Best NHL Player Props for May 1: Eichel’s Shot Volume Undervalued
Tampa Bay returns home with a chance to close out Montreal after taking Game 5, while Boston heads into Buffalo in a series that continues to swing on shot volume and top-line usage. Out West, Vegas and Utah remain one of the more open series of the first round, with both teams generating consistent attempts through four games.
That creates a clean prop board: a save total tied to elimination pressure, and two shot props where volume is steady but pricing still leans toward the under.
Best NHL player props today
Prop #1: Andrei Vasilevskiy Over 22.5 Saves (-116) — Lightning vs Canadiens
Game Time: 7:00 p.m. ET | ESPN
Vasilevskiy faced limited volume earlier in the series, but closeout games tend to shift shot attempts toward the trailing team. Montreal is unlikely to generate sustained high-quality chances, but it does not need to. Attempts alone drive this prop.
Vasilevskiy has consistently handled 25+ save workloads in playoff settings, and Tampa’s structure funnels shots to the outside while allowing volume to build. If Montreal pushes pace early or plays from behind, the saves total moves into range quickly.
The line is set at 22.5 with modest juice, which leaves room for a volume-driven outcome. This is a bet on game script, not efficiency.
Prop #2: David Pastrnak Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (+100) — Sabres vs Bruins
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
Pastrnak has cleared four shots in multiple games this series while maintaining top-line usage and full power-play exposure. Boston continues to run offense through him, especially in games where pace opens up.
Buffalo has allowed consistent shot volume from opposing top forwards, particularly in transition and broken defensive sequences. That type of environment favors high-attempt shooters, even when finishing is inconsistent.
At +100, the price is the angle. The line itself is standard, but even money on a player with this level of shot volume creates a clean entry point.
Prop #3: Jack Eichel Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (+121) — Golden Knights vs Mammoth
Game Time: 10:00 p.m. ET | ESPN
Eichel continues to lead Vegas in shot attempts and offensive zone touches, logging heavy minutes across even strength and power play. That workload has remained stable regardless of game flow.
This series has produced consistent pace, with both teams generating chances off transition and extended zone time. That keeps attempts steady, particularly for primary puck carriers.
The +121 price stands out. The line is the same 3.5 threshold as other top forwards, but the market is clearly leaning under. With his usage and shot rate holding, the plus-money position is the strongest value on the board.
Trade Friday’s NHL Player Props on Novig
Friday’s slate leans heavily on volume — Montreal pushing attempts in a closeout spot, Boston’s offense flowing through Pastrnak, and Eichel driving shot generation in a high-pace Western matchup. Get your positions on Friday’s NHL player prop markets on Novig.
