Staff Writer

Best NHL anytime goalscorer picks March 8: Bet on Stars’ Jason Robertson to score at +170

Two usual suspects and one surprising sniper find their way into Saturday’s NHL anytime goal picks.

The pregame narrative: Jason Robertson and the Dallas Stars are flying high, making him a quality choice to light the lamp. Filip Forsberg remains a dangerous goal-scoring threat, and the matchup is right for him to strike. Ryan Donato is in the midst of a solid goal-scoring campaign and has attractive odds.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for March 8.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Robertson to score a goal (+170)

Embed: #111069

Few NHL players are in finer form entering Saturday night’s action.

The Dallas winger is quickly changing the narrative on what was an underwhelming campaign:

Robertson scored two goals in his most recent outing.

Robertson has scored in six of his last eight games.

Robertson has eight goals in his last eight contests.

The talented forward now has 27 goals on the campaign, putting him on pace for his third, 30-plus goal campaign in his last four seasons.

The recent addition of Mikko Rantanen certainly helps his cause as the newly-acquired forward will slot onto his line.

The matchup is intriguing for Robertson as his Stars battle the Edmonton Oilers.

Edmonton is struggling to keep the puck out of its net. It’s allowed 35 goals across its last eight games (4.4 goals allowed per game).

Dallas’ offence is fourth in goals per game (3.40) and should be able to score in this contest.

Key stat: Edmonton ranks 26th in save percentage over the last month of the season (.869).

Quick picks

Forsberg to score a goal (+104): Forsberg isn’t delivering on his lofty standards, but he is coming off a quality outing.

The Nashville Predators superstar scored two goals in his team’s latest game, a 5-3 win over the Seattle Kraken. I’m optimistic about his outlook entering Saturday’s contest.

The Preds battle the Chicago Blackhawks and that’s certainly a plus matchup for the moustached sniper.

Chicago is allowing the fourth-most goals per game (3.48)

Chicago is ceding the third-most shots per contest (31.9)

Chicago is 20th in team save percentage (.891)

Forsberg has done well against the Blackhawks this season, notching two goals in three games.

Donato to score a goal (+280): Chicago also stares down a favourable matchup on Saturday.

Nashville has been one of the worst defensive teams by the numbers:

The Predators are surrendering the fifth-most goals per game (3.34)

The Predators allow the eighth-most shots per game (29.3)

The Predators have the sixth-worst save percentage in the NHL (.886)

Donato is my preferred pick from the Blackhawks for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, he leads Chicago in goals this season with 23. That’s six more goals than any other player on the squad.

Secondly, he’s heating up ahead of this contest. Donato has scored in three of his team’s last four games (four total).

Picks made at 2:51 p.m. ET on 03/08/2025.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Avalanche March 8: Bet on Nathan MacKinnon, Matthew Knies to shine

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche collide after a busy trade deadline for both squads.

The pregame narrative: Colorado added Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle at the deadline to secure the middle of the ice. Toronto added Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo to bolster its roster. None crack my props picks for tonight. Instead, I’m eyeing Nathan MacKinnon and Matthew Knies.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. the Avalanche for March 8.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Avalanche

Best Bet: MacKinnon over 3.5 shots (-136)

Embed: #111026

There’s a decent amount of juice to pay on this line but it’s usually worth betting on MacKinnon’s shot prop when it’s hovering at 3.5.

MacKinnon is one of the game’s premier shooters. He’s second in the category (257), only trailing Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak (268).

He’s capable of some truly outrageous shooting performances. For example, MacKinnon fired off eight shots on goal in his most recent contest vs. the San Jose Sharks.

The matchup works in his favour on Saturday, too, as the Maple Leafs struggle to limit opposing teams’ shot totals and quality chances:

Toronto allows the 10th-most shots per game (29.1)

Toronto cedes the ninth-most shots per 60 (28.96)

Toronto surrenders the eighth-most scoring chances per 60 (28.8)

MacKinnon is one of the NHL’s best at getting the puck into high-percentage areas and should do so against the Maple Leafs on Saturday night.

Key stat: MacKinnon has topped this total in 11 of his last 16 outings, averaging 5.1 shots per game during this stretch.

Quick pick

Knies 1+ points (-103): Betting on Knies to register a point is one of the most intriguing props to bet on in the NHL right now.

Here’s why:

Knies has a point in four of his last five games (five total).

Knies has a point in nine of his last 14 outings (14 total).

The winger is firing on all cylinders and already has a career-high 24 goals and 41 points.

What makes him such an appealing wager at this time is his spot in the lineup. Knies plays on Toronto’s first line alongside Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. He also plays on the top power play, skating with those two forwards, William Nylander and John Tavares.

Both Matthews (-278) and Marner (-245) have much steeper odds of scoring a point, making Knies the preferred play considering his deployment.

Picks made at 12:35 p.m. ET 03/08/2025.

Wizards vs. Raptors SGP predictions March 8: Bet on Washington, Middleton in +475 SGP

Two surging basement dwellers meet on Saturday night as the Washington Wizards visit the Toronto Raptors.

The pregame narrative: Both teams enter this game feeling good about their recent results. Washington is catching a decent amount of points, however, I’m making it my ATS pick for this contest. Additionally, I’m interested in the game total under but will dabble on Khris Middleton’s points prop over.

Check out my Wizards vs. Raptors SGP predictions for March 8.

Wizards vs. Raptors predictions

Parlay: Wizards +4.5 | Under 229.5 points | Middleton over 13.5 points (+475)

Wizards +4.5 (-143): No team in the NBA sports a worse record than Washington (12-49).

But this wager doesn’t require the Wizards to win. They only need to keep it competitive on Saturday night.

The Raptors own the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference (21-42) and are well on their way to a top-five pick in the NBA Draft. Toronto has won three consecutive games ahead of this contest, however, but that’s not enough for me to back it against the spread.

For starters, the Raps are dealing with a noticeable rest disadvantage. Toronto played Friday night while Washington hasn’t played since Wednesday. That plays right into the hands of the Wizards:

Washington is 6-3 ATS on two-to-three days’ rest

Washington is 9-7 ATS with a rest advantage

Toronto hasn’t fared well in the favourite role this year, either, going an underwhelming 3-3 ATS despite rocking a 37-25-1 mark vs. the spread overall.

The Raptors have failed to cover this number in five of their last six games.

NBA SGP legs

Under 229.5 points (-182): Don’t expect there to be much offence between these two squads.

Neither offence is prolific in any sense of the word.

Washington ranks 27th in points per game (108.3)

Toronto ranks 23rd in points per game (110.5)

Washington’s point production is especially troubling considering its pace. The Wizards have the fourth-fastest pace (102.16) but have the league’s worst offensive rating (105.7).

It’s no surprise that Washington has fallen short of this total in five of its last seven contests.

The Raptors, meanwhile, have gone under this total in five of their last six games.

Middleton over 13.5 points (-110): Thirdly, I’m betting on a solid scoring night from one of Washington’s more consistent offensive threats.

Middleton enters this game with a steady stream of production. He’s recorded 14-plus points in each of his last three contests.

Looking at an even larger sample size, he’s usurped this mark in five of his last eight outings.

This is actually a pretty solid matchup for the small forward, too, as the Raptors cede the ninth-most points per game to the position (22.01), according to Fantasy Pros.

Wizards vs. Raptors predictions made at 10:07 a.m. ET on 03/08/2025.

Wizards vs. Raptors SGP predictions March 8: Bet on Washington, Middleton in +440 SGP

Two surging basement dwellers meet on Saturday night as the Washington Wizards visit the Toronto Raptors.

The pregame narrative: Both teams enter this game feeling good about their recent results. Washington is catching a decent amount of points, however, I’m making it my ATS pick for this contest. Additionally, I’m interested in the game total under but will dabble on Khris Middleton‘s points prop over.

Check out my Wizards vs. Raptors SGP predictions for March 8.

Wizards vs. Raptors predictions

Parlay: Wizards +4.5 | Under 229.5 points | Middleton over 13.5 points (+440)

Embed: #111009

Wizards +4.5 (-114): No team in the NBA sports a worse record than Washington (12-49).

But this wager doesn’t require the Wizards to win. They only need to keep it competitive on Saturday night.

The Raptors own the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference (21-42) and are well on their way to a top-five pick in the NBA Draft. Toronto has won three consecutive games ahead of this contest, however, but that’s not enough for me to back it against the spread.

For starters, the Raps are dealing with a noticeable rest disadvantage. Toronto played Friday night while Washington hasn’t played since Wednesday. That plays right into the hands of the Wizards:

Washington is 6-3 ATS on two-to-three days’ rest

Washington is 9-7 ATS with a rest advantage

Toronto hasn’t fared well in the favourite role this year, either, going an underwhelming 3-3 ATS despite rocking a 37-25-1 mark vs. the spread overall.

The Raptors have failed to cover this number in five of their last six games.

NBA SGP legs

Under 229.5 points (-186): Don’t expect there to be much offence between these two squads.

Neither offence is prolific in any sense of the word.

Washington ranks 27th in points per game (108.3)

Toronto ranks 23rd in points per game (110.5)

Washington’s point production is especially troubling considering its pace. The Wizards have the fourth-fastest pace (102.16) but have the league’s worst offensive rating (105.7).

It’s no surprise that Washington has fallen short of this total in five of its last seven contests.

The Raptors, meanwhile, have gone under this total in five of their last six games.

Middleton over 13.5 points (-121): Thirdly, I’m betting on a solid scoring night from one of Washington’s more consistent offensive threats.

Middleton enters this game with a steady stream of production. He’s recorded 14-plus points in each of his last three contests.

Looking at an even larger sample size, he’s usurped this mark in five of his last eight outings.

This is actually a pretty solid matchup for the small forward, too, as the Raptors cede the ninth-most points per game to the position (22.01), according to Fantasy Pros.

Wizards vs. Raptors predictions made at 10:07 a.m. ET on 03/08/2025.

Best NHL anytime goalscorer picks March 2: Bet Predators’ Forsberg, Rangers’ Panarin to score

My eyes are fixated on one game for Sunday’s NHL anytime goal picks.

The pregame narrative: The Nashville Predators battle the New York Rangers and there are plenty of reasons to expect fireworks in that contest. I’m looking at two certified snipers — Filip Forsberg and Artemi Panarin — to light the lamp in this contest.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for March 2.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Forsberg anytime goalscorer (+140)

Forsberg has a lot working in his favour on Sunday night.

For starters, this is one of the NHL’s premier shooters. Forsberg is sixth among all players in shots (211) and fourth in individual Corsi (457), according to Natural Stat Trick.

Although he only has one goal in his last five games, it isn’t for a lack of effort:

3+ shots in 4 of 5 games
16 shots during that stretch

The Predators star is having a bit of a down season. He has 22 goals after recording his second 40-goal season in 2023-24.

But tonight seems like a good night for him to tickle twine. He’s battling a Rangers squad that has some glaring holes:

New York is allowing the 12th-most goals per game (3.10).

The Rangers are tied for the fifth-worst expected goals-against mark (3.35).

Forsberg should be able to strike against a struggling New York team that traded away defenceman Ryan Lindgren on Saturday.

Key stat: New York allows the fourth-most shots per game (30.4).

Quick pick

Panarin anytime goalscorer (+145): There should be plenty of goals with two capable offences and poor defences squaring off.

The Predators can’t keep the puck out of their own net. They rank:

28th in goals against (3.34/game)
25th in shots against (29.5/game)
27th in team SV% (.887)

All of this sets up well for Panarin to score a goal.

The talented winger leads his team with 23 markers and 170 shots, making him the Rangers’ top candidate.

Panarin is goalless in six straight contests, but like Forsberg, the conditions are right for him to snap his slump.

Picks made at 2:25 p.m. ET on 03/02/2025.

Best NHL anytime goalscorer picks March 2: Bet Predators’ Forsberg, Rangers’ Panarin to score

My eyes are fixated on one game for Sunday’s NHL anytime goal picks.

The pregame narrative: The Nashville Predators battle the New York Rangers and there are plenty of reasons to expect fireworks in that contest. I’m looking at two certified snipers — Filip Forsberg and Artemi Panarin — to light the lamp in this contest.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for March 2.

NHL anytime goal picks

Embed: #110630

Best Bet: Forsberg anytime goalscorer (+165)

Forsberg has a lot working in his favour on Sunday night.

For starters, this is one of the NHL’s premier shooters. Forsberg is sixth among all players in shots (211) and fourth in individual Corsi (457), according to Natural Stat Trick.

Although he only has one goal in his last five games, it isn’t for a lack of effort:

3+ shots in 4 of 5 games
16 shots during that stretch

The Predators star is having a bit of a down season. He has 22 goals after recording his second 40-goal season in 2023-24.

But tonight seems like a good night for him to tickle twine. He’s battling a Rangers squad that has some glaring holes:

New York is allowing the 12th-most goals per game (3.10).

The Rangers are tied for the fifth-worst expected goals-against mark (3.35).

Forsberg should be able to strike against a struggling New York team that traded away defenceman Ryan Lindgren on Saturday.

Key stat: New York allows the fourth-most shots per game (30.4).

Quick pick

Panarin anytime goalscorer (+140): There should be plenty of goals with two capable offences and poor defences squaring off.

The Predators can’t keep the puck out of their own net. They rank:

28th in goals against (3.34/game)
25th in shots against (29.5/game)
27th in team SV% (.887)

All of this sets up well for Panarin to score a goal.

The talented winger leads his team with 23 markers and 170 shots, making him the Rangers’ top candidate.

Panarin is goalless in six straight contests, but like Forsberg, the conditions are right for him to snap his slump.

Picks made at 2:25 p.m. ET on 03/02/2025.

Timberwolves vs. Suns same-game parlay predictions March 2: Bet on Minnesota, Reid in +360 SGP

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns collide in a match with significant playoff implications on Sunday.

The pregame narrative: Phoenix’s playoff hopes are dwindling, and I’m backing Minnesota with a handful of points against the struggling Suns. Additionally, I’m taking the over on a teased-up game total and Naz Reid’s points prop.

Check out my Timberwolves vs. Suns same-game parlay predictions for March 2.

Timberwolves vs. Suns predictions

Parlay: Timberwolves +4.5 + Over 233.5 points + Reid over 19.5 points (+360)

Embed: #110626

Timberwolves +4.5 (-155): A recent blowout victory from Phoenix isn’t going to make me buy in.

The Suns crushed the New Orleans Pelicans, 125-108, on Friday. But beating up on the Pelicans isn’t necessarily a sign of good things to come.

Looking at the bigger picture, the Suns have really been struggling:

The Suns have lost 7 of their past 9 games.

Phoenix failed to cover this spread in 8 of its past 9.

Phoenix has the worst ATS record in the NBA this season (21-38-1).

Minnesota is 4-6 in its past 10 — including losses in back-to-back contests — but has covered this number in 15 of its last 19 outings.

Injuries are a concern for the Timberwolves with Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert out and Anthony Edwards questionable, but I expect Minny to be competitive in a meaningful matchup.

SGP legs

Over 233.5 points (+106): It’s hard to take the under in a Suns game.

Phoenix ranks a respectable 14th in points per game (114.0) but has been atrocious on the defensive side of the ball.

27th in defensive rating (116.3)
22nd in opponent PPG (115.9)
127.7 PPG allowed in its past 3 games

The Timberwolves have also been surrendering plenty of points lately. They’ve given up 118.7 points per game across their last three due in part to some key injuries.

These two squads have met twice this season and the over on this total cashed both times.

Reid over 19.5 points (-118): Thirdly, I’m going to pick one of Minnesota’s hottest scorers to fill the net.

Injuries to Randle and Gobert have provided Reid with increased opportunities and he hasn’t disappointed. Bettors can be assured that the playing time will be there as he’s averaging 36.8 minutes in his past 12 games.

Reid has totalled 20-plus points in six of his last seven games, with the outlier being an uncharacteristic three-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The matchup is right for the big man, too. The Suns are allowing the fourth-most points per game to opposing centres (24.93, according to Fantasy Pros.

Picks made at 12:22 p.m. ET on 03/02/2025.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Penguins March 2: Bet on Auston Matthews to top shots prop

The Toronto Maple Leafs aim to earn an important two points against an inferior Pittsburgh Penguins squad on Sunday.

The pregame narrative: Pittsburgh is playing its second game in as many days, which gives Toronto an advantage in a game where it’s already the better team. I’m expecting Auston Matthews to pepper the Penguins with shots, and I like Matthew Knies to find the score sheet.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. the Penguins for March 2.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Penguins

Best Bet: Matthews over 3.5 shots (-134)

This is a very fair number to back Matthews at on most nights.

Toronto’s captain is also its top shooter. He leads the team in shots per game (3.93) and owns one of the most lethal shots in the NHL.

He’s operating with a shooter’s mindset ahead of this contest, too, registering 50 shots in his last 12 games (4.17).

The matchup is juicier than a cookout hamburger, as Matthews and the Maple Leafs battle a Pittsburgh team struggling all over the ice this season.

The Penguins are allowing the fifth-most shots per game (30.2) and are battling a rest disadvantage after losing to the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

Matthews has dominated the Penguins in two contests this season. He totalled four and eight shots, respectively, in his two dates with Pittsburgh.

Bet on Matthews to top this prop for the third time against the Pens this season.

Key stat: Matthews has recorded four-plus shots in eight of his last 12 games.

Quick pick

Knies to score 1+ points (-118): There are plenty of reasons to like this prop.

For starters, his recent form is encouraging. Knies has a point in seven of his past 11 games — including back-to-back — while averaging a healthy 18:03 in ice time.

Secondly, his deployment inside Toronto’s lineup is mouthwatering. Knies skates on the team’s first line alongside Matthews and Mitch Marner while also serving on the squad’s top power-play unit.

Playing consistent minutes with Toronto’s top talents is a huge positive for Knies’ production.

It helps that he’s staring down a date with a Pens squad that has been absolutely dreadful in their own zone. Pittsburgh is ceding the second-most goals per game (3.58) and has the second-worst save percentage in the league (.882).

Bet on a point from Knies in a plus matchup.

Picks made at 10:22 a.m. ET 03/02/2025.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Penguins March 2: Bet on Auston Matthews to top shots prop

The Toronto Maple Leafs aim to earn an important two points against an inferior Pittsburgh Penguins squad on Sunday.

The pregame narrative: Pittsburgh is playing its second game in as many days, which gives Toronto an advantage in a game where it’s already the better team. I’m expecting Auston Matthews to pepper the Penguins with shots, and I like Matthew Knies to find the score sheet.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. the Penguins for March 2.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Penguins

Best Bet: Matthews over 3.5 shots (-125)

Embed: #110596