Player props can be useful in a variety of ways -- from taking advantage of them straight up to measuring a player's potential to produce in daily fantasy hockey on FanDuel. Here, we're going to focus on the former.

Utilizing numberFire's projections as a guide, here are some NHL player props bets that look appealing via the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Please note that betting lines and numberFire's projections may change throughout the day after this article is published.

NHL Prop Bets

Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 Shots on Goal (+110)

It's a do-or-die game for the Colorado Avalanche and it's time for their best player to step up.

That would be Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the team with 38 shots on goal and tied with 12 points through their nine playoff games.

The Avalanche are going to need that level and then some as they look to stave off elimination, as the Dallas Stars are up 3-1 in the series. Of course, MacKinnon is on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, the role he has controlled for the entire season.

Shots shouldn't be too hard to come by for the Avs since they've held the total shots on goal advantage (91-73) through the first four games of this series.

If the Avs want to live to see another day, it's likely to be based on MacKinnon's production tonight.

Artturi Lehkonen Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-114)

Alongside Nathan MacKinnon, we see Artturi Lehkonen, who will also need to do his part tonight.

Lehkonen is up on the first forward line and the first power-play, putting him in a spot to see 20+ minutes of ice time tonight. Given the fact this is an elimination game for the Avs, they will likely lean on their top players a bit more than usual.

This puts Lehkonen in a good spot to hit over 2.5 shots on goal, something he's done in six of the nine playoff games this season. He's hit five shots on goal or more three times in those nine games, showing he has a shoot-first mentality, bringing consistency and upside to the table.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.