The Stanley Cup Playoffs present some of the most unexpected moments in all of sports – making betting on the games a much more difficult task than the regular season. But since the second round is over and you now have a pulse on the quality of the teams that remain in contention for the Stanley Cup, let me tell you: there's some money to be made.

Below you will find a pair of NHL player prop bets for two of the Tampa Bay Lightning's best players, as well as a prediction for the first period of tonight's action.

Nikita Kucherov Over 3.5 Shots (+130)

For some reason, people always tend to forget about Nikita Kucherov until the playoffs roll around. Which seems strange – he's a top-five player in the league and is a threat every single time he touches the ice. He's averaging a solid 3.6 shots/per game these playoffs and should be in line to see every opportunity in tonight's game.

With his team down 2-1 in the series to the New York Rangers and a big game four at home with what's a sure-to-be-packed barn, you should expect to see him do all he can to ensure his team heads back to NYC with an even series. Look for him to shoot the puck more.

Alex Killorn Over 0.5 Assists (+240)

Alex Killorn, better known in the locker room as "Killer", is such an underrated player. With so much firepower on the Tampa Bay Lightning, he more often than not gets lost in the mix. While he has been rather quiet these playoffs, I think he's due for a big game. It's clear that he's not as productive as Kucherov, but he does put up points. In fact, he put up 17 points in 19 games in last year's NHL playoffs – which is what you need to win a Cup. He's too good to be this quiet.

If the Lightning win, I think their second-line players need to step up. A player like Killer is going to need to play a role in the Lightning winning this game, and I believe he gets things going with an apple in this contest.

1st Period Both Teams to Score at Least 1 Goal (+230)

I'm not sure why I like this bet, but I do. I think this game could see some action early. Both teams have played well so far and have been averaging over three goals per game – so, a busy first period seems reasonable.

I think I speak for most NHL Playoff fans when I say, we love high-scoring games. Especially in the playoffs. So, let's hope we see some early action in tonight's clash in the Eastern Conference Final.

Prop Bet Wrap Up

Tampa Bay had a magnificent comeback last game. This is a team you cannot let back into the series because they've proven time and time again: they know how to win a series. This leads me to expect a big game from their marquee players, including Kuch and Killer.

This doesn't mean the Rangers will get shutout. They've been excellent these playoffs; I just think Tampa will even things up at home before they head back to Manhattan for game five. They have all the momentum from game 3 and truly, I think they could three-peat this year if they continue to play as they have.

I foresee a packed barn at Amalie Arena with the Lightning coming out on to, as they head into a pivotal game four.