The first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs continues on Thursday night, with three matchups spanning from 7:00 p.m. ET to 10:00 p.m. ET. Here are tonight’s matchups:
- BUF Sabres at BOS Bruins Game 3 – 7:00 p.m. ET (tied 1-1)
- CAR Hurricanes at OTT Senators Game 3 – 7:30 p.m. ET (CAR up 2-0)
- COL Avalanche at LA Kings Game 3 – 10:00 p.m. ET (COL up 2-0)
Below, I’ll go over my top player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s matchups.
For up-to-date NHL betting information and data, check out the DraftKings Sportsbook betting splits page and player props page!
Best NHL player prop bets for Thursday 4/23/26
Zach Benson 3+ Shots on Goal (+175)
Benson has gotten under the skin of both the Bruins’ players themselves and the fans just two games into the series. Boston fans think he’s soft, which is rather funny, considering he is only 20 years old and his play style suggests the complete opposite. He came alive late in the season offensively, clearing 3+ SOG in six of the final eight games of the season. Benson cleared in Game 1 and missed the mark in Game 2, but he still had six shot attempts. The Bruins allowed the second-most shots per game to opposing wingers during the regular season, and I’d expect Benson to take advantage. His defensive game should lead to takeaways, and there’s a chance he moves up to the first line if Sabres HC Lindy Ruff makes changes to the lines as expected.
Nikolaj Ehlers 1+ Assist (+160)
Ehlers recorded his first point of the postseason in Game 2 with an assist to Jordan Martinook for the game-winning goal in the second overtime. He has recorded an assist in six of his past seven meetings against the Senators and in four of his previous six games before entering the postseason. Both Linus Ullmark and Frederick Andersen have stood on their heads this series, ranking first and second, respectively, in goals saved above expected this postseason. Negative regression will come soon, especially with how lethal both offenses are. I’d expect Ehlers to be involved in those festivities, and it will be a familiar territory as he has recorded at least one assist in four of his last five games in Ottawa.
