Today’s best NHL anytime goal scorer props: Back Maple Leafs star against Senators

SportsLine NHL analyst Scott Erskine, who nailed three of his four best bets Monday, gives his thoughts on who to back to score a goal in Tuesday’s Stanley Cup Playoff games.

The Florida Panthers finally begin defending their first championship when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The “Battle of Florida” is the last of the eight first-round matchups to get underway as the Lightning and 2024 champions Panthers meet in the postseason for the fourth time in five years - and third time in the opening round.

Three other series resume Tuesday, with the home teams looking to take 2-0 leads. The Carolina Hurricanes host the New Jersey Devils after posting a 4-1 victory in the opener and the Toronto Maple Leafs continue the “Battle of Ontario” against the visiting Ottawa Senators following a 6-2 rout in Game 1.

Players with potential for scoring are highlighted, including Logan Stankoven from the Hurricanes, who started strongly, and several key players from the game between the Golden Knights and Wild.

Best bets

Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs (+125, FanDuel)
The three-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner faced struggles this season, but he is poised for a comeback.

Sam Reinhart, Panthers (+210, FanDuel)
Reinhart has previously had great performances against the Lightning and is expected to deliver again.

Nikita Kucherov, Lightning (+175, bet365)
One of the top scorers in the league for many seasons, he is anticipated to contribute on Tuesday.

Brandon Saad, Golden Knights (+330, DraftKings)
Despite a relatively low scoring season, he’s ready to capitalize on this playoff opportunity.