NHL Props Today: Best Player Prop Bets for Wednesday, Sept. 30
By Chris Amberley in NHL Hockey
Published:
- Wednesday’s NHL player props feature three shots-on-goal angles
- Matthew Schaefer exceeded 2.5 shots on goal in 13 of his last 15 games last season
- See the NHL props today, including the best player prop bets for Wednesday, Sept. 30, below
Wednesday’s NHL slate is primed for some massive player prop opportunities. As teams settle into the new regular season, I am already seeing fascinating early storylines develop that savvy bettors can exploit. Formulating a winning card requires looking past the moneyline and focusing on how 5-on-5 game scripts and special teams play will impact player usage.
Tonight’s action features several marquee matchups loaded with star power, including the Toronto Maple Leafs rolling out heavy hitters like William Nylander and Auston Matthews to host the New York Islanders. Over in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche boast a talented core gearing up to defend home ice against the Los Angeles Kings. Meanwhile, a classic rivalry takes center stage as Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins hit the road against the Philadelphia Flyers.
I am scanning the board to find the best spots to attack the player props markets. Let’s dive into the NHL props today, including the best player prop bets for Wednesday, Sept. 30.
NHL Player Props Today
Odds from bet365 as of Sept. 30 for Wednesday’s games. Three-plus shots has the same winning threshold as over 2.5 shots.
Before making any wager tonight, make sure you compare lines with the best NHL betting apps.
Best NHL Player Prop Bets for Wednesday, Sept. 30
Matthew Schaefer Player Props: Shots on Goal
- Matthew Schaefer 3+ Shots on Goal (-165 at bet365)
Matthew Schaefer has been a high-volume option, making his shots on goal prop one of the most compelling targets on the board. The Norris Trophy odds candidate exceeded the 2.5 shots on goal mark in 13 of his last 15 games last season. He boasted a heavy 3.7 shots on goal per game average over that span.
He also travels exceptionally well. Schaefer cleared this line in six of his last seven road contests, registering 3.3 shots per game away from home.
Toronto allowed 24 shots against and recorded 14 blocked shots in their opening game of the season. One opening game is too small a sample to establish Toronto’s defensive level. Schaefer’s own shooting volume is the more useful starting point for this selection. New users can claim the bet365 bonus code to tail this wager.
Quinton Byfield Player Props: Shots on Goal
- Quinton Byfield 3+ Shots on Goal (+125 at bet365)
Quinton Byfield thrives on the road and has made a habit of peppering the net in hostile territory. The Kings forward cleared 2.5 shots on goal in eight of his last nine road games last season. He averaged a 3.9 shots per game during that impressive stretch.
Even more encouraging is his specific track record against Colorado. Byfield exceeded 2.5 shots in four straight games against the Avalanche last season. He averaged 4.25 shots per game in those meetings.
At +125, a $10 bet on Byfield to record at least three shots returns $12.50 in profit if it wins. The price implies a 44.4% break-even probability. His matchup sample supports the pick, but four meetings do not make the outcome automatic.
Cale Makar Player Props: Shots on Goal
- Cale Makar 3+ Shots on Goal (+100 at bet365)
Targeting elite offensive defensemen at home is a proven strategy, and Cale Makar fits the bill perfectly. Makar exceeded 2.5 shots on goal in seven of his last 10 games on home ice last season. The Hart Trophy odds dark horse averaged 2.7 shots per game in front of the Denver crowd while quarterbacking the power play.
His historical usage against Los Angeles is even more dominant. The blue-liner cleared this total in five of his last six matchups against the Kings. He logged a massive 3.5 shots on goal per game average during those contests.
Makar’s three-plus-shots price is +100, meaning a winning $10 bet earns $10 in profit. That requires a 50% hit rate to break even. I prefer using his shooting history to frame this price rather than making claims about the Kings’ defensive level before we can establish a meaningful sample.
Sports Writer
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
