NHL Player Props Today: Best Bets & Goal Scorer Picks for Thursday, Dec. 18

My NHL player props for today's action headline Connor McDavid, offering analysis on whether he can secure another two-point outing.
Pictured: Connor McDavid skates into the offensive zone as we offer our Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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My NHL player props for today headline the world's best player. No, I'm not talking about Nathan MacKinnon, although a solid argument can be made for the Colorado Avalanche megastar. 

I'm speaking about Connor McDavid, who makes most defenses and goaltenders look like they belong in the AHL. As part of my best NHL bets, I've also featured David Pastrnak, Macklin Celebrini, and Cole Caufield. 


🏒 NHL player prop bets for Dec. 18

See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.

Player Prop bet Best odds Confidence
Connor McDavid, C, Oilers Over 1.5 points  +105 via DraftKings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
David Pastrnak, RW, Bruins Over 3.5 shots +120 via bet365 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Macklin Celebrini, C, Sharks Anytime goal  +180 via FanDuel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cole Caufield, RW, Canadiens Over 3.5 shots +154 via FanDuel ⭐⭐⭐⭐

💰 Best NHL player prop today

Search the best NHL player prop odds for any team or player across every market from legal sportsbooks in your area.

Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points (+105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

C'mon, Connor, do it again. There is a point when McDavid's production will slow, but I'm banking on it not happening tonight in Boston. McDavid has 20 points in the previous seven games, a run that includes six multi-point outings.  

He was everywhere all at once against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, bagging two goals and two assists.

Boston has been playing well, but aside from Montreal in a second game of a back-to-back, nobody has been able to stop McDavid lately, so why will the Bruins be any different? 

💡 Alternative McDavid prop bets 

  • McDavid has hit the Over on his 3.5 shot total in five of the previous seven games
  • Over the last 11 games, McDavid has alternated games with goals. If that trend continues, he won't score on Thursday. However, it's tough to ignore the fact that he has 11 goals in that stretch
  • He has five power-play points in the previous four games

🔥 More NHL player prop picks

Want more NHL betting advice? Check out all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.

David Pastrnak Over 3.5 shots (+120) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pastrnak hit the Over on this total in four of the previous six games on home ice. While that reinforces the pick, it's his productivity historically against the Oilers that convinced me to get stuck in. 

He fired at least four shots on goal in nine of the previous 10 meetings with the Oilers, averaging 4.8 per game. The Bruins are creating a ton of chances recently, too, which benefits Pasta against a susceptible Oilers defense. You'll win $12 at bet365 on a winning $10 bet. 

Macklin Celebrini anytime goal (+180) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Surely, Celebrini has done enough to make Team Canada. There's not much else he can do if he hasn't. The sophomore scored two goals in the previous three games, making it 18 on the season thus far. 

He has seven points in the last two games, albeit against the struggling Penguins and subpar Calgary Flames. While he's in for a challenging evening against the Stanley Cup odds contender, the Dallas Stars, he usually steps up his level when required. 

Cole Caufield Over 3.5 shots (+154) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Caufield hit the Over on this total in two of the previous four games. But it's his productivity at home recently I'm most drawn to, with the Canadiens' sniper firing at least four shots on goal in six of the last nine contests at Bell Centre. 

The Chicago Blackhawks allow the most shots against on the road per game (33.0). That's an ideal recipe for Caufield to rack up the shots. The +154 odds add to the bet's allure as you'll earn $15.40 on a winning $10 bet. 


🚀 Best NHL parlay picks today

Parlay bet Odds (FanDuel) Confidence
Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points -110  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
David Pastrnak Over 3.5 shots +110 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Macklin Celebrini anytime goal +180 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cole Caufield  +154 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best SGP odds: +2751 via FanDuel ($10 to win $275.12)


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