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

The world’s best player is featured in my NHL player props tonight.

Connor McDavid makes most defenses and goaltenders look like AHL talent, and he’s entering Thursday on a hot streak. As part of my NHL best bets, I’ve also highlighted 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.

💰 Best NHL player prop tonight

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? 

🔥 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. 

🎟️ Most-bet NHL player props tonight

Betting insights via BetMGM.

1. Jake Sanderson, Senators: Under 2.5 shots (-110)

2. Dennis Hildeby, Maple Leafs: Over 25.5 saves (-130)

3. John Carlson, Capitals: Over 0.5 points (+110)

4. Connor McDavid, Oilers: Over 1.5 points (-110)

5. Anthony Beauvillier, Capitals: Over 1.5 shots (-159)

🚀 Best NHL parlay picks tonight

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