We're looking at two NHL player props from the late matchup in Friday's Stanley Cup playoff doubleheader: Oilers vs. Knights. I'm seeing value on one player on each side of tonight's pivotal Game 5 matchup at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Check out my favorite NHL best bets for Friday, as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue.
NHL Player Props for Friday, May 12
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Over 2.5 Shots on Goal +125
| Oilers vs Panthers | Oilers -135 |
| Puck Drop | 10 p.m. ET |
| Best Line | Bet365 |
After putting up 37 goals and 104 points in the regular season with strong two-way play, Nugent-Hopkins playoff form has been disappointment. He's put up just one goal and nine points in ten playoff games, and has not had a very positive impact on the game overall.
Those concerns went out the window in Game Four though as the Oilers reunited the line of Nugent-Hopkins, Connor McDavid, and Zach Hyman. Playing alongside the games best player, Nugent-Hopkins broke through with a goal, an assist, and four shots. In 36.4 minutes together this postseason the combination has played to a 75% expected goal rating.
All indications seem to be that the Oilers offensive lines will stay the same in tonight's game, which makes sense considering the 4-1 result last time out.
This series has gotten a little out of control in terms of player safety, which was very evident at the end of Game Four. The referees in this contest will be fully aware of the prior ongoings, and I believe will likely call this game very tight looking to help keep things in check.
A high total of Oilers powerplays would go as a boost to Nugent-Hopkins, who plays the bumper spot on Edmonton's incredible top powerplay unit.
The absence of Vegas' top defender Alex Pietrangelo is another positive note in favour of this prop. His absence increases the likelihood that Edmonton's top unit is able to spend more time in the offensive zone generating attempts on goal.
Shea Theodore Over 2.5 Shots on Goal +120
| Best Line | Bet365 |
