Odds via bet365 on May 31^st, 2022 @ 1:00 PM

The Stanley Cup Playoffs present some 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 four 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 prop bets for two of the top players in the league, as well as a first-overall pick who will be counted on this series.

Connor McDavid Over 0.5 Powerplay Points (+100)

Is there anything Connor McDavid can't do? Throughout the first two rounds, he has looked incredible and even borderline scary. With 26 points in 12 game, the one they call McJesus is currently pegged at +100 to score at least one powerplay point…you read that right, one. I think the bookmakers could be out to lunch on this one because you know exactly who will be touching the puck on the Oilers top-powerplay unit – a unit that's operating at a 28.2% success rate with the man advantage.

Need I say more? McDavid is plus money to get one powerplay point. Bet. It. Now.

Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goal Scorer (+130)

Nathan MacKinnon is currently tied for third in the league for goals scored this post season. He is a complete workhorse who can skate like the wind. His lethal wrist shot and ability to dance defenders with his crafty hand work paired with top-end talent gives him ample opportunity to fill the net. The motivation should be there for him this series, too. He's going toe-to-toe with the NHL's best player in McDavid, and a win against McDavid's Oilers punches the Avalanche's ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.

Look for MacKinnon to have a HUGE series against the Oilers as he throws his name in the hat for the league's best player.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Over 2.5 Shots (+120)

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been good these playoffs – tallying 11 points in 12 games. While the Nuge is averaging 2.3 shots per game, he is certainly a player who can pop off with a five-shot game. And what better time to pop off in the SOG category than against the offensive juggernaut which is Colorado. Make no mistake, this will be a very tough series against for the Edmonton Oilers; depth will be a key factor in this matchup.

If the Oilers can do any damage to the Avs, look to Nugent-Hopkins to be a big part of that.

Prop Bet Wrap Up

With the playoffs slowly winding down to only two series, the entertainment factor will still be present as the stakes are much higher. Edmonton vs Colorado is sure to be a showcase of the NHL's best talent. MacKinnon vs McDavid. Draisaitl. Makar. Rantanen. Nugent-Hopkins. You look up and down the rosters and you can already tell it's going to be a great series.

It very well could be a battle of special teams. Both teams have had great powerplays so far (Colorado having the best in the league), and when it's like that they'll be cashing in on the man advantages when they're given the chance. When you have the players like the ones listed above on the ice for the powerplay, magic is expected to happen.

The winning team in this series will need their best players to be their best players. This is why I will be riding with the big dogs in this one.