There’s a three-game slate on the ice tonight, and my top NHL player props have you covered for all the matchups.
It all begins with a Montreal Canadiens-Washington Capitals Game 2 showdown kick-starting the action.
The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are also playing a pivotal third game at Ball Arena in the second wave, while the nightcap features the Edmonton Oilers looking to tie their series against the Los Angeles Kings.
Let's dive into my NHL picks for April 23.
NHL player prop bets today
Montembeault o24.5 saves (-128 at Sports Interaction)
Nichushkin o0.5 goals (+195 at Sports Interaction)
Doughty o1.5 blocked shots (-128 at Sports Interaction)
Best NHL player prop bets for April 23
Sam Montembeault Over 24.5 saves (-128 at Sports Interaction)
Montreal Canadiens No. 1 netminder Sam Montembeault turned away 29 of 32 shots in Monday's series opener, and I expect him to be busy again tonight. The Washington Capitals only registered five third-period shots on 10 attempts and lost the five-on-five possession battle with a 35.6 Corsi For percentage.
Washington held a commanding 2-0 lead entering the final period before resting on their laurels in the third. It won’t happen again, even if the luxury of a two-goal lead presents itself. Montreal also allowed the ninth-most shots per game (29) and ranked 28th with a 47.5 CF% during the regular season, so they’re far from a shot-suppressing team.
Of course, Montembeault is also playing incredibly well, too. He’s sporting a .920 SV% and 2.20 GAA across his past nine starts and made 25 or more saves in five of them.
Valeri Nichushkin Over 0.5 goals (+195 at Sports Interaction)
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin is rolling along a scoring slump with just two tallies across his past 11 games. He’s posted an unsustainably low 5.9 shooting percentage during the stretch despite generating 4.49 expected goals on 15 high-danger scoring chances.
Don't get it twisted; the offense is coming for Nichushkin.
He skates in a go-to scoring role that includes jumping the boards with the No. 1 power-play unit, and the 30-year-old Russian also recorded an elite 3.01 goals per 60 minutes during his past three trips to the playoffs.
Drew Doughty Over 1.5 blocked shots (-128 at Sports Interaction)
Los Angeles Kings No. 1 defenseman Drew Doughty has recorded two or more blocked shots in 10 of his past 15 games against the Edmonton Oilers, and he just logged a healthy 27:03 of ice time in Game 1.
Doughty and partner Mikey Anderson also took a team-high nine defensive-zone faceoffs in the series opener, and they’re often the top pairing while shorthanded.
The Edmonton Oilers recorded a healthy 60 attempts in Game 1, and they averaged the most shots per game (32.0) and fourth-most attempts per 60 minutes (62.7) during the regular season. There will be plenty of opportunities for Doughty to help No. 1 goalie Darcy Kuemper out again in Game 2.
Sports Interaction: Canada’s home for NHL
Looking to bet on some NHL Playoffs action? Join Sports Interaction, the best in Canada for new bettors, and get a 125% bonus on your first deposit (up to $250)!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Live NHL odds
Here are the full NHL odds for all of today’s matchups.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
