Join Canada Sports Betting’s Nick Martin as he handicaps the best NHL player prop bets available from Friday’s three-game slate.
Best Bet – Alex Ovechkin Anytime Goal-Scorer: +125
Alex Ovechkin to score vs. Islanders
Friday’s matchup presents a tailor-made spot for the greatest goal-scorer in NHL history to become the first player ever to hit the 900-goal plateau. Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record early last April, before tacking on two more goals in the final four games of the season to finish with 44 goals in 65 games.
It was always very unlikely that Ovechkin would be able to score at a similar rate this season, and he’s off to a slow start, having scored just twice through 10 games. He’s been getting a decent amount of looks, though, as he has generated 3.10 expected goals and, over the last five games, has generated 37 shot attempts.
There are plenty of high-quality playmakers among the Capitals’ current roster, which was a key reason for his surprisingly productive 2024-25 campaign. The Capitals will certainly be looking for their captain in tonight’s matchup, and based on the Islanders’ putrid defensive results, that should mean some good scoring chances for Ovechkin.
The Islanders hold the second-worst xGA/60 rating in the NHL this season and have allowed 3.80 goals against per game this season where it counts.
While a price of +125 is not entirely appealing for a player with just two goals through 10 games, this feels like the perfect matchup for Ovechkin to hit 900, and considering the Islanders’ defensive play, I’m happy to bet into what will be a trendy narrative among prop bettors Friday.
Best Bet – Dylan Larkin/Lucas Raymond Over 0.5 Points Parlay: +105
Dylan Larkin/Lucas Raymond points parlay
Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has appeared hell-bent on snapping the Red Wings’ nine-year playoff drought this season. While his stat-line is highly impressive (eight goals and eight assists in 11 games), the eye test has been even more impressive. Larkin has always been one of the NHL’s best skaters, but he’s coupled that with better playmaking than we have typically seen and more dynamic overall offensive play than usual.
Larkin is undoubtedly the straw that stirs the drink on the Red Wings’ highly effective top line and top power play, but he’s not without help, as among others, Lucas Raymond has also looked great to start the year.
In 85.1 minutes of even-strength play, Larkin, Raymond, and rookie Emmitt Finnie have scored 4.23 goals per 60 and have complemented each other quite well. Dating back to the start of last season, the Red Wings power play has succeeded on 27% of opportunities, and Larkin and Raymond’s play has been a major reason why the unit has been so effective.
The Anaheim Ducks have taken steps forward under head coach Joel Quenneville this season and may contend for a wildcard spot out West, but their progression relative to last season has come on the offensive side of the game. They have still allowed the league’s highest xGA/60 in even strength play and 3.44 goals against per game.
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