I’m backing two players to score from Thursday’s NHL slate.
The pregame narrative: Cole Caufield is in a prime position to produce against the Edmonton Oilers. I’m also taking a flier on Kirill Marchenko to bury one at generous odds.
Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for March 6.
NHL anytime goal picks
Best Bet: Marchenko anytime goalscorer (+230)
The Columbus Blue Jackets are on fire, and Marchenko is a big reason why.
- Columbus is 7-3 in its last 10 games, averaging a healthy 3.6 goals per game.
- Marchenko has potted six goals in that span and leads all Blue Jackets skaters with 24 goals on the season.
The Russian winger riding shotgun on the first line with Adam Fantilli and is an integral part of the team’s top power play.
The problem is that the Blue Jackets play Sergei Bobrovsky and the Florida Panthers on Thursday. The netminder has put a slow start behind him with a .921 SV% since Jan. 1.
Still, I expect this to be close with the way Columbus has been playing and Marchenko should be a factor.
Key stat: Marchenko has three goals in his last four games.
Quick pick
Caufield anytime goalscorer (+175): Is it officially panic time in Edmonton? I think so.
The Oilers just got shelled, 6-2, by the Anaheim Ducks and are 1-6 in their last seven games while allowing 4.71 goals per game.
Stuart Skinner is starting in net tonight, and he has a 3.42 GAA and .867 SV% since Feb. 1. I can’t trust him and don’t trust Edmonton’s defence to buckle down in front of him.
Caufield is on a nice little run since his perceived 4 Nations Face-Off snub, scoring in four of his last five games.
Picks made at 10:37 a.m. ET on 03/06/2025.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.