NHL Player Props & Best Bets for Today: David Pastrnak Looks to Slay the Sabres

Eric Rosales breaks down his favorite NHL player props for Sunday's playoff action, including Nathan MacKinnon and Cole Caufield.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color, capturing the raw intensity and athleticism of NHL players in action on the ice.The NHL playoffs bring a frenetic, high-energy atmosphere as the league's top scorers battle for the Stanley Cup.Boston Today

With four NHL Stanley Cup Playoff series kicking off on Sunday, hockey analyst Eric Rosales shares his top player prop bets for the day's action. Rosales is high on Nathan MacKinnon to continue his goal-scoring tear against the Kings, Cole Caufield to rack up assists against the Lightning, and David Pastrnak to end his goal-scoring drought against the Sabres.

Why it matters

The NHL playoffs are in full swing, and these player prop bets offer an exciting way for fans to engage with the high-stakes action. Rosales' analysis provides valuable insights that can help bettors make informed wagers on some of the league's biggest stars.

The details

Rosales' first pick is Nathan MacKinnon to score at -125 odds. The Avalanche star has been a goal-scoring machine, netting 53 goals this season, and he's had tremendous success against the Kings, tallying 10 goals and 27 points in their last 15 meetings. Next, Rosales likes Cole Caufield over 0.5 assists at +140 odds, as the Canadiens' sniper has been producing points against the Lightning. Finally, Rosales is backing David Pastrnak to score at +170 odds, noting that the Bruins' leading scorer has feasted on the Sabres, scoring in three straight games against them.

  • The Avalanche vs. Kings game starts at 3:00 p.m. ET on TNT and truTV.
  • The Canadiens vs. Lightning game starts at 5:45 p.m. ET on TNT and truTV.
  • The Bruins vs. Sabres game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

The star center for the Colorado Avalanche, who led the NHL in goals this season with 53.

Cole Caufield

The goal-scoring winger for the Montreal Canadiens, who finished second in the league in goals this season.

David Pastrnak

The leading scorer for the Boston Bruins, who has dominated the Buffalo Sabres in recent matchups.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Colorado Avalanche star sniper blistered the league for 53 goals, the second time in three years he's gone for 50+.”

— Eric Rosales, Analyst

“I'm taking Cole Caufield to pick up a helper here as it's got just a little bit more juice than lighting the lamp.”

— Eric Rosales, Analyst

“Let's wrap up with Boston's top scorer, who has absolutely feasted on the Sabres, picking up points in 15 of his last 16 games.”

— Eric Rosales, Analyst

The takeaway

These player prop bets offer an exciting way for hockey fans to engage with the high-stakes NHL playoffs. Rosales' analysis highlights some of the league's biggest stars, including Nathan MacKinnon, Cole Caufield, and David Pastrnak, who are poised to make an impact in their respective series.