The NHL regular season is here, and I’ve got a trio of NHL player props spanning the three-game slate on Tuesday, October 7.
A bout between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers opens the slate, with showdowns between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers, and the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings wrapping up the action on Opening Night.
Best NHL player prop bets today
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Bedard Over 2.5 shots on goal |
+120 |
 Koivunen Over 1.5 shots on goal |
-130 |
 Kuemper Over 24.5 saves |
-105 |
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Our best NHL player props for Tuesday, October 7
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Connor Bedard Over 2.5 shots on goal
It’s just the preseason, but Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard racking up 18 shots and 27 attempts across four games has my attention.
Obviously, on the surface this is a tough matchup against the back-to-back Stanley Cup champs, but the Florida Panthers are missing key pieces up front to start the year.
Plus, Bedard taking the next step in his third season shouldn’t surprise anyone. Additionally, he’s traded at a 3.5 shot total in the past and is rarely priced in plus-money territory at 2.5, after all.
- Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: ESPN, Sportsnet
Prop #2: Ville Koivunen Over 1.5 shots on goal
Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Ville Koivunen is riding shotgun alongside Sidney Crosby to start the season, and the Finn recorded two or more shots in five of eight NHL games last spring.
He and Crosby also combined for a solid 52.3 Corsi For percentage and 61.0% shot-share rate during the stretch.
With the New York Rangers allowing the ninth-most shot attempts per 60 minutes at five-on-five and sixth-most shots per game last year, I like Koivunen to pick up a pair of shots in the season opener.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: ESPN, Sportsnet
Prop #3: Darcy Kuemper Over 24.5 saves
The Colorado Avalanche return a nearly identical lineup after averaging the third-most shot attempts per 60 minutes at five-on-five and fifth-most shots per game, so I’m expecting Los Angeles Kings No. 1 goalie Darcy Kuemper to be busy tonight in the season opener.
Of course, he was up to the task last year with an elite .933 save percentage and 1.67 GAA on home ice.
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: ESPN, Sportsnet
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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