Stanley Cup Playoffs player props: Gaudreau positioned to stay on hot streak

To quote your favourite TikTok star, the opening night of the Stanley Cup Playoffs was lit.

In total, there were two shutouts (Jack Campbell & Ville Husso), one hat trick (David Perron) and a whole whack of penalties scattered over four riveting contests. And kudos to everyone who took the plunge on the Mitch Marner anytime goal (+220), the 24-year-old ended a nasty 18-game playoff goal drought. Shoutout to Playoff Phillip Danault as well.

Lucky for us, Monday night was just the beginning. Four more series openers are headed your way tonight headlined by the Flames and Stars from Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.

With that in mind, here are some prop bets to consider munching on:

PROP #1: Johnny Gaudreau Anytime Goal (+150)

Admittedly, this one’s a hunch more than anything else. That said, Gaudreau’s coming off an impeccable season where he hit the 40-goal plateau for the first time in his career. Calgary missed the postseason last year, but back in the 2020 bubble playoffs, the 28-year-old netted four goals in 10 contests. Suffice it is to say, there’s a lot riding on this stretch for both the Flames and Gaudreau, he’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Let’s stay hot, Johnny!

Prop #2: Cale Makar Over 0.5 PP Points (+155)

Colorado and Nashville combined to score 31 goals in four regular season games, why would the playoffs be any different? Compound that with the fact that Juuse Saros won’t be playing, and you can see why it’s likely we get a lot of offence tonight in Denver. Judging by the parade to the penalty box on Monday night, it’s fair to expect a flurry of power play opportunities in this one as well. And that’s good news for Makar, who anchors the league’s seventh best power play. The 23-year-old star blue liner tallied 34 points with the man-advantage in the regular season.

PROP #3: Washington Capitals to score the first goal of the game (+125)

The Capitals probably won’t win Game 1, but they may score first. Over the course of the year, especially late in the season, the juggernaut Panthers had the propensity for allowing the first goal of the game quite a bit. In fact, they did it 13 times in the final 20 games; it’s become a definite trend. But fortunately for them, they can outscore their problems with relative ease, so therein lies the in-game betting value for you, too.

PROP #4: Chris Kreider Over 2.5 SOG (-160)

It’s a steep price, but just like the Evander Kane shot prop (O2.5, -175) last night that cashed, it’s worth it in the long run. Coming off a 52-goal campaign, Kreider will be looking to set the tone for the Rangers against the division rival Pittsburgh Penguins. The 31-year-old cleared the 2.5 shots on goal mark in six straight outings to end the regular season.

Betting odds listed above via the Bet365 Sportsbook as of Tuesday afternoon.