🏒 NHL Player Props Today: Best Bets & Prop Picks for Tuesday, May 5
Last Updated: May 5, 2026 7:00 AM EDT • 3 minute read X Social Google News Link
I've selected three picks for my NHL player props today, all of which focus on the only game on the docket: The Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche.
Nobody expects 15 goals in Game 2, especially as the Avs and Wild had the best and fourth-best defensive records during the regular season, respectively. Even so, I'm anticipating productive outings from Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Kirill Kaprizov.
I've also tossed a bonus pick in for good measure.
🏒 Best NHL player props today: May 5
See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.
| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Bet size (units) | 🧠 Why I bet this |
|---|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon Over 1.5 points (-120 via bet365) | 1u → 0.83u | MacKinnon has 6 points in the previous 2 games. |
| Martin Necas Over 0.5 assists (-105 via bet365) | 1u → 0.95u | All of Necas' 5 points are assists. |
| Kirill Kaprizov Over 0.5 assists (+105 via bet365) | 1u → 1.05u | Kaprizov has at least one assist in 5 of 7 games. |
Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.83 units
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💰 Best NHL player prop bet today
Nathan MacKinnon Over 1.5 points (-120) vs. Wild
MacKinnon is officially searing hot, scoring 6 points in the previous 2 games. He went off against the Los Angeles Kings in the decider and had a terrific 3-point outing to start the series against the Wild.
MacKinnon is always lurking when the netminder is pulled late in the third, too, scoring 2 of the aforementioned points with the cage gaping.
While I don't expect to see nearly as many goals in Game 2, MacKinnon has an excellent recent track record against the Wild, notching at least 2 points in 3 of the previous 4 games.
🔥 More NHL player prop picks
Martin Necas Over 0.5 assists (-105) vs. Wild
Necas tallied 3 assists in Game 1 against the Wild. All five of his points in the postseason are assists, and he has at least one helper in 3 of 5 contests.
The Avs' first line is producing at their usual high rate after a few uneventful games against the Kings in the first round. It will be interesting to see how the Wild try and combat the Necas-MacKinnon-Artturi Lehkonen trio. Regardless of how they game plan, Necas will get on the scoresheet. I'm just hoping it's a helper and not a goal.
💡 Avalanche player prop
As a bonus pick, I'm looking at Nazem Kadri to register at least 3 shots on goal. Kadri went off in Game 1, firing 8 shots on goal on 9 attempts. Admittedly, it's a ridiculously high success rate, but Kadri was in the mood all night.
He also hit the Over on this total in three straight against the Wild.
Best odds: +114 via DraftKings
Kirill Kaprizov Over 0.5 assists (+105) at Avalanche
Kaprizov has at least one assist in five of seven games, including in Game 1.
He tallied 3 multi-assist outings in the first round against the Dallas Stars, and he has 4 assists in the last 4 games against the Avalanche.
I like the plus-money odds at the best sports betting sites, even if it's minus-money. He's a reliable scoring threat, usually producing a goal or assist, with 31 points in 32 playoff games.
🚀 Best NHL parlay picks today
MacKinnon is on a mini-heater, and Necas will benefit as they're linemates. Kaprizov has been superb throughout the playoffs, and I expect the same high level of performance in Game 2.
💵 Best NHL parlay bet today
- Nathan MacKinnon Over 1.5 points (-120)
- Martin Necas Over 0.5 assists (-105)
- Kirill Kaprizov Over 0.5 assists (+105)a
Best odds: +634 via bet365 (0.1u -> .63u)
💵 My betting record for NHL picks
All NHL picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 1.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 101-108-4 | +25.84 units ✅ | 13.1% ✅ |
| Player props | 65-77 | +4.87 units ✅ | 3.6% ✅ |
| Parlays | 4-18 | +0.04 units ✅ | 1.5% ✅ |
💡 How I'm betting NHL player props today
Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.
I'm confident enough in the picks to invest a unit in each ($10). The series can swing in an instant, so I'm not taking the high-scoring Game 1 for granted. The Avs were the best defensive team during the regular season, and the Wild allowed the fourth-fewest goals per game (2.87).
That adds a sliver of doubt about the MacKinnon pick. But his current form and confidence offset any initial concerns.
Gary Pearson X social