David Pastrnak headlines Thursday’s NHL goal picks.
The pregame narrative: The Boston Bruins have lost five straight games, but Pastrnak has been an offensive force during that stretch. I like the former Rocket Richard winner to capitalize on a cushy matchup against the Anaheim Ducks.
Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Oct. 23, featuring a pick on Cole Caufield.
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NHL anytime goal picks
Best Bet: Pastrnak to score a goal (+105)
Pastrnak has been the model of consistency as far as NHL goalscorers go.
He’s netted at least 40 goals in each of the last five full seasons, winning the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2021-22 with 61 goals.
Today’s Bruins are much worse for wear than those Bruins, but Pastrnak has still found ways to produce.
- Pastrnak has four goals and 10 points through eight games.
- He’s leading the Bruins in shot attempts (72), shots (31), scoring chances (23) and xG (3.34), according to Natural Stat Trick.
-> Bet on David Pastrnak to score tonight!
Boston should get back in the win column tonight at home against Anaheim.
The Ducks are starting backup netminder Petr Mrazek, who gave up six goals on 23 shots to the San Jose Sharks in his lone start this year.
Last season, Mrazek ranked 52nd in GAA (3.35) and 44th in SV% (.891) among qualified goaltenders.
Key stat: Anaheim is allowing the most high-danger chances per 60 (13.18) since the start of last season.
NHL predictions
Caufield to score a goal (+155): Caufield is off to a great start for the Atlantic Division-leading Montreal Canadiens, scoring five goals in eight games.
The American winger plays top-line minutes alongside Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, and he leads Montreal in shot attempts (39) and xG (3.29).
Edmonton is a strong defensive team, but it has a serious problem in goal that wasn’t addressed this offseason.
-> Back Cole Caufield against the Edmonton Oilers
Calvin Pickard is between the pipes tonight, and he has an .865 SV% through two games. You could say it’s only two games, but Pickard ranked 67th in goals saved above expected on a 60-minute basis last year, per MoneyPuck.
Caufield and the Canadiens should be licking their chops tonight.
NHL anytime goal picks made at 3 p.m. ET on 10/23/2025.
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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.