Best NHL Prop Bets & Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Today in New Western Conference Series
If you’re looking for anytime goal scorer picks or player props today, the start of a new playoff series is usually one of the best times to attack the board. Game 1 between the Golden Knights and Avalanche brings two loaded teams, plenty of star power, and a matchup that should feature no shortage of offensive talent on both sides.
That’s what makes this such a fun spot for NHL anytime goal scorer predictions today and some of the best NHL prop bets today. With a fresh series, elite scorers, and a lot of players who naturally drive offense, this is the kind of slate where NHL prop bets can get especially interesting right away.
Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Today
Starting with anytime goal scorers, all it takes is finding the back of the net once. Here's the best anytime goal scorer picks today.
Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goal Scorer (-110 via FanDuel)
MacKinnon is the cleanest goal-scoring look on the board because Colorado’s offense still runs right through him. In a series opener at home, it’s easy to see the Avalanche leaning on their biggest star early and often. He’s one of the most dangerous attackers in hockey, and he doesn’t need much room to create a finish. On a one-game slate, sometimes the best move is not overthinking the most obvious star angle, and MacKinnon fits that perfectly.
Jack Eichel Anytime Goal Scorer (+202 via BetMGM)
Eichel is a really appealing plus-money option because he’s the clear offensive engine for Vegas. If the Golden Knights are going to steal Game 1 on the road, there’s a strong chance their top center is in the middle of it. He can score off the rush, create his own look, and take over stretches of a game when he’s feeling it. At better than 2-to-1, this is a strong number on a player with true star-level scoring upside.
Mitch Marner Anytime Goal Scorer (+205 via FanDuel)
Marner is known more for creating chances than finishing them, but that’s part of what makes this price attractive. Defenses have to respect his playmaking first, which can open up some really clean scoring windows for him. In a series like this, where both teams have so much top-end talent, it makes sense to back players who are going to be on the ice in all the key offensive moments. Marner checks that box, and this is a nice plus-money way to bet on his upside.
Best NHL Prop Bets Today
Next, let's take a look at other player props to lean on. Here are the best NHL player props today.
Cale Makar Over 0.5 Assists (-165 via BetMGM)
This is one of the cleaner role bets on the board. Makar is too central to Colorado’s offense not to like in an assist market like this, especially at home in a Game 1. He drives so much from the blue line, gets involved in transition, and is always a threat to set up a scoring play with one touch. He doesn’t need a huge game to cash this. One productive offensive sequence is enough, and that’s why this prop makes a lot of sense.
Gabriel Landeskog Over 0.5 Points (-177 via BetMGM)
Landeskog is a really solid points play because he gives you more than one path to cash. He can score one himself, he can pick up an assist around the crease, or he can benefit from the chaos that Colorado’s top line tends to create. In a playoff opener, veteran players with big roles are usually some of the safest bets to stay involved. Landeskog fits that mold, and a half-point line is a straightforward way to back his overall impact.
Martin Necas Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-140 via FanDuel)
Necas is a strong shots-on-goal angle because he’s the kind of player who should stay aggressive in a series like this. Colorado is going to need more than just MacKinnon and Makar to pressure Vegas consistently, and Necas has the speed and skill to generate chances on his own. Three shots is a very fair number for a player with his offensive role, especially in what could be a fast, open game with plenty of transition chances.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days This is the kind of one-game playoff slate where trusting stars and trusting usage is usually the best way to go. If you’re looking for best NHL prop bets today, this card has a nice mix of star power, plus-money value, and strong role-based plays to build around. 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 19.