NHL Betting: Blues vs Avalanche Game 1 Player Props – 05/17/2022

There’s plenty of star power in the second-round playoff series between the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues. That means plenty of options for quality player props in Game 1. This betting guide offers some of the better value plays for player props in the series opener, based on trends that started in the opening round.

Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goal Scorer (+112)

Colorado star Nathan MacKinnon was a man on a mission in the first-round series. He scored at least one goal in every game and had two in Game 1. He didn’t score a goal in the two regular-season games he played against the Blues, but he ripped them for five goals in last season’s playoffs, and all five came at home.

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Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

The playoffs have always been a place where MacKinnon shines. He’s scored 75 points in 54 career playoff games, and he’s off to another ripping start this postseason. MacKinnon’s odds are generally low to be an anytime goalscorer, but getting anything higher than even money (+112) when he’s on a four-game goal streak is worth a play.

Ryan O’Reilly Points (Over 0.5, -130)

Ryan O’Reilly was the best player for the Blues in the first round. He’s currently riding a four-game point streak, which included four goals and two assists. The captain was the driving force behind St. Louis’ offensive outburst over the final three games against Minnesota, and he should keep that up against a favorable second-round opponent.

On top of his current sizzling play, the former Avs player has rocked Colorado since leaving. He played in just two of the regular-season games but managed three goals and an assist. Over his career, he’s scored 29 points in 24 games against the Avalanche. He’s a great option to score at least a point (-130) in this one.

Devon Toews Shots (Over 2.5, +125)

The message was sent early and often by the Avalanche from the first game of their series against the Predators: Everybody is going to shoot, and they’re going to shoot often. Devon Toews has always been capable in the offensive end and had career highs this year in goals (13), assists (44), and points (57). He also set a career-high in shots and was very active in the first round.

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Devon Toews, Colorado Avalanche (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Toews scored three goals and two assists in the opening-round sweep and had at least three shots on goal in every game. He has a four-game point streak entering the second round, and he has the green light to fire away. These are great odds for him to get at least three shots (+125), a number he’s eclipsed in seven of his last nine games.

Odds via FanDuel and BetMGM

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