NHL Best Bet 12/18/2025

Published: Thu Dec 18, 2025, 3:46 pm ET

Read Time: 6 minutes

nhl

Unfortunately Crosby couldn't get that 2nd point despite the Penguins putting up a good amount of goals to really push us over the edge on the last article. BUt we are still hot with a 8-4 record over the last our pieces. Let's keep rolling and finding discounts on NHL player props to keep boosting our 24-27 record on the articles. Let's see if we can avoid the naughty NHL players and get some extra presents from the nice ones.

We will be breaking down NHL best bets here at Betting News all playoffs long! Each article will look for VALUE, as in straights you can take to build up your bankroll or pieces you can use to beef up your parlays. All bets will be -135 or better odds. And while we will focus on NHL player props, there are times we will take sides and totals. So keep your eyes peeled here as we will drop these throughout the week.

And if you haven't already be sure to check out some of my favorite futures and awards. So time to lace them up and get ready to ride with Betzky for my favorite NHL best bets of the day.

1. David Pastrnak o3.5 SOG +115 on Lucky Rebel:

David Pastrnak is a SOG machine at home making his SOG a best bet

Bruins right winger David Pastrnak reacts after scoring a goal.

Pastrňák is a known rubber ripper, sitting at 3.55 shots per game this season (103 shots in 29 games), basically pricing this prop at his true mean. And it hasn't been some early-season spike that's cooled off: he's logged 36 shots over his last 10 games (3.6 per game). From a pure "math" standpoint, you're asking a high-usage shooter to clear his average by a fraction of a shot. But we get a discount on this NHL best bet when you look at other factors like his matchup history against the Edmonton Oilers.

The other angle: Pastrňák's role and ice time are built for shot volume. He's playing ~19:52 per night and is the engine of Boston's top-end offense. Since returning from an injury, he's immediately produced again (including multiple multi-point games), which matters because shot rates tend to follow confidence + puck touches.

Now the matchup context is sneaky encouraging: Pastrňák has historically let it fly vs Edmonton, posting 48 shots in his last 10 games against the Oilers (4.8 per game). That's not a promise, but it's a strong indicator that this opponent's style has consistently produced a "green light" game for him.

Put it together: you've got a shooter with a season-long 3.55 SOG floor, steady recent volume, elite usage, and a matchup history that leans toward higher shot counts — which is why o3.5 SOG (often priced around even money, depending on book) is a reasonable bet to clear tonight.

Get $1,250 deposit bonus and 50 Slot Spins when you sign up at Lucky Rebel

2. Rasmus Andersson o2.5 SOG +140 on Lucky Rebel:

Rasmus Andersson has been flinging puck at a career best rate

It is clear Rasmus Andersson may be auditioning to be traded to a new team. Andersson has been in trade rumors since the offseason and while the Calgary Flames are starting to play better, they are a rebuilding team. Normally a 1.5 SOG prop, Andersson has been bumped to 2.5 SOG due to his recent performance, and I will be riding this wagon as an NHL best bet.

Andersson is at 2.56 SOG per game on the season (87 shots in 34 games), which puts the 2.5 line right on the edge of his baseline. But the more important trend is his current form: he's recorded 33 shots in his last 10 games — 3.3 per game — which clears this prop if he simply stays in that recent usage lane. Andersson's ice-time workload supports that kind of repeatable volume: he's averaging 24:07 TOI per game, the type of deployment that naturally produces more shifts in the offensive zone, more point touches, and more "get it through" attempts.

n the most recent meetings with Seattle last season, Andersson posted 5 shots in one game (March 25, 2025), showing the spike-game ceiling you want when you're playing a 2.5 line. While Seattle has been better against shots from defensemen lately, they have allowed the 11th most shots against to the position over the course of the season. And if Andersson is truly motivated to show his offensive skills off in hopes to be moved to a contender this plus money bet has all the stars aligned to be an NHL best bet.

Get $1,250 deposit bonus and 50 Slot Spins when you sign up at Lucky Rebel

4.8/5 Review Rating

Bonus & Benefits
55% Welcome Bonus w/ code BNBOL55
See our review »

Up to $250 in Free Bets + 100 Spins
$10 Cash Bonus w/ Code BNEWS
Fastest Payouts

Play Now & Claim Bonus »

3. Jason Robertson Goal +120 on Lucky Rebel:

Jason Robertson dominates the Sharks making his goal a best bet

Jason Robertson enters this game as one of the Stars' most lethal finishers, with 20 goals and 40 points in 33 games this season — a scoring pace that comfortably places him among the NHL's elite offensive weapons. Robertson isn't just accumulating shots — he's converting them at a strong clip. According to scoring prop trends, he scores at a rate of about 0.6 goals per game over recent outings and regularly finds the scoresheet.

In Dallas's most recent matchup vs. San Jose (Dec. 5), Robertson not only generated offense but scored a power-play goal, giving the Stars a 1-0 lead and finishing with 18 goals on the season at that point. That's not a one-off either: in his career vs. the Sharks, Robertson has posted 8 goals and 8 assists in 12 games, showing that this matchup suits his attacking style.

The Stars have dominated this head-to-head series recently (5-0-0 in the last five games vs. San Jose), suggesting the Sharks struggle to contain Dallas's top offensive talents game after game. A strong Stars attack usually means sustained zone time and more opportunities for Robertson to cash in, making this a solid NHL best bet.

Get $1,250 deposit bonus and 50 Slot Spins when you sign up at Lucky Rebel