Mark Lammey
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After just a light 2-game slate last night, tonight is jam-packed with 12 matchups on the ice and there is action all throughout the evening. That also means plenty of games to analyze, which can certainly seem rather overwhelming. Not to worry — we’re here to help with that. More specifically, we’ve found our favorite spots to target in terms of player props. We’re focused on one of the early games and one of the nightcaps, so we’ve got you covered from start to finish.
Along with our best NHL player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today’s action.
Auston Matthews over 0.5 goals (-105)
There are a handful of skaters that most fans would identify as elite goalscorers, and it’s safe to say the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews would be on every list. He won the Rocket Richard Trophy just two seasons ago for the skater with the most goals in a season. In winning that award, he also became the first American-born skater to record a 60-goal season. So, seeing Matthews start the 2023-24 season with back-to-back hat-tricks should come as no surprise.
He was finally held scoreless in the Leafs’ most recent game, but now Matthews gets to bounce back in the most satisfying way possible. Toronto is taking on the Florida Panthers, who eliminated them from last season’s Stanley Cup playoffs. However, Matthews has been an absolute stud against the Panthers. He’s scored a goal in each of his last 4 regular season games against them, and 5 in total. Florida has also allowed nine goals across their last 2 games, and we see Matthews tallying one tonight as the first pick of our NHL prop bet picks.
Over 0.5 goals (-105) available at time of publishing. Playable to -125.
The Leafs are part of our NHL mega parlay for tonight at +956 odds
Mikko Rantanen over 1.5 points (+145)
Another skater who falls under the category of absolute stud is Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche. Unfortunately, he’s often overlooked thanks to Nathan MacKinnon, but not for us. Rantanen was a key piece of the Avs’ Stanley Cup run two seasons ago and has now helped them get off to a 3-0-0 start to the season. He had a ridiculous 4-point performance in their season opener, and tonight will be their home opener.
Colorado is always electric, but that will be the case even more so for the first game of the season on home ice. It also helps that they’ll be hosting the Chicago Blackhawks and all the hype that comes along with rookie phenom Connor Bedard. The 18-year-old has impressed so far, but we’re focused on Chicago’s goaltending and how Rantanen has torn it apart. In 3 of his last 4 games against the ‘Hawks, he’s recorded multiple points. Of course, it doesn’t hurt skating alongside guys like MacKinnon and Cale Makar. With the roll the Avs are on to begin the year, consider adding Rantanen to record multiple points to your NHL prop bet picks.
Over 1.5 points (+145) available at time of publishing. Playable to +125.
Read our full Chicago Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche predictions
