Ryan Hodges
Show Bio
The first round of the 2023-24 NHL playoffs has already seen some handshakes. There is an opportunity for more tonight. On Wednesday, there are just 2 games in store as the Golden Knights take on the Stars in Dallas, followed by the Kings taking on the Oilers in Edmonton. Vegas and Dallas each will look to take a 3-2 lead in that fantastic series, while Edmonton will look to close out Los Angeles. The action begins at 7:30 pm ET and makes for a heck of a night of playoff hockey. Here are our best NHL player prop bets for today, and you can also find our NHL predictions for each of today’s games.
Joe Pavelski, DAL, Over 0.5 points (-120)
Joe Pavelski has often proven that he is almost always worth taking the chance on. At 39 years old, Pavelski played all 82 games this season and had 27 goals and 67 points. He played the majority of the season on the top 2 lines, as well as the top power play. Just last postseason, he tallied 9 goals and 14 points in 14 games played, which followed up a nice 6-point performance in a shorter 7-game 2022 Stars postseason.
If there are any questions of Pavelski’s pedigree, he has firmly addressed those. That brings us to this series which is deadlocked at 2-2 and makes for a massively important next 2-3 games. In games where the stakes get higher and higher, these kinds of veterans are the players that coaches and teams lean on. Pavelski is still playing important minutes — both 5-on-5 and on the power play — with stellar teammates. Look for a top-notch effort out of Pavelski tonight to rise to the occasion and be a contributor.
Read our full Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars predictions
Leon Draisaitl, EDM, Over 0.5 goals (+110)
Another year, another 100+ point regular season and point per game postseason for Leon Draisaitl. With Draisaitl’s 3 goals and 8 points in 4 games this series, he is now up to 34 goals and 85 points in 53 career playoff games played. This guy shows up when it matters most and is a complete force on the ice. Any playoff demons the Oilers have over recent years has not been because of Draisaitl. This guy does his part, as well as the part of others.
Given his playoff track record and overall pedigree, this plus-money feels like solid value, even for a goalscorer prop which usually has higher odds. He has had 20+ minutes of ice time twice in this series, with the other 2 games averaging around 18 minutes. Draisaitl plays with fellow fantastic players both on his even-strength line and the top power play. The opportunities are there for him to contribute. This guy has dominated the Kings all year across the regular season and playoffs. There is no indication that tonight will be any different.
