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 (+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.
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.