Stanley Cup Playoffs player props: No-brainer to ride McDavid

Edmonton Oilers centre Connor McDavid, right, passes the puck as Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk defends during first period NHL second round playoff hockey action in Calgary, Wednesday, May 18, 2022. (Jeff McIntosh/CP)

After an explosive series opener, the hockey world can only sit and wonder what the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers have in store for an encore.

The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue Friday with a pair of Game 2s.

In Calgary, the Battle of Alberta resumes with the Flames up 1-0 following a wild and crazy 9-6 win Wednesday night. Meantime in Raleigh, N.C., the Hurricanes will try to stay undefeated in these playoffs at home as they host the New York Rangers. The Canes took the opener on an Ian Cole OT winner after Sebastian Aho tied it late in regulation.

Here are some prop bets to consider:

Prop No. 1: Connor McDavid Over 1.5 Points (-130) + Over 3.5 SOG (-160)

Considering he’s notched 18 points in eight playoff games and four-straight multi-point efforts, it’s a no-brainer to at least take another flier on the points prop. Additionally, McDavid has cleared the 3.5 number in four straight games. Simply put, the dude’s playing out of this world right now — even for his standards.

Prop No. 2: Matthew Tkachuk Over 2.5 SOG (-175)

After going scoreless in the first six games to start the playoffs, Tkachuk has really found a groove offensively once again. He had one goal and one assist in Game 7 versus Dallas and a hat trick in Game 1 against Edmonton. He has 14 shots on goal over his past two outings. In general, the Tkachuk family is on fire right now.

Prop No. 3: Carolina Hurricanes to score the first goal of the game (-145)

The Canes were sleepwalking for most of the series opener, and they still managed to win the game. If you know anything about head coach Rod Brind’Amour, you know they’ll be buzzing from puck drop tonight. Game 1 was the first time in five home games they didn’t score the first goal of the game. In fact, Carolina has scored first in six of eight to start the postseason.

Prop No. 4: Igor Shesterkin Over 29.5 Saves (-115)

As noted above, I expect the Canes to be better tonight, which naturally should mean more work for Shesterkin. Unbelievably, Carolina was able to win the series opener despite firing just 26 shots on goal. More times than not, that won’t suffice, especially when you’re playing the Vezina frontrunner. They got lucky.

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

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