The Western Conference Finals have arrived. The Edmonton Oilers made short work of the Calgary Flames in the second round, while the Colorado Avalanche took down the St. Louis Blues in six games. Now, they face off against each other with a spot in the finals on the line.
While NHL betting lines are most popular with NHL betting, don’t forget about prop bets, including player props.
Here are two to consider for Tuesday’s matchup.
Anytime Goal Scorer: Evander Kane +150
It’s not every day that the playoffs’ leading goal scorer is priced as a mid-range option on the player prop market, but that’s the position Evander Kane is in for the series opener. Kane is the pacesetter with 12 goals through the first two rounds of the playoffs and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Evander Kane extends playoff goal lead with his 11th ⛽️🔥🚨#LetsGoOilers | #Flames pic.twitter.com/YiODNDeveI
— The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast (@rayanddregs) May 25, 2022
Skating next to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Kane is the recipient of many quality opportunities, which he continues to make the most of.
The 30-year-old is scoring on 23.5% of shots, the second-best shooting percentage among players who have played at least 10 games. Moreover, Kane is doing most of his damage at five-on-five. Although the winger plays on the Oilers’ power play, only two of his goals have come with the man-advantage, highlighting his dominant play at five-on-five.
Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been inconsistent in the playoffs, allowing a few bad goals. Kane could perpetuate those concerns on Tuesday night. At +150, he’s worth a look as an any time goal scorer.
Cale Makar Over 0.5 Points -250
Colorado continues to flourish offensively. It has five players averaging at least a point per game in the playoffs, so it is getting meaningful production out of its entire roster. However, the team would look very different without Cale Makar stabilizing the back end.
The former first-round draft pick is tied for the team lead in scoring, recording three goals and 10 assists through his first 10 postseason games. The Avs deploy Makar across all strengths, and he continues to thrive under any circumstance. Makar has five power-play assists and one game-winning goal while averaging nearly 27 minutes of ice time.
His advanced metrics are even more impressive. He has a 67.2% expected goals-for rating across all strengths while starting 60.6% of his shifts in the attacking zone. Makar has staked himself to the team lead in on-ice scoring and high-danger chances, averaging 19.6 and eight per game. Opponents are constantly chasing the puck with Makar on the ice, with the rearguard establishing a 63.6% Corsi rating.
Makar propels the Avalanche on the blue line, and he’ll continue to have opportunities against an Oilers team that is allowing 10.4 high-danger chances per contest. Rightfully, money continues to pour in on the over 0.5 on Makar’s scoring prop, but it’s the right side to be on.
NHL Parlay Picks at BetMGM
BetMGM has you covered not only during the Stanley Cup playoffs, but throughout the NHL season. But the NHL playoffs are the perfect time for making NHL parlay picks in between examining the latest Stanley Cup betting odds.
