Best NHL Player Prop Bets to consider for Thursday, April 11

Alex Ovechkin Savvy veteran and future Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin is already in playoff mode. He has four goals in his last five games, as his team clings to the final Eastern Conference wild-card playoff spot. That pressure to keep winning is only going to make Ovechkin play even better. Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals have a favorable matchup at Buffalo on Thursday night, since the Sabres have a mere middle-of-the-pack defense. The playoffs are clearly now on the line for Washington, since the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, and Philadelphia Flyers are within two points of the Capitals, and that scenario has brought out the best in Washington’s captain. The Caps will need Ovechkin’s best if they want to make the playoffs, so give me No. 8 to score -- and score early -- as he looks to set the tone for this game.

The Pick: Alex Ovechkin anytime goalscorer (+135)
Sergei Bobrovsky The Columbus Blue Jackets have been one of the NHL’s worst teams in 2023-24 with a nonexistent defense and an offense that just isn’t very skilled. The Florida Panthers, on the other hand, are set to make another deep run in the upcoming postseason because their defense is just as stout it was a year ago. Florida continues to do a great job limiting opposing scoring chances, since only two teams allow fewer shots on goal per game than the Panthers. Although the Blue Jackets have struggled to generate offense this season, they have been much better at it over their past few games. Over its last five outings, Columbus has a total of 139 shots for an average of 27.8 per game. If the Jackets can maintain their offensive-zone aggressiveness on Thursday night, Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky should have no problem going over his saves total.

The Pick: Sergei Bobrovsky over 24.5 saves (-110)
Sidney Crosby The Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings will find themselves in a virtual playoff game on Thursday night, because these teams are tied in the standings with 84 points and sit one point behind the Washington Capitals for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth. Given the importance of this matchup, we can expect to see Pens captain Sidney Crosby bring his “A” game on Thursday. When these teams last met in March, Crosby scored a goal against Detroit in helping lead the Penguins to a 6-3 victory. Crosby’s goal broke a 1-1 first-period tie and gave the Pens the lead for good. He will look to set the tone early again on Thursday night, since the winner of this one will likely keep its playoff hopes alive, while the loser can likely pack up for next year.

The Pick: Sidney Crosby anytime goalscorer (+140)
Adrian Kempe The Los Angeles Kings haven’t clinched a playoff spot just yet, and a loss at home to Calgary on Thursday might even jeopardize their postseason hopes, since the Western Conference race is so tight right now. The Flames have already been eliminated from playoff contention, so they have nothing to lose in this match and might be open to trying some new things. Kings winger Adrian Kempe scored a goal against the Flames when the teams played on March 30 in Calgary, although the home team won that game 4-2. With L.A.’s postseason dreams very much on the line Thursday, I like Kempe to score another one against the Flames. His next goal will be his 28^th of the season.

The Pick: Adrian Kempe anytime goalscorer (+155)

Odds are subject to change*