NHL Player Props & Best Bets for Today, October 19: Nazar, Bedard Trouble Ducks

With Lukas Dostal faltering in net for the Ducks, Blackhawks duo Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard are set to exploit those struggles, headlining Sunday’s top prop picks.

Tony Sartori - Contributor at Covers.com
Tony Sartori • Betting Analyst
Oct 19, 2025 • 12:29 ET • 4 min read
Frank Nazar Chicago Blackhawks NHL
Photo By - Imagn Images. Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) celebrates after scoring a goal.

There is an entertaining four-game NHL slate Sunday.

My player props and predictions target three players to contribute offensively.

Read on for my NHL picks for Sunday, October 19.

Best NHL player prop bets today

Player Bet99
Blackhawks Frank Nazar Over 0.5 points -125
Blackhawks Connor Bedard Over 0.5 assists +115
Mammoth Nick Schmaltz anytime goalscorer +200

Get a first bet encore up to $800 — no BET99 promo code neededGet a first bet encore up to $800 with BET99 bonus code COVERSNHL.
(not available in Ontario)

Our best NHL player props for Sunday, October 19

Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.

Prop #1: Frank Nazar Over 0.5 points

-125 at BET99

One of Sunday evening’s games features the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Anaheim Ducks. Goaltender Lukas Dostal will start in net for Anaheim, and he has struggled thus far.

Dostal has surrendered three or more goals in each of his three starts, posting a 1-2 record with a .898 save percentage (SV%) and 3.39 goals-against average (GAA) over that stretch. If he allows three or more goals again, it’s likely that Chicago forward Frank Nazar will be involved.

Nazar has developed into a blossoming star for the Hawks and is expected to emerge as the franchise’s next cornerstone alongside Connor Bedard. Using his blistering speed, Nazar has tallied six points through the first six games and continues to build his case for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: KCOP-13, CHSN

Prop #2: Connor Bedard Over 0.5 assists

+115 at BET99

Speaking of Bedard, he continues his ascent into NHL stardom. While goal scoring hasn’t necessarily been his hallmark this season, he’s dominating the game in all three zones.

His passing, in particular, has been spectacular. Bedard consistently generates high-danger scoring chances with his exceptional vision and ability to dish the puck on both his forehand and backhand, leading to four assists through the first six games.

In addition, Bedard has recorded 10 assists in six career games against the Ducks.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watchKCOP-13, CHSN

Prop #3: Nick Schmaltz anytime goalscorer

+200 at BET99

A former Blackhawk, Nick Schmaltz has found comfort as one of the top forwards for the Utah Mammoth. He leads the team in both goals and assists, scoring three times through the first five games.

That success is likely to continue against the Boston Bruins, who visit Utah on Sunday evening. Boston has struggled defensively this year, ranking 24th in shots on goal allowed and 20th in goals allowed per game.

Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo has also struggled, posting a .851 SV% and 3.50 GAA through his first two starts. If he allows three or more goals for the third consecutive game, expect Schmaltz to be part of the scoring.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NHL Network

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Tony Sartori - Covers.com
Betting Analyst

Tony Sartori has written over 1,000 pieces of sports betting content across multiple different media outlets. He covers the NHL, UFC, PGA, NFL and MLB. Tony started part-time while attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he went on to receive a B.A. in Economics and a certificate in Entrepreneurship in 2022. He continues to work full-time in the sports betting landscape.

Due to the variety of sports he covers, Tony is handicapping every day. If he had one piece of betting advice for a new sports bettor, it would be to strictly enforce bankroll management rules for yourself. If you set aside $10,000 for your betting bankroll, then you should generally only be betting between $100 - $500 per play.

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