The Eastern Conference Finals officially get started tonight, with Game 1 between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh.
My Canadiens vs. Hurricanes props for the series opener will highlight Taylor Hall, Nick Suzuki, and Jackson Blake.
Read more for my NHL picks and Canadiens vs Hurricanes predictions for Thursday, May 21.
Best Canadiens vs Hurricanes props for Game 1
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Taylor Hall |
Over 0.5 assists | +145 |
 Nick Suzuki |
Over 0.5 assists | -130 |
| Jackson Blake |
Over 2.5 SOG | +110 |
Game 1 Prop #1: Taylor Hall Over 0.5 assists
Taylor Hall has turned back the clock in these playoffs for the unbeaten Carolina Hurricanes. After notching 30 assists in the regular season, the veteran has added another nine in the playoffs, and he leads the team with 12 points.
Hall registered three helpers in the series-clinching Game 4 against the Flyers 12 days ago, and he's cashed the Over in assists in two of his last three home appearances. At plus money, this pick is a no-brainer given the confidence that Hall is playing with right now.
Game 1 Prop #2: Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 assists
Nick Suzuki has performed like a captain should in the playoffs. He's up to 13 points through two rounds, and that includes nine helpers. The Montreal Canadiens star set up one of the Habs' three goals in Game 7 against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday. Suzuki has hit the Over in assists in three of the last five games.
When it comes to facing the Canes, Suzuki has enjoyed no shortage of success. In three regular-season meetings, he posted three goals, two helpers, and a total of 10 SOG. The Habs' top line will produce tonight, and Suzuki will play his part against a Carolina team that hasn't played in almost two weeks.
Game 1 Prop #3: Jackson Blake Over 2.5 SOG
Jackson Blake has been one of the Canes' top players in the playoffs. He's second on the roster in points with 11, and Blake has had no issues creating offensive chances. The winger is averaging 2.25 SOG, and he's cashed the Over in two of his last three. Blake has also put Over 2.5 shots on net in two of his previous three home outings in the postseason.
Blake has become a more important piece of Carolina's attack lately, and he's playing one of the team's most lethal lines in the playoffs with Hall and Logan Stankoven, who are both thriving. All three are leading the Hurricanes in playoff points.
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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