To say the Eastern Conference Finals got off to an incredible start would be an understatement. Thursday night featured an incredible 4-overtime game between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Panthers. In fact, we were just 13 seconds away from a 5 OT matchup. However, Florida's Matthew Tkachuk was able to send the Panthers home as the victors. Despite playing another entire game, these teams are right back on the ice tonight for Game 2. Such fatigued teams can make predicting a winner even more difficult, so we've gone to the NHL player prop market for even better value.
Along with our NHL player prop, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoff action.
Sam Reinhart over 0.5 points (-120)
It was extremely fitting for Tkachuk to be the one to score the game-winning goal on Thursday night. He's been incredible for his new team this season, recording 109 points on the year. Tkachuk has come through for us several times already, but we're focused on his teammate for Game 2. Reinhart may not be listed on the same line as Tkachuk, but he still skates alongside him on the power play unit. Although Carolina has a stout defense, we're going to be seeing some very heavy legs after the marathon that was Game 1.'
We're also getting a great price on Reinhart after not recording a point in that 4 OT thriller. However, he did so in 3 of the last 4 games against the Toronto Maple Leafs last round and in 5 of the 7 games against the Boston Bruins in the first round. Similarly, he had a point in the most recent matchup against the Hurricanes in the regular season. Reinhart is also a great balance between goals and assists, as he had 31 and 26, respectively, throughout the year.' In other words, getting his overall point prop at this price feels like a steal. So, rather than sweating out another Panthers upset, we'll just be rooting for Reinhart to contribute towards a goal in any fashion.''