We have a busy evening across the National Hockey League, with 12 games on the schedule. That means no shortage of NHL player props value.
I’ll focus on Mika Zibanejad, Sidney Crosby, and David Pastrnak as I make my NHL picks for Thursday, January 8.
Best NHL player prop bets today
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Mika Zibanejad Over 0.5 assists |
+115 |
 Sidney Crosby anytime goal |
+155 |
 David Pastrnak Over 1.5 points |
+130 |
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Our best NHL player props for Thursday, January 8
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Mika Zibanejad Over 0.5 assists
The New York Rangers may be in rough shape so far this season, but Mika Zibanejad is doing his part.
The veteran has compiled 32 points, scoring 15 times and tallying 22 assists. I’ll focus on his playmaking tonight.
The 32-year-old has cashed the Over in helpers in three straight appearances, and he has five assists during that span. Last time out, Zibanejad set up two goals against the Utah Mammoth. A few days before that in the Winter Classic, the Swede scored a hat trick and registered two helpers as well.
Zibanejad is hot at the moment, and he has nine assists in 18 home games. The Rangers welcome the Buffalo Sabres to MSG here.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MSG-B, MSG
Prop #2: Sidney Crosby anytime goal
Sid The Kid remains a superstar, despite being 38 years old.
Sidney Crosby has bagged 24 goals and tallied 23 assists. He ranks sixth in the NHL in goals. The way he’s playing a this age is truly unbelievable, and it’s great news for Team Canada ahead of the Olympics in Milan.
Crosby has found the back of the net in three of his previous four games. On Sunday, the veteran scored against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He’s already posted three goals in January.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will host the New Jersey Devils tonight, and Crosby has 13 goals in 20 contests at home.
While he only had an assist against the Devils earlier this season, Crosby is rolling. He’ll score No. 25.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MSGSN, SN-PIT
Prop #3: David Pastrnak Over 1.5 points
Towards the top of the league in points you’ll find David Pastrnak, one of the Boston Bruins’ core players.
He’s compiled 48 points, scoring 19 goals and registering 29 helpers. The Czech Republic native has been a consistent producer for this franchise for years, and 2025-26 has been no different.
Pastrnak has started January in fine fashion. He has two goals and two assists this month, and Pastrnak has cashed the Over in points in three consecutive outings. Whether it’s scoring, playmaking, or both, the 29-year-old is flourishing.
The Bruins are at home against the Calgary Flames this evening, and Pastrnak has raked in 18 points in 17 games at TD Garden.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NESN, SN1
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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