In this article, Canada Sports Betting’s Nick Martin breaks down the two best NHL player prop bets that provide value at online sportsbooks today (5/8/26).
We scratched out a slightly profitable split on Wednesday, as while our take that Cole Caufield would be more involved offensively in a new-look series was unsuccessful, Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry both found the scoresheet with a strong showing in Game 2. These guides now hold a record of +9.99 units across 198 selections this season.
Josh Doan Over 1.5 Shots on Goal: -140 (Play to -145)
Doan over 1.5 SOG
Montreal checked the Tampa Bay Lightning’s bottom-six quite well in Round 1, with the Lightning’s third line of Zemgus Girgensons, Yanni Gourde, and Nick Paul, in particular, really struggling to get anything going. Buffalo’s offensive depth looks far superior to that of the Lightning, and its third line of Zach Benson, Josh Doan, and Josh Norris had a really strong showing in the series opener.
Doan has quickly made himself a fan-favourite in Buffalo with his inspired play in all areas of the ice. He’s an excellent forechecker that is strong defensively and has, unsurprisingly, proven to be a good fit alongside Benson, who is a highly intelligent player with an elite compete level.
Doan has averaged 2.14 shots per game this postseason and has averaged 4.85 attempts per game. With Doan on the ice this postseason, the Sabres hold a +41 shot attempt differential, and he continues to prove to be a play-driving machine.
John Carlson Over 0.5 Points: -110 (Play to -120)
Carlson to record a point
The Knights have to feel lucky to head to Anaheim with the series knotted at one, as the Ducks have generated 3.71 xGF/60 and have generally appeared to be the ones dictating the run of play. Counting on excellent play in goal from Carter Hart may not prove to be an overly effective strategy, and this seems to set up as a decent spot to expect a solid offensive output on home ice from the Ducks.
While Jackson LaCombe is stealing the majority of the headlines, Carlson has had an exceptional start to the postseason, and his smooth puck-moving ability has helped the Ducks carry the majority of the play in this series thus far.
The defensive pairing of Carlson and Pavel Mintyukov played to a 62.5% expected goal share in Game 2, and the Ducks outshot Vegas 11-5 with the duo on the ice. Carlson’s steady puck movement helped the Ducks generate a lot of scoring chances in the game, while he also poured six attempts on goal.
Carlson has recorded six points throughout the first eight postseason games and has provided a strong impact offensively while averaging a 24:34 of time on ice.
At -110, we are getting a good price to back Carlson recording a point in this matchup.
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