NHL Player Props, Odds & Best NHL Picks for Thursday 12/14

⭐ Auston Matthews Over 1.5 Points (+120) at BetMGM

Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs' star center, is a standout in the NHL with his dynamic playmaking abilities. His consistently top-tier performances make him a strong contender for the league's MVP.

In recent games, Matthews has been on a scoring spree, notching two or more points in four of Toronto's last six matches. 

His exceptional skills were on full display this past Tuesday against the New York Rangers' formidable defense, contributing two goals and two assists in a decisive 7-3 away victory for the Maple Leafs.

Matthews looks set to continue his impressive run this Thursday when Toronto faces the Columbus Blue Jackets on the road. 

Given that Columbus ranks near the bottom of the league in goals allowed per game, with an average of 3.5, they present a favorable matchup for Matthews to exploit, as their defense has been one of the weakest in the league.

⭐ NHL Player Props 1: Auston Matthews Over 1.5 Points (+120)  at BetMGM

⭐ Connor McDavid Over 1.5 Points (-115) at ESPN BET

Thursday night's game features a clash of MVP contenders, with the league's top talents eager to make an early-season impact. 

Among them is Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' star center, who stands out not only for his individual brilliance but also as a team leader. The Oilers, currently just above a .500 win percentage, aim to extend their winning streak to nine games as they face the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This matchup is anticipated to be a high-scoring affair, with both Edmonton and Tampa Bay boasting some of the league's most potent offenses. However, their defenses lag, with Tampa Bay's ranking 31st in the league for goals allowed per game at 3.53.

McDavid, with 38 points this season and tied for fourth in league assists (28), has been instrumental in the team's success. 

He's managed two or more points in seven of the last eight games, coinciding with the Oilers' winning streak. Edmonton will rely heavily on McDavid's ability to generate scoring chances in this crucial game.

⭐ NHL Player Props 2: Connor McDavid Over 1.5 Points (-115) at ESPN BET

⭐ Sam Reinhart Over 0.5 Points (-160) at Draftkings

Tonight's highlight is a thrilling clash between the Florida Panthers and the Vancouver Canucks, representing a major East vs. West showdown in the NHL. 

Both teams are acclaimed for their strong defensive play, ranking in the top five for scoring defense. Interestingly, despite their defensive prowess, this encounter is expected to be among the highest-scoring of the night.

The Canucks lead the league in scoring offense, averaging 3.83 goals per game, while the Panthers, although formidable, trail behind at 20th in the league with 3.04 goals per game.

Sam Reinhart, the Panthers' star center, is set to be a key player. Leading the team with 37 points, 17 goals, and 20 assists, Reinhart is the centerpiece of Florida's offensive strategy. 

In their previous matchup, a 5-3 loss at home to the Canucks on October 21, Reinhart notably scored two goals. His performance will be crucial as the Panthers face off against the formidable Canucks.

⭐ NHL Player Props 3: Sam Reinhart Over 0.5 Points (-160) at Draftkings