There are just four games on the schedule across the league tonight, but one will feature the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers in the Winter Classic.
In addition to a pair of NHL player props from the Winter Classic, we're eying a high-volume game from Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov against the Anaheim Ducks in the nightcap.
Read more in my NHL picks for Friday, December 2.
Best NHL player prop bets today
Reinhart anytime goal
Kaprizov Over 3.5 SOG
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Our best NHL player props for Friday, January 2
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Sam Reinhart anytime goal
Sam Reinhart is having another impressive campaign for the Florida Panthers, scoring 22 goals and tallying 21 assists.
The North Vancouver, BC native scored nine times in December, and he’s netted in back-to-back games, scoring three times during that span. Reinhart scored on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens and also potted two goals on Monday evening in a win over the Washington Capitals.
The 30-year-old had two goals in three meetings with the New York Rangers last season as well. He’ll keep it pushing this evening in the Winter Classic.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: TNT
Prop #2: Kirill Kaprizov Over 3.5 shots on goal
The Minnesota Wild rewarded Kirill Kaprizov with the richest contract extension in NHL history in the offseason, and the superstar is proving why he’s worth every penny. Kaprizov has collected 23 goals and 24 assists in 2025-26, and he’s also averaging an impressive 3.46 SOG.
Kaprizov has cashed the Over in shots on net in three of his last six, most recently putting four pucks on target on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks. Aside from his consistent ability to create chances, I’m looking at how deadly he was against the Anaheim Ducks last season.
In one matchup, Kaprizov had a whopping nine SOG. I don’t see any issues with him cashing the Over again here.
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FDSN North, KCOP-13
Prop #3: Seth Jones Over 0.5 assists
While there are many important players on the Panthers' roster, Seth Jones is certainly a key piece to their success. The defenseman has posted 24 points this season, and that includes 18 helpers.
Jones has cashed the Over in assists in two consecutive outings, and he has three helpers during that span.
The veteran managed to collect one assist in two meetings with the Rangers last season, too. I’ll take him to extend the assist streak to three games.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: TNT
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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