Thursday’s NHL playoff slate features a pair of elimination games.
The pregame narrative: The Winnipeg Jets and Washington Capitals topped their respective conferences during the regular season, but are on the ropes down 3-1. Winnipeg is favoured to extend its series against the Dallas Stars on home ice, while the Carolina Hurricanes are a road favourite in D.C.
Check out my NHL prop bets for May 15, which include predictions on Andrei Svechnikov and Miro Heiskanen.
NHL prop bets
Best bet: Svechnikov over 2.5 shots (-143)
This isn’t the most appetizing price, but I’ll make up for it later with a plus-money play on Heiskanen.
Carolina has been dominating Washington at even strength this series, and Svechnikov’s line has been at the heart of it all.
Sebastian Aho, Jackson Blake and Svechnikov have 32:19 of ice time at 5v5 this series, according to Natural Stat Trick. They’ve outchanced the opposition 51-to-28 (65.56% Corsi rate) and haven’t allowed a goal against.
Carolina’s top line hasn’t scored a 5v5 goal either, which is why I’m looking toward a shot prop.
Svechnikov has cleared this total in three of four games and five of his last six dating back to the first round against the New Jersey Devils.
The Russian winger is leading Carolina with 33 shot attempts and 16 scoring chances (quality looks) this series.
Only 10 of those have found the net, meaning we could be in for some positive regression if Svechnikov keeps firing.
Key stat: Svechnikov is leading all skaters with 76 shot attempts this postseason.
Best NHL picks
Heiskanen to record a point (+140): I understand Heiskanen just returned from a 42-game injury absence, but this price seems too good to pass up.
The Finnish defenceman logged just under 15 minutes of ice time in Game 4 and contributed with an assist in Dallas’ 3-1 victory.
Heiskanen’s playoff resume is incredible for a 25-year-old. He has 62 points in 82 career postseason games, including 16 points in 19 contests last season.
We also have to factor in the play of Connor Hellebuyck.
The soon-to-be Vezina winner has fallen apart (again) in the playoffs. He owns an awful 3.48 GAA and .851 SV% in 11 starts.
NHL prop picks made at 4:18 p.m. ET on 05/14/2025.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.