Mark Lammey
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The opening night of the NHL with back-to-back-to-back games certainly did not disappoint, and we already had a surprising upset with the Blackhawks taking down the Penguins. Until we get a better feel for how teams are going to look, it can be difficult to back winners. That’s why we’ve also provided NHL player prop bets for today. We have a great 6-game slate on deck, and we’re targeting one of the first puck drops. So, let’s not waste any time and dive into our two favorite spots. Along with our best NHL player props, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today’s action.
William Nylander over 0.5 goals (+140)
When most fans think of the Toronto Maple Leafs, they generally immediately think of Auston Matthews, and rightfully so. It was just two seasons ago when Matthews led the NHL in goals scored and became the first American-born skater to record a 60-goal season. However, he’s not the only one on a star-studded team that can find the back of the net. William Nylander is no stranger to doing so, as he and Matthews were tied for the team lead with 40 goals last season. He’s also not afraid to take his chances, as his 327 shots were more than even Matthews last year.
Nylander put those shots to good use against the Montreal Canadiens, as he scored a goal in three of their four meetings last season. That’s who the Leafs face to open their season, and they’ll be on home ice. We wouldn’t be surprised if Matthews finds the back of the net, but the price difference is significant. Montreal allowed the fourth-most goals per game last season and made no goaltender upgrades in the offseason, so we’re expecting a big night from a Toronto team with big expectations once again.
Over 0.5 goals (+140) available at time of publishing. Playable to +120.
Read our full Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs predictions
Leon Draisaitl over 1.5 points (+120)
Much like fans think of Matthews when the Leafs are mentioned, nearly every fan’s attention turns to Connor McDavid when the Edmonton Oilers are brought up. There’s virtually nothing McDavid hasn’t done other than win a Cup at this point, but it can be argued that he wouldn’t have achieved all his accolades and accomplishments if not for Leon Draisaitl by his side. For the second straight season, the duo finished first and second in the NHL in points. Of course, McDavid’s 153 overshadowed everyone, but Draisaitl’s 128 was still remarkable.
The duo now gets to face the Vancouver Canucks to start their 2023-24 campaign, which bodes well for them. The Canucks struggled last season after looking to be on the come-up two years ago and allowed the eighth-most goals per game. Draisaitl and the Oilers faced them early in the season last year, just one day shy of exactly a year ago in fact, and recorded 3 points in that matchup. That’s also how Draisaitl ended the regular season last year, and we expect him to roll that momentum in tonight’s game.
Over 1.5 points (+120) available at time of publishing. Playable to +100.
Read our full Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks predictions
