finish sequences. The beauty of this market is that he has more than one path to cash. He can score one himself, or he can pick up an assist if Buffalo gets one of its better offensive shifts going. In a must-win environment, players with that kind of all-around involvement are usually the safest places to start.

Cole Caufield Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-185 via BetMGM)

Caufield is a very logical shots-on-goal play because Montreal’s best path to ending the series is continuing to lean on its most dangerous shooter. He does not need a multi-point night to cash this. He just needs to stay aggressive and keep firing when the puck finds him. Three shots is a very fair ask for a player with his role, especially in a game where the Canadiens should be looking to attack and avoid giving Buffalo extra life.

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This is the kind of playoff slate where trusting role and trusting game script usually leads you in the right direction. With Montreal trying to close and Buffalo trying to survive, there should be plenty of action tied to the stars and plenty of reason to like these player markets. As always, be sure to check multiple sportsbooks to ensure you get the best odds.

All Odds as of 11:59 p.m. ET on May 15.