Best NHL Prop Bets & Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Today as Series Face Pivotal Moments

Written By Nick Crain | Published at May 10, 2026

May 8, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vegas Golden Knights celebrate the victory against the Anaheim Ducks following game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

If you’re looking for anytime goal scorer picks and player prop bets today, Sunday’s NHL playoff slate has a good mix of urgency and opportunity. The Canadiens and Sabres are tied 1-1 heading into Game 3 in Montreal, while the Golden Knights carry a 2-1 series lead over the Ducks. That gives this board a nice split between one series that feels wide open and another where Vegas is trying to tighten its grip.

For bettors searching for the best NHL anytime goal scorer predictions and the best NHL prop bets today, this is a strong spot to lean into top-line talent, plus-money swings and props tied directly to offensive involvement.

Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Today

Let's start with anytime goal scorer picks, where we look for high-value spots. It's not always just picking a team's best player, the relative odds also play a factor. Here are the best anytime goal scorer picks today.

Josh Norris Anytime Goal Scorer (+322 via BetMGM)

Norris is the big plus-money swing in the Montreal-Buffalo game, but that’s what makes him interesting. In a series that just shifted to Montreal after the Canadiens bounced back in Game 2, there’s value in targeting a skilled Buffalo scorer who can capitalize if the Sabres respond offensively. At this price, you’re not asking for a dominant performance. You’re betting on a player with enough finish in his game to cash one good chance.

Ivan Demidov Anytime Goal Scorer (+322 via FanDuel)

Demidov is the Montreal value look, and it fits the series setup. The Canadiens found their offense in Game 2 and now head home with momentum, which is exactly the kind of spot where a talented young scorer becomes appealing. At better than 3-to-1, this is the kind of one-shot value play that makes sense on a two-game slate.

Leo Carlsson Anytime Goal Scorer (+173 via BetMGM)

Carlsson is the cleanest goal-scorer look from the late game because Anaheim still has enough offensive punch to keep this series live. He already scored in the series earlier, and even with Vegas taking control in Game 3, he remains one of the Ducks’ most dangerous finishers. On a short slate, that kind of top-end role at plus money is hard to ignore.

Best NHL Prop Bets Today

Next, we'll take a look at other player props. Assists, points and shots on goal are always great options, so here are the best NHL player props today.

Tage Thompson Over 0.5 Assists (+125 via FanDuel)

This is a nice plus-money way to bet on Buffalo’s top offensive engine without needing him to finish the play himself. The Sabres were sloppy in Game 2, but they should come into Game 3 focused on cleaning that up, and if Buffalo gets back to generating quality offense, Thompson is one of the most likely players to help create it. One good sequence is all it takes.

Ivan Barbashev Over 0.5 Assists (+152 via BetMGM)

Barbashev is a strong plus-money assist angle because Vegas is still creating enough offense for its complementary forwards to matter. He doesn’t need a huge night to cash this, just one smart touch in a scoring sequence. In a series where the Golden Knights have already shown they can break games open, this is a good way to bet on a player who can benefit from the attention Vegas’ stars draw.

Jack Eichel Over 1.5 Points (+185 via FanDuel)

This is the aggressive prop on the board, but Eichel has the kind of role that makes it worth a shot. Vegas still runs so much through him offensively, and with the Golden Knights trying to push the Ducks deeper into a hole, this is the kind of game where their top center could stack production quickly. Multi-point props are never casual, but on a two-game slate, this is the type of ceiling worth chasing.

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This is a really solid two-game playoff board because the bets all line up with clear offensive roles. As these second-round series keep tightening up, that’s usually the best place to start. Be sure to check multiple sportsbooks to ensure you're getting the best odds.

All Odds as of 6:00 a.m. ET on May 10.