Cutter Gauthier is enjoying a huge breakout season, having piled up 36 points through 34 games for an Anaheim Ducks team that sits tied for fifth in the NHL.
He has been remarkably productive on home soil, where he finds himself tonight. That’s one reason why he’s a headline target with my three NHL player props for December 19.
Best NHL player prop bets today
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Cale Makar Over 2.5 shots on goal |
-130 |
 Mikhail Sergachev Over 1.5 shots on goal |
-140 |
 Cutter Gauthier Over 0.5 points |
-130 |
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Our best NHL player props for Friday, December 19
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Cale Makar Over 2.5 shots on goal
Cale Makar’s shot-generation numbers continue to be much better in Colorado. He is averaging 8.3 attempts on home soil, a stark contrast from the 6.4 attempts he produces nightly on the road.
The extra volume he’s piled up at home has naturally translated to more success with this prop. Makar’s hit rate is 9% higher in Colorado.
Makar should have plenty of opportunities to shoot against the Winnipeg Jets. They have given up the third-most shots to defensemen this season and second-most when isolating the past 10 games.
They are giving up a lot of shots at 5-on-5 and struggling to stay out of the box, which certainly helps Makar’s cause. He is lapping the field when it comes to power play shots, having attempted 19 more than any other defenseman this season.
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: TSN3, ALT
Prop #2: Mikhail Sergachev Over 1.5 shots on goal
The New Jersey Devils have given up a lot of shots to defensemen all year long. Missing so many key players, and spending more time on their heels as a result, things haven’t gotten better of late.
Mikhail Sergachev is more than capable of taking advantage. He has feasted on home soil, averaging 2.9 shots on 5.8 attempts in Utah.
He failed to record multiple shots in his first two home games this season. Since that point, Sergachev has registered at least two shots on target in 11 of his last 12.
The lone exception came against the defending Stanley Cup winners. Sergachev still recorded five attempts in that game, a total that will lead to success more often than not.
Look for Sergachev to continue his home success against an injury-plagued Devils squad.
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MSGSN2, Utah16
Prop #3: Cutter Gauthier Over 0.5 points
Death, taxes, and Cutter Gauthier piling up the points in Anaheim. He has ripped it up on home ice, hitting the scoresheet in 12 of 15 games while averaging 1.4 points along the way.
Gauthier has put forth more multi-point games (seven) than pointless showings (three) in Anaheim. He has provided the Ducks with consistent, superstar-level production.
Although the Dallas Stars are a very good team, there’s no reason to shy away from Gauthier. The Stars rank 20th in expected goals against per game on the road this season. A big part of that is their inability to stay out of the box, spending the fifth-most time shorthanded.
They’re also playing in the latter half of a road back-to-back, while the Ducks just had two days off. Gauthier has performed well under these circumstances, hitting the scoresheet in three of four games after a couple of rest days.
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Victory+, KCOP-13
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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