NHL Archives - Page 16 of 80

Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 26: Expect Connor McDavid to shine on Sunday

The league’s best player highlights Sunday’s NHL goal scorer picks.

The pregame narrative: In terms of scoring goals, Connor McDavid is off to a slow start, but I expect a superstar performance against a Canadian rival. Before that, look for Jason Robertson to take advantage of the Nashville Predators’ subpar defence.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 26.

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NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: McDavid to score 1+ goals (+140)

McDavid is a pass-first player, as indicated by his one goal and 10 assists through nine games.

But he’s still an elite goal scorer too, and the single tally is because of bad luck and not poor play.

McDavid is tied with Leon Draisaitl for the most shots by an Edmonton Oilers forward (25).

The problem is his 4.0% shooting percentage. For context, he has never had a shooting percentage below 12.0% over an entire season.

Some regression to the mean is coming, and it feels like there’s always fireworks when the Oilers play the Vancouver Canucks.

-> Bet on Connor McDavid to light the lamp!

Vancouver is a below-average team in terms of goals allowed and shots allowed, and it owns the 11th-worst penalty kill.

That is a formula for disaster when playing McDavid, Draisaitl and Co.

This is the right matchup for the Oilers’ captain to get on the score sheet.

Key stat: McDavid has 24 goals and 45 assists in 43 career regular-season games vs. the Canucks.

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NHL predictions

Robertson to score 1+ goals (+148): Every time I write about Robertson, it amazes me to see that he’s a point-per-game player in his NHL career.

Not many finish their career with that feat, so it showcases how good the Dallas Stars forward is, and he hasn’t even hit his prime (26 years old).

A lot of that production comes from scoring. Robertson has 35+ goals in three of the past four seasons.

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He only has three so far this year, but he has recorded a whopping 35 shots, and his 8.6% shooting rate is going to improve.

Finally, he has a great matchup. The Predators allow 30+ shots per game and are expected to start backup goalie Justus Annunen (5.08 GAA, .808 SV%).

NHL anytime goal picks made at 9:24 a.m. ET on 10/26/2025.

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Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 25: Bet on Draisaitl, Rantanen to score

Two of the NHL’s best scorers highlight my NHL anytime goal picks.

The pregame narrative: Mikko Rantanen isn’t setting the league on fire, but a matchup against his ex-team, the Carolina Hurricanes, has me eyeing his goal prop. Elsewhere, I’m willing to pay the juice and bet on a goal from Leon Draisaitl.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 25.

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NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Rantanen to score 1+ goals (+155)

It’s been a solid yet unspectacular start to the season for Rantanen after his wild playoff run.

The veteran winger had 22 points across 18 games during the postseason. He has three goals and eight points through seven outings this year.

His shot totals are down recently, too, with just two shots in his last couple of games.

So why am I targeting Rantanen on this prop?

s-> Bet on Mikko Rantanen to score tonight!

Firstly, this is a nice number for somebody with Rantanen’s goal-scoring track record. Rantanen is fifth among all players in goals since the 2020-21 campaign with 198.

Secondly, this is a nice scheduling spot for Dallas.

The Hurricanes visit at the end of a six-game road trip, where they’ve shown some signs of suspect defence and goaltending.

They’ve allowed 11 goals across their last three games.

I expect Dallas to get right on Saturday and Rantanen to contribute.

Key stat: Carolina is ceding the seventh-most scoring chances per 60 across the last week of the season (31.8), according to Natural Stat Trick.

NHL predictions

Draisaitl to score 1+ goals (+115): This is a steep price for a goal-scorer prop, but I’ll pay it.

Draisaitl has been as advertised this year, scoring five goals in eight games. That puts him on pace to score 50-plus goals for the fourth time in his last five seasons.

The Oilers forward only has 20 shots thus far, but his high-end shooting skills allow him to convert even with limited opportunities.

-> Back Leon Draisaitl against the Seattle Kraken

He should be able to find room to operate on Saturday against the Seattle Kraken, a team struggling to keep the puck out of its net.

The Kraken have allowed three-plus goals in five of their last six games (21 total).

Edmonton’s offence shouldn’t struggle to score, and that likely means Draisaitl gets in on the action.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 2:36 p.m. ET on 10/25/2025.

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Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 25: Bet on Draisaitl, Rantanen to score

Two of the NHL’s best scorers highlight my NHL anytime goal picks.

The pregame narrative: Mikko Rantanen isn’t setting the league on fire, but a matchup against his ex-team, the Carolina Hurricanes, has me eyeing his goal prop. Elsewhere, I’m willing to pay the juice and bet on a goal from Leon Draisaitl.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 25.

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NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Rantanen to score 1+ goals (+150)

It’s been a solid yet unspectacular start to the season for Rantanen after his wild playoff run.

The veteran winger had 22 points across 18 games during the postseason. He has three goals and eight points through seven outings this year.

His shot totals are down recently, too, with just two shots in his last couple of games.

So why am I targeting Rantanen on this prop?

-> Bet on Mikko Rantanen to score tonight!

Firstly, this is a nice number for somebody with Rantanen’s goal-scoring track record. Rantanen is fifth among all players in goals since the 2020-21 campaign with 198.

Secondly, this is a nice scheduling spot for Dallas.

The Hurricanes visit at the end of a six-game road trip, where they’ve shown some signs of suspect defence and goaltending.

They’ve allowed 11 goals across their last three games.

I expect Dallas to get right on Saturday and Rantanen to contribute.

Key stat: Carolina is ceding the seventh-most scoring chances per 60 across the last week of the season (31.8), according to Natural Stat Trick.

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NHL predictions

Draisaitl to score 1+ goals (-103): This is a steep price for a goal-scorer prop, but I’ll pay it.

Draisaitl has been as advertised this year, scoring five goals in eight games. That puts him on pace to score 50-plus goals for the fourth time in his last five seasons.

The Oilers forward only has 20 shots thus far, but his high-end shooting skills allow him to convert even with limited opportunities.

-> Back Leon Draisaitl against the Seattle Kraken

He should be able to find room to operate on Saturday against the Seattle Kraken, a team struggling to keep the puck out of its net.

The Kraken have allowed three-plus goals in five of their last six games (21 total).

Edmonton’s offence shouldn’t struggle to score, and that likely means Draisaitl gets in on the action.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 2:36 p.m. ET on 10/25/2025.

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Sabres vs. Maple Leafs prop picks Oct. 25: Bet on John Tavares to top his shot prop

The Toronto Maple Leafs look to salvage a win from their home-and-home series with the Buffalo Sabres.

The pregame narrative: Toronto lost the game and William Nylander on Friday night. Nylander’s status for tonight’s game is uncertain, and that’s bad news for the team’s offence. Cayden Primeau gets the start, and that could be problematic as well.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. the Sabres for the game on Oct. 25, featuring John Tavares.

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Maple Leafs picks vs. Sabres

Best Bet: Tavares over 2.5 shots (-106)

This isn’t a line Tavares is beating with much regularity this season.

But he topped it last night, and there’s reason to believe in a repeat performance.

Toronto switched up its forward lines ahead of Friday’s game. The team bumped Nylander to the first line with Auston Matthews, while putting Matthew Knies on Tavares’ wing on the second line.

-> Bet on John Tavares tonight!

As a result, Tavares finished the game with three shots, his second-highest total of the season.

Having a player like Knies, who is a great puck retriever, should lead to more shot opportunities for Tavares.

The matchup doesn’t get any better for Tavares. Buffalo is allowing the most shots per game this season (33.3).

It surrendered 34 shots to Toronto in last night’s contest.

Bet on a solid shot showing from Tavares.

Key stat: Tavares has topped this prop in each of his last two games, totalling eight shots.

Best NHL prop predictions

Alex Tuch to score 1+ points (-125): This is another wager I can get behind.

Tuch is tied with Benson for the team lead in points (seven) and has a point in five of his last six games.

He scored a pair of points in last night’s win against the Maple Leafs and is poised to produce once again.

-> Don’t miss out — Bet on Sabres vs. Maple Leafs prop markets

Tuch plays all situations for the Sabres, leading all forwards in average ice time (20:09).

He should see plenty of opportunities to score against a Toronto squad ceding the fifth-most goals per game (3.75).

Maple Leafs picks made at 12:35 p.m. ET 10/25/2025.

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Sabres vs. Maple Leafs prop picks Oct. 25: Bet on John Tavares to top his shot prop

The Toronto Maple Leafs look to salvage a win from their home-and-home series with the Buffalo Sabres.

The pregame narrative: Toronto lost the game and William Nylander on Friday night. Nylander’s status for tonight’s game is uncertain, and that’s bad news for the team’s offence. Cayden Primeau gets the start, and that could be problematic as well.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. the Sabres for the game on Oct. 25, featuring John Tavares.

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Maple Leafs picks vs. Sabres

Best Bet: Tavares over 2.5 shots (-106)

This isn’t a line Tavares is beating with much regularity this season.

But he topped it last night, and there’s reason to believe in a repeat performance.

Toronto switched up its forward lines ahead of Friday’s game. The team bumped Nylander to the first line with Auston Matthews, while putting Matthew Knies on Tavares’ wing on the second line.

-> Bet on John Tavares tonight!

As a result, Tavares finished the game with three shots, his second-highest total of the season.

Having a player like Knies, who is a great puck retriever, should lead to more shot opportunities for Tavares.

The matchup doesn’t get any better for Tavares. Buffalo is allowing the most shots per game this season (33.3).

It surrendered 34 shots to Toronto in last night’s contest.

Bet on a solid shot showing from Tavares.

Key stat: Tavares has topped this prop in each of his last two games, totalling eight shots.

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Best NHL prop predictions

Zach Benson to score 1+ points (-120): Buffalo is getting key contributions from several young players early on, including Benson.

The centre has seven points in five games this season, registering at least one in four of five outings.

That includes an assist in last night’s win over the Maple Leafs.

-> Don’t miss out — Bet on Sabres vs. Maple Leafs prop markets

Benson’s chances of producing are bolstered by the fact that Primeau is in net tonight. The backup netminder allowed four goals in his lone appearance this year, and has an .884 save percentage across 56 career starts.

Benson plays on Buffalo’s first line and top power-play unit. If the Sabres are scoring, he’s likely factoring in.

Alex Tuch to score 1+ points (-130): This is another wager I can get behind.

Tuch is tied with Benson for the team lead in points (seven) and has a point in five of his last six games.

He scored a pair of points in last night’s win against the Maple Leafs and is poised to produce once again.

Tuch plays all situations for the Sabres, leading all forwards in average ice time (20:09).

He should see plenty of opportunities to score against a Toronto squad ceding the fifth-most goals per game (3.75).

Maple Leafs picks made at 12:35 p.m. ET 10/25/2025.

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Maple Leafs vs. Sabres prop picks Oct. 24: Back Knies and Thompson to clear their shot totals

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres kick off their home-and-home south of the border on Friday Night at KeyBank Center.

The pregame narrative: Toronto hasn’t had a great start by any means, but the team is favoured on the road against a perennially bad Buffalo team. Both teams have given up plenty of chances so far, making the over on Matthew Knies and Tage Thompson’s shot totals compelling.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks for the Battle of the QEW game on Oct. 24.

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Maple Leafs picks vs. Sabres

Best bet: Knies over 2.5 shots (+150)

This feels like a steal given Knies’ form and the team he’s playing against.

The American winger made a name for himself last season riding shotgun with Auston Matthews on Toronto’s top line. He was there for the first seven games this season, but Craig Berube is doing a major shakeup tonight.

Knies is projected to skate on the second line with John Tavares and Matias Maccelli, while Bobby McMann and William Nylander are slated to play alongside Matthews.

-> Bet on Matthew Knies to score tonight!

If anything, I think that could be a plus for Knies’ shot production. Keep in mind that Matthews was the go-to scoring threat on that first line.

While playing with Matthews and on Toronto’s top power play (where he still remains), Knies went 5-2 agianst this line while averaging 2.57 shots a night.

Tavares has logged 17:29 of ice time per game, so Knies should still have ample chances to throw pucks on net against the Sabres’ awful defence from Line 2.

Key stat: On a 6-minute basis, Buffalo is allowing the second-most shot attempts (68.14) and shots (33.14), per Natural Stat Trick.

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Best NHL prop predictions

Thompson over 3.5 shots (+100): Thompson is one of the only reliable players on the Sabres. He’s coming off a 44-goal season where he led the team in several key offensive metrics:

1st in shot attempts per 60 (21.3)
1st in shots per 60 (10.2)
1st in points per 60 (3.03)

The American is back leading the team in shot attempts (29.15) and shots (12.11) on a 60-minute basis. He has gone over this mark in four of seven games.

-> Don’t miss out — Bet on Maple Leafs vs. Sabres prop markets

Toronto ranks around the middle of the league in terms of shots and chances allowed so far. But last year, the Leafs were among the worst teams in shot attempts allowed per game.

With Toronto’s entire defensive corps back in the mix, and a year older, I’m more inclined to put stock into last year’s numbers.

Thompson should be able to make noise tonight.

Maple Leafs picks made at 12:30 p.m. ET 10/24/2025.

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Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 23: Back Pastrnak and Caufield on Thursday

David Pastrnak headlines Thursday’s NHL goal picks.

The pregame narrative: The Boston Bruins have lost five straight games, but Pastrnak has been an offensive force during that stretch. I like the former Rocket Richard winner to capitalize on a cushy matchup against the Anaheim Ducks.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 23, featuring a pick on Cole Caufield.

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NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Pastrnak to score a goal (+105)

Pastrnak has been the model of consistency as far as NHL goalscorers go.

He’s netted at least 40 goals in each of the last five full seasons, winning the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2021-22 with 61 goals.

Today’s Bruins are much worse for wear than those Bruins, but Pastrnak has still found ways to produce.

Pastrnak has four goals and 10 points through eight games.

He’s leading the Bruins in shot attempts (72), shots (31), scoring chances (23) and xG (3.34), according to Natural Stat Trick.

-> Bet on David Pastrnak to score tonight!

Boston should get back in the win column tonight at home against Anaheim.

The Ducks are starting backup netminder Petr Mrazek, who gave up six goals on 23 shots to the San Jose Sharks in his lone start this year.

Last season, Mrazek ranked 52nd in GAA (3.35) and 44th in SV% (.891) among qualified goaltenders.

Key stat: Anaheim is allowing the most high-danger chances per 60 (13.18) since the start of last season.

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NHL predictions

Caufield to score a goal (+155): Caufield is off to a great start for the Atlantic Division-leading Montreal Canadiens, scoring five goals in eight games.

The American winger plays top-line minutes alongside Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, and he leads Montreal in shot attempts (39) and xG (3.29).

Edmonton is a strong defensive team, but it has a serious problem in goal that wasn’t addressed this offseason.

-> Back Cole Caufield against the Edmonton Oilers

Calvin Pickard is between the pipes tonight, and he has an .865 SV% through two games. You could say it’s only two games, but Pickard ranked 67th in goals saved above expected on a 60-minute basis last year, per MoneyPuck.

Caufield and the Canadiens should be licking their chops tonight.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 3 p.m. ET on 10/23/2025.

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Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 23: Back Pastrnak and Caufield on Thursday

David Pastrnak headlines Thursday’s NHL goal picks.

The pregame narrative: The Boston Bruins have lost five straight games, but Pastrnak has been an offensive force during that stretch. I like the former Rocket Richard winner to capitalize on a cushy matchup against the Anaheim Ducks.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 23, featuring a pick on Cole Caufield.

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NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Pastrnak to score a goal (+100)

Pastrnak has been the model of consistency as far as NHL goalscorers go.

He’s netted at least 40 goals in each of the last five full seasons, winning the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2021-22 with 61 goals.

Today’s Bruins are much worse for wear than those Bruins, but Pastrnak has still found ways to produce.

Pastrnak has four goals and 10 points through eight games.

He’s leading the Bruins in shot attempts (72), shots (31), scoring chances (23) and xG (3.34), according to Natural Stat Trick.

-> Bet on David Pastrnak to score tonight!

Boston should get back in the win column tonight at home against Anaheim.

The Ducks are starting backup netminder Petr Mrazek, who gave up six goals on 23 shots to the San Jose Sharks in his lone start this year.

Last season, Mrazek ranked 52nd in GAA (3.35) and 44th in SV% (.891) among qualified goaltenders.

Key stat: Anaheim is allowing the most high-danger chances per 60 (13.18) since the start of last season.

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NHL predictions

Caufield to score a goal (+188): Caufield is off to a great start for the Atlantic Division-leading Montreal Canadiens, scoring five goals in eight games.

The American winger plays top-line minutes alongside Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, and he leads Montreal in shot attempts (39) and xG (3.29).

Edmonton is a strong defensive team, but it has a serious problem in goal that wasn’t addressed this offseason.

-> Back Cole Caufield against the Edmonton Oilers

Calvin Pickard is between the pipes tonight, and he has an .865 SV% through two games. You could say it’s only two games, but Pickard ranked 67th in goals saved above expected on a 60-minute basis last year, per MoneyPuck.

Caufield and the Canadiens should be licking their chops tonight.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 3 p.m. ET on 10/23/2025.

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Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 22: Bet on Tage Thompson, Matt Boldy on Wednesday

Two top forwards are featured in Wednesday’s NHL goal picks.

The pregame narrative: Tage Thompson hasn’t been productive so far this season, but I expect a turnaround starting on Wednesday. Elsewhere, take the value on Matt Boldy to score during his meteoric rise for the Minnesota Wild.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 22.

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NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Thompson to score a goal (+125)

Thompson has had a slow start to the season, but he is one of the best goalscorers in the league when he’s on.

He finished tied for third in the NHL with 44 goals last season.

Thompson led the league with 37 even-strength goals.

Since he plays on the Buffalo Sabres, power-play points are hard to come by, so it’s nice to see he can create goals during 5-on-5 play.

-> Bet on the Tage Thompson to score tonight!

This season has been a struggle, though. Thompson has potted just a single goal in six games, putting him on a 14-goal pace.

Over the past four seasons, he’s scored an average of 39.5 goals, so it’s more than reasonable to expect an uptick in production moving forward.

The Detroit Red Wings are off to a great start, but I do see some regression coming in the near future.

John Gibson starts in goal, and his .873 SV% is far from great.

Key stat: Thompson had four goals in four games against Detroit last year.

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NHL predictions

Boldy to score a goal (+160): Kirill Kaprizov has the attention in Minnesota after becoming the highest-paid player in the NHL during the offseason.

But Boldy has been just as important for the Wild in the early portion of the season.

Take a look at his stats and where they rank among NHL forwards:

3rd in time on ice (22:14)
6th in points (10)
9th in shots (27)

Boldy deserves to be mentioned alongside the elite forwards, but his odds don’t reflect that.

-> Bet on NHL goal scorer props

He scored in each of the first four games but has been goalless since. Still, that makes him 4-3 against this wager.

But what catches my eye is the opportunity. He’s playing top minutes and taking a lot of shots. Playing with a player of Kaprizov’s calibre on the first line and power play certainly doesn’t hurt.

The New Jersey Devils are on a five-game win streak, but they just played in Toronto last night before travelling home for Wednesday’s game.

Because of an injury to Jacob Markstrom, Nico Daws will make his first start of the season for the Devils.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 12:30 p.m. ET on 10/22/2025.

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Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 22: Bet on Tage Thompson, Matt Boldy on Wednesday

Two top forwards are featured in Wednesday’s NHL goal picks.

The pregame narrative: Tage Thompson hasn’t been productive so far this season, but I expect a turnaround starting on Wednesday. Elsewhere, take the value on Matt Boldy to score during his meteoric rise for the Minnesota Wild.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 22.

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NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Thompson to score a goal (+128)

Thompson has had a slow start to the season, but he is one of the best goalscorers in the league when he’s on.

He finished tied for third in the NHL with 44 goals last season.

Thompson led the league with 37 even-strength goals.

Since he plays on the Buffalo Sabres, power-play points are hard to come by, so it’s nice to see he can create goals during 5-on-5 play.

-> Bet on the Tage Thompson to score tonight!

This season has been a struggle, though. Thompson has potted just a single goal in six games, putting him on a 14-goal pace.

Over the past four seasons, he’s scored an average of 39.5 goals, so it’s more than reasonable to expect an uptick in production moving forward.

The Detroit Red Wings are off to a great start, but I do see some regression coming in the near future.

John Gibson starts in goal, and his .873 SV% is far from great.

Key stat: Thompson had four goals in four games against Detroit last year.

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NHL predictions

Boldy to score a goal (+170): Kirill Kaprizov has the attention in Minnesota after becoming the highest-paid player in the NHL during the offseason.

But Boldy has been just as important for the Wild in the early portion of the season.

Take a look at his stats and where they rank among NHL forwards:

3rd in time on ice (22:14)
6th in points (10)
9th in shots (27)

Boldy deserves to be mentioned alongside the elite forwards, but his odds don’t reflect that.

-> Bet on NHL goal scorer props

He scored in each of the first four games but has been goalless since. Still, that makes him 4-3 against this wager.

But what catches my eye is the opportunity. He’s playing top minutes and taking a lot of shots. Playing with a player of Kaprizov’s calibre on the first line and power play certainly doesn’t hurt.

The New Jersey Devils are on a five-game win streak, but they just played in Toronto last night before travelling home for Wednesday’s game.

Because of an injury to Jacob Markstrom, Nico Daws will make his first start of the season for the Devils.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 12:30 p.m. ET on 10/22/2025.

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