A pair of Toronto Maple Leafs headline my top NHL anytime goal picks for Sunday’s slate.
The pregame narrative: William Nylander and John Tavares are staring down a plus matchup and are solid picks to score a goal. Elsewhere, Jonathan Huberdeau is a solid pick to light the lamp as the Calgary Flames battle the San Jose Sharks.
Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Feb. 23.
NHL anytime goal picks
Best Bet: Nylander anytime goal (+123)
It’s a little odd to see the NHL’s No. 2 goalscorer also hold the second-best odds to score a goal on his team, but that’s where Nylander sits on most nights.
It’s just how it goes when you play with Auston Matthews, but the Swedish forward has certainly emerged as the better value.
Nylander has 33 goals on the season which is only behind Leon Draisaitl’s 41 markers.
He’s goalless in his last three games, but he was riding a three-game goal streak before that (five total goals).
The matchup is right for the Toronto Maple Leafs star to strike, also. His opponent, the Chicago Blackhawks, ranks:
- 30th in goals against per game (3.46)
- 30th in shots against per game (31.6)
- 30th in scoring chances against per 60 (30.41)
Chicago has allowed 11 goals against in its last two games and I expect the Maple Leafs to score plenty.
Key stat: Nylander has nine goals in his last 11 games.
Other picks
Tavares anytime goal (+180): For those looking to back a Maple Leafs scorer at longer odds, Tavares is a natural pivot.
The Toronto centre is having a quality campaign. His 22 goals are second on the team this season and he just scored a goal in Saturday’s 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.
Arvid Söderblom starts for Chicago and he’s been dreadful lately. He’s allowed 12 goals in his last three outings and owns a .886 save percentage during this stretch.
Tavares is third on the Maple Leafs in expected goals (20.08), according to Natural Stat Trick, and he’s a solid choice to net a tally in a plus matchup.
Huberdeau anytime goal (+195): These are nice odds for Huberdeau to deliver a lamplighter.
The Calgary winger leads his team in goals (21) and points (41) this campaign. He’s heating up with two goals in his last four games, and he should be able to carry his strong form into Sunday’s matchup.
The Flames battle the defensively and goaltending inept Sharks. San Jose cedes the most goals per game (3.72) and ranks a brutal 24th on the penalty kill (75.4%).
The Sharks have the worst expected goals against in the NHL (3.55) and Huberdeau is a logical choice as I look to pick on San Jose.
Picks made at 2:08 p.m. ET 02/23/2025.
Stevie’s an avid NFL, NHL, and tennis bettor who has no problem talking himself into the underdog. His previous stops include Yahoo! Sports Canada and Toronto Metropolitan University, where he received a degree in Sport Media.