Two star forwards contribute to Thursday’s NHL anytime goal picks.
The pregame narrative: David Pastrnak has scored only once this season, but his underlying stats say he’s due for a breakout sooner rather than later. Before that, take the value on Kirill Marchenko extending his scoring streak.
Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 16.
NHL anytime goal picks
Best bet: Pastrnak to score a goal (+125)
The Boston Bruins look a lot more competent this season with a 3-1-0 record to this point. Pastrnak leads the way with five points, but he only has one goal.
It hasn’t been because he’s lacking chances, though.
- Pastrnak leads the Bruins in shots (18) and power play time (5+ minutes per night). He also paces the Bruins forwards as the only one to average over 20 minutes of ice time.
- For context, only one other Bruin (Elias Lindholm) has taken more than 10 shots.
- Pastrnak ranks inside the top 20 for xG (2.4) and shots on goal per 60 (13.22), according to MoneyPuck.
There’s certainly more production on the horizon for the Bruins’ best player. He has 40+ goals in five of the past six seasons (including 61 goals in 2022-23). The year he fell short, he only played 48 games.
Pastrnak hasn’t scored a power play goal (or point) yet, but that could change against the Vegas Golden Knights, who’ve killed penalties at a 66.7% rate.
Additionally, Vegas is expected to start Adin Hill in goal, and he hasn’t been very good to start the year.
Key stat: Hill has a 3.60 GAA and a .845 SV%. He has the seventh-worst goals above expected in the NHL among goalies who have played at least two games (-1.9).
NHL predictions
Marchenko to score a goal (+175): Marchenko is off to a great start, scoring four goals in his first three games.
The winger has scored in back-to-back outings and always provides a solid offensive floor.
- He’s the only forward on the Columbus Blue Jackets with more than nine shots on goal. He has 17.
- Marchenko is coming off a breakout season in which he scored 31 times.
- He leads the Blue Jackets forwards in ice time, playing just under 20 minutes per game.
The Colorado Avalanche are a tough matchup, but this looks like a letdown spot. The Avs play their second consecutive road game before returning home to play the Bruins on Saturday.
Scott Wedgewood (1.72 GAA) has been solid in goal in Mackenzie Blackwood’s absence, but he’s never been a proven starter.
The most games he’s ever started in a season were 28 with the Dallas Stars in 2023-24. He had an .899 SV% that year.
This will be his fifth start of the season already, and I expect some regression moving forward. If anyone on the Blue Jackets can take advantage, it’s Marchenko.
NHL anytime goal picks made at 1:14 p.m. ET on 10/16/2025.
Spencer is a true sports junkie. A graduate of the Sports Journalism program at Centennial College, he first joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2023. He is now a contributing writer. He loves finding the edge to bet on in all sports but has a deep passion for the NBA and UFC. Previous stops include Sportsnet.