We have a 10-game slate across the league for New Year’s Eve, with several afternoon and night games. My NHL player props will focus on Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov.
Read more in my NHL picks for Wednesday, December 31.
Best NHL player prop bets today
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Connor McDavid anytime goal |
+110 |
 Nathan MacKinnon Over 1.5 points |
-155 |
 Nikita Kucherov anytime goal |
+145 |
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Our best NHL player props for Wednesday, December 31
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Connor McDavid anytime goal
Connor McDavid has soared past Nathan MacKinnon for the league lead in points as he continues to light up the stat sheet on a nightly basis. The three-time Hart Trophy winner has 24 goals this season, and he’s scored 13 of those in the month of December.
The Edmonton Oilers superstar has also found the back of the net at least once in five of his last seven games. While McDavid was held off the scoresheet on Monday, he did score in the Battle of Alberta last Saturday.
The Oilers take on the Boston Bruins tonight, and McDavid had a goal and an assist against them on December 18. He’s netted in 11 of 16 contests at home in 2025-26, too.
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NESN, SNO
Prop #2: Nathan MacKinnon Over 1.5 points
Nathan MacKinnon is having a brilliant campaign, posting 66 points already. As you can see by the odds here, it’s clearly a rarity for him to finish with fewer than two points in a game. The Colorado Avalanche star has cashed the Over in points in three of his last four appearances.
In fact, MacKinnon has five points across his last two contests alone. The Halifax native had a goal and an assist on Monday in a win over the Los Angeles Kings. He also compiled three points on Saturday as the Avs beat the Vegas Golden Knights in OT.
Colorado welcomes the St. Louis Blues to Denver tonight, and MacKinnon has 32 points in 18 home games.
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FDSN MW, ALT
Prop #3: Nikita Kucherov anytime goal
Nikita Kucherov has been a consistent goal-scorer for many years, and he’s doing his thing this season.
The veteran has potted 17 goals this year. A lot of that damage has been over the last two games, as Kucherov has four goals during that span.
He scored twice against the Florida Panthers last Saturday, then he followed that up with another two-goal performance on Sunday versus the Montreal Canadiens. Kucherov comes in well-rested for tonight, and he’s clearly playing with a lot of confidence at the moment.
Eight of his goals have been on the road, and the Tampa Bay Lightning visit the Anaheim Ducks here. While he didn’t score against them earlier this season, I’ll take Kucherov to make it three games in a row with a goal.
- Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: The Spot, KCOP-13
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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