There are five games on Friday’s NHL slate, and I have two props worth taking.
The pregame narrative: Sam Reinhart and the Florida Panthers have a plus matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. I also have a play on Connor McDavid to record a power-play point.
Check out my NHL prop picks for Jan. 3.
NHL prop picks
Go to full NHL betting markets.
Best bet: Reinhart to score (+114)
Since the start of last season, Reinhart has paced the NHL in shooting percentage.
He posted a 24.5% shooting percentage in 2023-24 and is hovering around the same mark this season (23.4 SH%).
Reinhart is goal-less over his past four games, but this is a prime matchup to get off the schneid.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the most defensively-inept teams in the league:
- 32nd in goals allowed (3.67/game).
- 29th in shots allowed (31.4/game)
- 29th in save percentage (.890)
Reinhart averages over 20 minutes of ice time, playing on Florida’s top line and No. 1 power-play unit. The Panthers’ power play is strong, scoring at a 24.8% clip (seventh in the NHL).
He’ll have as many opportunities as anyone to cash in on this grade-A matchup.
Key stat: Pittsburgh allows the most high-danger goals against per 60 minutes (1.77), according to Natural Stat Trick.
Quick pick
McDavid over 0.5 power-play points (+100): I will happily take The Chosen One to record a power-play point at even money.
This is a stellar matchup for the Edmonton Oilers, who face a struggling Anaheim Ducks squad:
- 31st in shots allowed (31.9/game)
- 26th in penalty kill percentage (75.0%)
- 17th in goals allowed (3.05/game)
McDavid was been on a heater in December, posting 23 points in 13 games. Eight of those points came on the man-advantage.
The Oilers rank in the top 10 in both goals per game (ninth) and shots per game (second). Anaheim takes just over four penalties per game. With that in mind, McDavid should have ample chances to capitalize on the power play.
McDavid has 53 career points against the Ducks in 29 matchups.
Picks made at 11:24 a.m. ET 01/03/2025.
