Stanley Cup Playoffs player props: Markstrom, Huberdeau due for big nights

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FOUR.

That’s the number of games ahead on Cinco de Mayo in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The second batch of Game 2’s in Round 1 will be headlined by the Flames and Stars from Calgary as the home side will try to grab a 2-0 series lead. Elsewhere, Colorado, Pittsburgh and Washington will try to do the same. In general, it’s been a bizarre first round thus far, 8 of 12 games have been blowouts.

Let’s get spicy, here are some prop bets to consider:

PROP #1: Jacob Markstrom OVER 25 Saves (-118)

Simple logic suggests that the Stars will be a bit more active offensively tonight. Amazingly, they mustered just 16 shots on goal in Tuesday night’s 1-0 Game 1 loss to Markstrom and the Flames. Furthermore, in the regular season, Dallas averaged 30.3 shots on goal per game, which ranked 19 of 32 in the NHL. Any way you slice it, if Dallas has any aspirations of winning this series, they’ll have to make life much more difficult for Markstrom. He could’ve watched Netflix in his crease on a tablet in Game 1 and still won.

PROP #2: Jonathan Huberdeau Over 1.5 Points (+150)

In 81 regular season outings, Huberdeau was held pointless just 13 times. So, at the very least, that bodes well for the Panthers star winger to at least notch one point tonight after he was held off the scoresheet in Game 1. Additionally, the 28-year-old tallied 27 multi-point efforts on route to his franchise record 115-point campaign. Moral of the story: Huberdeau’s due for a big night, and so is Florida.

PROP #3: Nazem Kadri Over 0.5 Assists (+110)

As expected, Colorado thumped Nashville in Game 1; Kadri picked up an assist. While it’s fair to expect a better effort from the Preds in Game 2, there’s still a glaring hole in their net without Juuse Saros available —regardless of who plays. Let’s call a spade a spade, they’re in trouble. Colorado should have no problem dropping the hammer again tonight, which in turn, should allow Kadri to do his thing and cash this prop for us. The 31-year-old pending UFA notched a career-high 59 helpers in the regular season.

PROP# 4: Artemi Panarin Anytime Goal (+210)

With Louis Domingue in goal for the Penguins, the Rangers should be throwing everything to the net —if you catch my drift. In 143 career NHL appearances, the 30-year-old has posted a 3.03 goals-against average and 0.905 save-percentage. He’s beatable. Enter Artemi Panarin, who by his standards, was very quiet in Game 1 registering just two shots on goal and zero points. It’s time for the Breadman to earn his keep. Panarin has 10 goals in 31 career Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Betting odds listed above via the Bet365 Sportsbook as of Thursday afternoon.