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Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 14: Back Evgeni Malkin, Jason Robertson to light the lamp

Thursday’s eight-game NHL slate provides plenty of choices for anytime goal scorers.

The pregame narrative: Jason Robertson has an eye for the goal, and that’s been apparent in the early goings of the new season. Later on, take the value on Evgeni Malkin during his hot streak to begin the campaign.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 14.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best bet: Robertson to score (+160)

The value is too good here to pass on.

Robertson has scored in both games so far, and his advanced analytics show that it’s no fluke.

The winger leads the NHL with 4.43 xG per 60 minutes, according to MoneyPuck.

He ranks second in shots on goal per 60 (20.26), and his -0.8 goals above expected show how his production could be even greater.

Robertson has two 40-goal seasons under his belt at age 26, with his best years still to come.

Everything is pointing to a career year, and that’s saying a lot since he averages over a point per game in the NHL.

In his third game, he gets a go at the Minnesota Wild, who have allowed three or more goals in back-to-back contests.

That includes getting lit up for seven at home by the Columbus Blue Jackets. In that game, another proficient goal scorer, Kirill Marchenko, buried a hat-trick.

Key stat: The Wild allow 30.7 shots per game and kill penalties at a below-average 75% rate.

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NHL predictions

Malkin to score a goal (+275): This is definitely a long shot pick, considering the price, but Malkin is worthy of a look with how he’s producing.

The 39-year-old has five assists in three games, but he’s still looking for his first goal.

All five helpers were the primary assists. It doesn’t help this wager directly, but it helps paint a picture of how much offence Malkin is creating.

He plays over three minutes a night on the power play, which increases his chances of finding the back of the net.

And that goes before mentioning the matchup. The Pittsburgh Penguins play the Anaheim Ducks, who will struggle to defend this season.

On opening night, they allowed three goals vs. the Seattle Kraken.

In their second game, they conceded six in a 7-6 shootout win over the San Jose Sharks.

To make it even worse, the Sharks only needed 23 shots to score that many times.

This is a good spot for the Penguins to have an offensive explosion, and Malkin holds the best value of the bunch.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 11:11 a.m. ET on 10/14/2025.

Predators vs. Maple Leafs prop picks Oct. 14: Back Matthews, Marchessault to clear shot totals

The Toronto Maple Leafs are back in action for a third time in four days, this time hosting the Nashville Predators on Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena.

The pregame narrative: Toronto dominated play against the Detroit Red Wings yesterday, but came away with zero points in a brutal last-minute loss. The Leafs are favoured to get back in the win column tonight, with Cayden Primeau likely to make his debut in goal.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks for Oct. 14, featuring predictions on Auston Matthews and Jonathan Marchessault.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Predators

Best bet: Matthews over 3.5 shots (-130)

Leafs fans are accustomed to Matthews dominating out of the gate, so it’s a little disheartening to see him with just one goal (on an empty net) so far.

But it’s not for a lack of effort. Check out what the captain did during Toronto’s recent home-and-home with the Detroit Red Wings:

Saturday: Six shots (12 attempts), 0.62 xG
Monday: Eight shots (14 attempts), 0.9 xG

The goals will come soon enough, and I think backing Matthews to score tonight at -107 is a fine play.

But I just can’t look past this meagre shot total.

Matthews blew by this mark in consecutive games, and faces a Nashville team which has allowed the sixth-most shots on a 60-minute basis so far (30.67), per Natural Stat Trick.

Key stat: Matthews is 7-1 against this line in his last eight games vs. the Predators.

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Best NHL prop predictions

Marschaessault over 2.5 shots (+110): I’m not sure what the Maple Leafs are going to get out of Primeau, who was brutal in the NHL last season but elite with the Laval Rocket after being sent to the AHL in December.

The netminder posted a 1.96 GAA and .927 SV% with the Montreal Canadiens’ affiliate in 26 games.

One thing I do know is that the Maple Leafs give up a ton of chances.

Toronto gave up the fourth-most chances (62.88) and eighth-most shots (29.1) on a 60-minute basis last season, and returned each of its starting defencemen.

Marschaessault is off to a hot start with the Preds, netting two goals and an assist through three games.

He cleared this total in back-to-back contests and ranks second on the squad in shot attempts (16) so far.

Maple Leafs picks made at 11:26 a.m. ET 10/14/2025.

Best NHL prop bets Oct. 13: Back Clayton Keller, Jake DeBrusk to produce

NHL fans are treated to wall-to-wall action on Canadian Thanksgiving, with 10 games on tap starting at noon ET.

The pregame narrative: Clayton Keller is coming off a career season for the Utah Mammoth, and he has an attainable shot total against the defensively inept Chicago Blackhawks. Elsewhere, look for Jake DeBrusk to record a point playing alongside two elite talents.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 13.

NHL prop bets

Best bet: Keller over 2.5 shots (-120)

Last year was a big one for Keller.

The centre was named captain of the newly relocated Utah Hockey Club, leading the team in goals (30) and points (90), the latter of which was a career high.

Keller also logged a team-best 218 shots, netting out to 2.69 per game.

A couple of other Mammoth players logged more shots on a per-60 basis, but Keller plays big minutes, which is important for a wager like this.

Tonight, he gets to go up against the Blackhawks, who are winless through three games.

Chicago was second-to-last in the standings last season, posting a 25-46-11 record.

On a per-60 basis, the Blackhawks allowed the third-most shots (30.84) and sixth-most shot attempts (62.22), according to Natural Stat Trick.

Through three games this year, the Blackhawks have allowed 32.27 shots per 60.

Keller only has three total shots on goal this season, but I won’t let that discourage me. He is 8-1 against this line in his last nine games against Chicago.

Key stat: Keller averaged 17.24 shot attempts per 60 last season.

NHL predictions

DeBrusk to record a point (-120): DeBrusk is coming off a nice debut season with the Vancouver Canucks, netting a career-best 28 goals to go with 20 assists.

Now, he’s playing on the top line alongside Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, who have both eclipsed the 70-point threshold before.

Pettersson had a horrible 2024-25 campaign (45 points), but he’s still a top-end passer who should be able to drive the offence.

DeBrusk has logged an assist in both games so far, and I like his chances of producing against the St. Louis Blues.

Jordan Binnington got lit up for five goals in his only start this year, after ranking a pedestrian 28th in SV% last season (.900).

DeBrusk had a point in two of three games against the Blues a season ago.

NHL prop bets made at 12:45 p.m. ET on 10/13/2025.

Best NHL prop bets Oct. 13: Back Clayton Keller, Jake DeBrusk to produce

NHL fans are treated to wall-to-wall action on Canadian Thanksgiving, with 10 games on tap starting at noon ET.

The pregame narrative: Clayton Keller is coming off a career season for the Utah Mammoth, and he has an attainable shot total against the defensively inept Chicago Blackhawks. Elsewhere, look for Jake DeBrusk to record a point playing alongside two elite talents.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 13.

NHL prop bets

Best bet: Keller over 2.5 shots (-114)

Last year was a big one for Keller.

The centre was named captain of the newly relocated Utah Hockey Club, leading the team in goals (30) and points (90), the latter of which was a career high.

Keller also logged a team-best 218 shots, netting out to 2.69 per game.

A couple of other Mammoth players logged more shots on a per-60 basis, but Keller plays big minutes, which is important for a wager like this.

Tonight, he gets to go up against the Blackhawks, who are winless through three games.

Chicago was second-to-last in the standings last season, posting a 25-46-11 record.

On a per-60 basis, the Blackhawks allowed the third-most shots (30.84) and sixth-most shot attempts (62.22), according to Natural Stat Trick.

Through three games this year, the Blackhawks have allowed 32.27 shots per 60.

Keller only has three total shots on goal this season, but I won’t let that discourage me. He is 8-1 against this line in his last nine games against Chicago.

Key stat: Keller averaged 17.24 shot attempts per 60 last season.

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NHL predictions

DeBrusk to record a point (-114): DeBrusk is coming off a nice debut season with the Vancouver Canucks, netting a career-best 28 goals to go with 20 assists.

Now, he’s playing on the top line alongside Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, who have both eclipsed the 70-point threshold before.

Pettersson had a horrible 2024-25 campaign (45 points), but he’s still a top-end passer who should be able to drive the offence.

DeBrusk has logged an assist in both games so far, and I like his chances of producing against the St. Louis Blues.

Jordan Binnington got lit up for five goals in his only start this year, after ranking a pedestrian 28th in SV% last season (.900).

DeBrusk had a point in two of three games against the Blues a season ago.

NHL prop bets made at 12:45 p.m. ET on 10/13/2025.

Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs picks Oct. 13: Take the over, back William Nylander and Morgan Rielly

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings meet for a Thanksgiving matinee at Scotiabank Arena on Monday.

The pregame narrative: This game has a 2:00 p.m. ET start to accommodate Toronto fans looking to catch the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays games back-to-back. The Maple Leafs played the Red Wings on Saturday, losing 6-3, and hope for a better result in Easton Cowan’s NHL debut.

Check out my Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings picks, featuring prop bets on Morgan Rielly and William Nylander.

Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs picks

Best bet: Over 6 goals (-110)

Toronto was down 4-3 late in Saturday’s game before Detroit added a pair of empty net goals to secure its first win of the season.

I expect another high-scoring affair today.

The Leafs don’t have a goalie confirmed as of 9:25 a.m., but I have a suspicion it will be backup Cayden Primeau. Anthony Stolarz has played two games already, and Toronto is back in action tomorrow night against the Nashville Predators.

Primeau posted a 4.70 GAA and .836 SV% last season.

But even if Stolarz gets the crease, I can see him giving up a few after allowing four goals on 33 shots in his last start.

Keep an eye on official updates ahead of puck drop.

On the other end is Cam Talbot, who was good but not great against the Leafs on Saturday, giving up three goals on 23 shots (.870 SV%).

Talbot ranked outside of the top 25 in GAA and SV% last year, posting an .817 SV% in three games against Toronto.

Key stat: The over on this total is 3-0-1 in the last four games between Toronto and Detroit.

Maple Leafs prop predictions

Nylander 1+ power play points (+195): If you want a safer bet here, taking the Maple Leafs to record a power play goal carries -114 odds.

Toronto is one of four teams yet to score on the man advantage, going 0-for-4 through two games.

That won’t last forever, though, and I think today’s the day the unit gets on the board.

The Maple Leafs had the eighth-best PP rate (24.8%) in the NHL last season. Losing Mitch Marner (the team’s top PP producer) is a big blow, but the top unit is still stacked with elite talent.

Skating alongside Nylander are Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, John Tavares and Rielly.

Nylander’s 30 PP points ranked second to Marner last season. The Swede’s 65 PP points from 2023-2025 were the most on the Leafs.

Rielly 1+ point (-106): In a perfect world, we cash Rielly and Nylander’s props on the same play, given that they’re on the same PP unit.

But I also like the defenceman’s chances of producing at even strength after his red-hot start.

Rielly has one goal and three assists, finding the stat sheet in both games.

The 31-year-old has played 20+ minutes both nights, and he ranks second on the team in chances (i.e shot attempts) with 13.

Toronto wanted more production out of its highest-paid defenceman heading into this season, and so far, Rielly has delivered.

Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs picks made at 9:45 a.m. ET 10/13/2025.

Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs picks Oct. 13: Take the over, back William Nylander and Morgan Rielly

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings meet for a Thanksgiving matinee at Scotiabank Arena on Monday.

The pregame narrative: This game has a 2:00 p.m. ET start to accommodate Toronto fans looking to catch the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays games back-to-back. The Maple Leafs played the Red Wings on Saturday, losing 6-3, and hope for a better result in Easton Cowan’s NHL debut.

Check out my Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings picks, featuring prop bets on Morgan Rielly and William Nylander.

Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs picks

Best bet: Over 6 goals (-114)

Toronto was down 4-3 late in Saturday’s game before Detroit added a pair of empty net goals to secure its first win of the season.

I expect another high-scoring affair today.

The Leafs don’t have a goalie confirmed as of 9:25 a.m., but I have a suspicion it will be backup Cayden Primeau. Anthony Stolarz has played two games already, and Toronto is back in action tomorrow night against the Nashville Predators.

Primeau posted a 4.70 GAA and .836 SV% last season.

But even if Stolarz gets the crease, I can see him giving up a few after allowing four goals on 33 shots in his last start.

Keep an eye on official updates ahead of puck drop.

On the other end is Cam Talbot, who was good but not great against the Leafs on Saturday, giving up three goals on 23 shots (.870 SV%).

Talbot ranked outside of the top 25 in GAA and SV% last year, posting an .817 SV% in three games against Toronto.

Key stat: The over on this total is 3-0-1 in the last four games between Toronto and Detroit.

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Maple Leafs prop predictions

Nylander 1+ power play points (+200): If you want a safer bet here, taking the Maple Leafs to record a power play goal carries -114 odds.

Toronto is one of four teams yet to score on the man advantage, going 0-for-4 through two games.

That won’t last forever, though, and I think today’s the day the unit gets on the board.

The Maple Leafs had the eighth-best PP rate (24.8%) in the NHL last season. Losing Mitch Marner (the team’s top PP producer) is a big blow, but the top unit is still stacked with elite talent.

Skating alongside Nylander are Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, John Tavares and Rielly.

Nylander’s 30 PP points ranked second to Marner last season. The Swede’s 65 PP points from 2023-2025 were the most on the Leafs.

Rielly 1+ point (-114): In a perfect world, we cash Rielly and Nylander’s props on the same play, given that they’re on the same PP unit.

But I also like the defenceman’s chances of producing at even strength after his red-hot start.

Rielly has one goal and three assists, finding the stat sheet in both games.

The 31-year-old has played 20+ minutes both nights, and he ranks second on the team in chances (i.e shot attempts) with 13.

Toronto wanted more production out of its highest-paid defenceman heading into this season, and so far, Rielly has delivered.

Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs picks made at 9:45 a.m. ET 10/13/2025.

Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 11: Bet on Kirill Kaprizov, Matthew Knies to score

The NHL makes a triumphant return on Saturday with every team in action.

The pregame narrative: The Toronto Maple Leafs look to improve to 2-0 in the early season and battle the Detroit Red Wings. I like the value on Matthew Knies to light the lamp in that game, and will also ride with Kirill Kaprizov when the Minnesota Wild host the Columbus Blue Jackets

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 11.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best bet: Kaprizov to score (-106)

Kaprizov was electric in the Wild’s debut, recording three assists to aid in the 5-0 thrashing of the St. Louis Blues.

He only needed to play 16 minutes, which is almost seven minutes less than his average last season.

The superstar winger was hyper-efficient with his time on ice and should see an uptick in minutes moving forward.

Last year, Kaprizov missed half the season with an injury and still recorded 25 goals. Before that, he had three straight seasons of 40+ goals.

The scary part is that he is only entering his prime at 28 years old.

Colombus will turn to Elvis Merzlikins in goal for their second game. He started 52 games for the Blue Jackets last season and had a below-average .892 SV% and 3.18 GAA.

In fact, he’s had worse than a .900 SV% for three straight seasons.

Key stat: Kaprizov put up a 50-goal pace in 2024-25, which would have ranked second behind Leon Draisaitl’s 53 goals.

NHL predictions

Knies to score a goal (+200): With the departure of Mitch Marner and Knies’ newly inked deal, the forward is expected to have a strong campaign.

In the season opener, the big winger played just under 20 minutes, which was the second most amongst Leafs’ forwards behind only Auston Matthews.

Knies grabbed an assist and recorded two shots in that game.

He’s coming off a career year, scoring 29 goals and 58 points in his second full NHL season.

Knies remains in a very advantageous position, playing on the first line with Matthews. He also plays the net front role on a loaded power play that also includes Morgan Rielly, John Tavares and William Nylander.

That will lead to a lot of easy goals for Knies this season.

The Detroit Wings got rocked 5-1 in their opener and seemingly have a goalie problem. They went to John Gibson in that game, and he got lit up for five goals on 17 shots by the Montreal Canadiens.

On Saturday, they will try their hand with Cam Talbot, who doesn’t project to be much better.

He played the Leafs three times last season and had a dreadful .817 SV% and 4.13 GAA in those games.

Based on the opponent and opportunity, Knies has strong value at a 2-to-1 price.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 12:01 p.m. ET on 10/11/2025.

Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings picks Oct. 11: Back Toronto and Morgan Rielly on Saturday

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings kick off the first leg of a home-and-home during Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.

The pregame narrative: Toronto is a road favourite against its Original Six rival after winning its season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. Detroit also played Montreal in its first game and lost handily at Little Caesars Arena.

Check out my Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings picks, featuring a prop bet on Morgan Rielly.

Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings picks

Best bet: Maple Leafs 60-minute moneyline (+100)

These teams just aren’t on the same level.

Toronto is fresh off winning the Atlantic Division by posting a league-best 52 wins. Detroit, meanwhile, missed out on the playoffs for a ninth-straight season.

All in all, there was a 22-point delta between the rivals in the standings.

The Leafs are now without Mitch Marner, which certainly hurts, but I still think they’re much better than the Red Wings — especially in net.

Anthony Stolarz looked great on Wednesday, turning aside 29 of 31 shots in the Leafs’ 5-2 win.

He was one of the best goaltenders in the league last year, ranking first in save percentage (.926) and third in GAA (2.14). Toronto is also returning its entire defence corps, so I’m confident the Leafs can keep scoring down.

On the other end is Cam Talbot, who gets the nod after John Gibson got shelled by the Canadiens in Detroit’s first game.

Talbot ranked outside of the top 25 in GAA and SV% last year, and had an .817 SV% in three games against Toronto (all losses).

Key stat: The Maple Leafs went 3-1 against the Red Wings last year, winning twice in regulation.

Maple Leafs prop prediction

Rielly to record a point (+105): There was a lot of buzz around Rielly heading into camp this year, as the veteran defenceman looks to rebound from a pretty disappointing 2024-25 season.

Team sources said Rielly was in “the best shape of his life,” and we got a pretty good indication that might be true after one game.

The 31-year-old scored the game-winning goal in Toronto’s opener and added an assist while firing five shots on net.

Rielly logged over 20 minutes of ice time and also led the Leafs in chances for (i.e shot attempts) with nine.

With Marner leaving, Rielly is back on the top power-play. Playing with Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Co. on that unit puts him in a good spot to nab a point.

Detroit allowed the 12th-most chances per game (59.94) last season.

Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings picks made at 9:45 a.m. ET 10/11/2025.

Best NHL anytime goal picks Oct. 11: Bet on Kirill Kaprizov, Matthew Knies to score

The NHL makes a triumphant return on Saturday with every team in action.

The pregame narrative: The Toronto Maple Leafs look to improve to 2-0 in the early season and battle the Detroit Red Wings. I like the value on Matthew Knies to light the lamp in that game, and will also ride with Kirill Kaprizov when the Minnesota Wild host the Columbus Blue Jackets

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 11.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best bet: Kaprizov to score (-107)