Stanley Cup Playoffs player props: Matthews, McDavid should be motivated

Connor McDavid and the Oilers are tied 2-2 in their series with the Kings. (CP)

The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continues Tuesday night with a crucial four-pack of Game 5s, with all series even at two games apiece.

All eyes in this country however will be on Toronto and Edmonton respectively, who both will be back on home ice following disappointing Game 4 losses on the road. Elsewhere, St. Louis is in Minnesota and Boston visits Carolina.

With all that in mind, here are some prop bets to consider:

PROP #1: Auston Matthews Anytime Goal (-120)

After potting two goals in the series opener, the two-time defending Rocket Richard Trophy winner has not scored in three straight games. For Auston Matthews, that’s a glorified slump, I guess that’s what happens when you score as frequently as this guy does. Any way you slice it, this is a big moment for the 24-year-old. Let’s see if he can rise up to the occasion. You can catch this game on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.

PROP #2: Connor McDavid Over 1.5 Points (-125)

Everything I just wrote about Matthews can unequivocally be applied to McDavid as well. After notching three consecutive multi-point efforts, the Oilers captain was held off the scoresheet in Sunday’s 4-0 loss. Bottom line, the 25-year-old needs to take over the series. Furthermore, it’s tough to go against a point prop involving a player who’s won the Art Trophy four times. We should see a hungry and motivated McDavid tonight. This game is on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

PROP #3: Brad Marchand Over 0.5 Assists (+110)

Even though it’s been a home-team dominated series thus far, it’s tough to overlook the fact that Marchand has six assists in the past three games, especially at plus-money. The Perfection Line has combined for 16 points in the past two contests, they’re on complete fire. The Canes should bounce-back but there’s too much value to pass up on here. Take a flier. You can watch this game on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet NOW at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

PROP #4: Kirill Kaprizov Over 3.5 SOG (-150)

Kaprizov has been an absolute monster for the Wild so far in Round 1, compiling five goals and one assist through the first four games of the series. Most importantly, just like the regular season, he’s been shooting the puck a ton (which we love to see). The winger has averaged five shots per game in the series, so clearing the 3.5 mark once again seems like an extremely achievable task. This game can be seen on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet NOW at 9:30 p.m ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

Betting odds listed above via the Bet365 Sportsbook as of Tuesday afternoon.

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