It’s a relatively thin schedule today with just five games on the NHL slate, but some of the league’s top talent will be on display in my NHL player props analysis.
Nathan MacKinnon leads all skaters with 35 goals, and I’m expecting him to add to his league-leading total in my NHL picks for Sunday, January 4.
Best NHL player prop bets today
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Nathan MacKinnon anytime goalscorer |
-125 |
 Sidney Crosby Over 0.5 assists |
-115 |
 Mikko Rantanen Over 1.5 points |
+125 |
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Our best NHL player props for Sunday, January 4
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Nathan MacKinnon anytime goalscorer
Nathan MacKinnon is already running away with the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy race, leading the NHL with 35 goals — nine more than the next-closest player.
The Colorado Avalanche star has scored in four straight games and eight of his last 10, and he’ll find the back of the net tonight vs. a Florida Panthers team playing the second half of a back-to-back.
The Panthers aren’t the defensive juggernaut they used to be, allowing 3.20 gapg (21st) with the eighth-worst team save percentage in the league (.890).
With Sergei Bobrovsky playing in yesterday’s Winter Classic, Florida will likely turn to its backup, Daniil Tarasov, who put up a porous 3.39 goals against average in December.
Look for MacKinnon to tickle the twine and lead his league-leading Avs to another win.
- Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: ALT, SCRIPPS
Prop #2: Sidney Crosby Over 0.5 assists
At 38 years of age, Sidney Crosby still hasn’t slowed down. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain has a team-leading 45 points in 40 games and enters Sunday on a six-game streak with 10 total points over that span.
Crosby has collected a helper in five of his last six outings while helping the Pens score 5.00 gpg during their current four-game win streak. Look for him to lend a helping hand in today’s game vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets own the eighth-worst defense in the NHL (3.28 gapg) and have historically played high-scoring games against the Penguins. Eight of their last nine meetings have featured 7+ goals, with Pittsburgh averaging 3.89 gpg over that span.
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FDSN-OH, SN-PIT
Prop #3: Mikko Rantanen Over 1.5 points
The Dallas Stars are in the midst of a four-game skid, but it’s time to turn the page in the new year, and Mikko Rantanen will lead the way.
Rantanen has amassed 23 points in 15 games since December 1, the sixth-highest point total in the NHL over that span.
The Stars forward has posted multiple points in six of his last eight games and has factored on seven of Dallas’ last 10 goals. Rantanen will find the score sheet at least a couple of times this afternoon against a Montreal Canadiens team that’s lacking stability in net.
The Habs own the third-worst team save percentage in the NHL (.883) and have surrendered 134 goals this season — ninth most among all clubs.
- Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Victory+
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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