We have 10 games scheduled across the National Hockey League tonight, and I’m starting things off in my NHL player props with Connor McDavid once again. Bryan Rust and Macklin Celebrini will round things out.
Read more in my NHL picks for Thursday, December 18.
Best NHL player prop bets today
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points |
-115 |
 Bryan Rust anytime goal |
+185 |
 Macklin Celebrini Over 0.5 assists |
-105 |
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Our best NHL player props for Thursday, December 18
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points
I’ve been all aboard the Connor McDavid train lately, and there’s a clear reason why.
The three-time Hart Trophy winner is playing incredible hockey right now. He’s tallied a whopping 20 points in his last seven games, and that includes nine goals and 11 assists.
McDavid has cashed the Over in points in six of his last seven games. On Tuesday, he dominated against the Pittsburgh Penguins, posting four points.
The Edmonton Oilers visit the Boston Bruins tonight, and McDavid has seven points across his previous two road contests.
Also, the veteran has 29 points in 20 games away from Rogers Place this season, and he bagged two goals in two meetings with Boston in 2024-25.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Sportsnet, NESN
Prop #2: Bryan Rust anytime goal
While Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are still very important pieces to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bryan Rust is also in that same category.
He’s been a Pen his whole career, and the production has always been there. Rust has 12 goals and 16 helpers this season.
Rust is on quite a scoring run at the moment. He’s found the back of the net in four games in a row, and he’s already scored five goals in December.
Pittsburgh is in Ottawa tonight facing a Senators team that ranks 23rd in goals allowed per game. I’ll take Rust to bag his 13th goal of the campaign.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SN-PIT, RDS2
Prop #3: Macklin Celebrini Over 0.5 assists
Macklin Celebrini is quickly proving he’s the franchise cornerstone that the San Jose Sharks have desperately needed.
The second-year forward is having a dominant campaign, scoring 18 goals and tallying 33 assists already. He’s only 12 points off last season’s mark of 63.
The Vancouver native is a terrific playmaker, and that talent has been on full display as of late. Celebrini has hit the Over in helpers in three consecutive appearances. In fact, he has four assists across his previous two games alone.
The Sharks host the Dallas Stars tonight, and Celebrini has registered 16 helpers in 18 home matchups. Take Celebrini to keep the offensive surge going.
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Victory+, NBCSCA
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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