Three of the league’s best goalscorers have my eye on a loaded Saturday slate for my NHL anytime goal picks.
The pregame narrative: Scoring goals is the hardest thing you can do in the NHL. I’m not playing around with my goal picks for Saturday, and instead, I’m homing in on three of the best lamp lighters in the league. Brayden Point, David Pastrnak, and Jack Hughes are all intriguing targets.
Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 18.
NHL anytime goal picks
Best Bet: Hughes to score a goal (+150)
At first glance, this doesn’t seem like a great wager.
These odds are pretty short for a guy who only has one goal this season.
But Hughes’ ability to pop off any night for a ridiculous shot total makes him a threat to score a goal.
His most recent game is the best example of that. Hughes ripped off eight shots and a goal in a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers.
Hughes has shown some volatility this year. The skilled forward has 16 shots through four games, but 15 of those shots have come in just two games alone.
But I’m fine leaning into that, given his impressive track record.
Additionally, the matchup is intriguing against the Edmonton Oilers in a game where both teams will likely have to score plenty to win.
Key stat: Hughes is one of just four players with two games of seven-plus shots on goal this season.
NHL predictions
Point to score a goal (+148): There are several reasons to back Point to score a goal tonight.
Firstly, the matchup is intriguing. The Tampa Bay Lightning battle the Columbus Blue Jackets, and they’re leaking goals lately.
Columbus has allowed 11 goals across its last three games, surrendering at least three markers in each of those contests.
The Blue Jackets surrender a lot of rubber on net, too, which works in Point’s favour. Columbus is ceding the second-most shots on goal per game (37.0).
Pastrnak to score a goal (+145): Lastly, I’m betting on Pastrnak to tickle twine.
Pastrnak has struck in two of the Boston Bruins’ five games this season, but he’s been involved in every outing this year.
The talented winger has three-plus shots in each game, and he’s tied for fourth among all skaters with 22 shots on goal.
Boston’s offence will continue to revolve around Pastrnak as the clear lead dog up front.
The Bruins battle the Colorado Avalanche, and the latter has been very stingy this year. The Avs have surrendered one goal or fewer in four of their five games this year.
Still, I’m confident in Pastrnak being involved and breaking through in a difficult matchup.
NHL anytime goal picks made at 11:40 a.m. ET on 10/18/2025.
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.