NHL Anytime Goal Scorer Picks, Odds, Predictions for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

By Kody Malstrom | Jul 23, 2026, 12:07pm

Even though there is only one playoff game hitting the ice on Wednesday night, there are still plenty of Anytime Goal Scorer props to wager on, including a bet on Cale Makar and Jack Eichel with an in-depth breakdown of their contest below. Be sure to check out our daily NHL betting trends page too for insights and data on each matchup.

Wednesday’s Anytime Goal Scorer Picks

Cale Makar
Brock Nelson
Jack Eichel

Cale Makar Anytime Goal Scorer

Arguably the most dynamic defenseman in the league, Cale Makar excels at creating pressure from the blue line, averaging 0.24 Expected Goals and 2.65 Shots on Goal per game. Makar’s ability to create high quality shot attempts from a distance has helped turn the Colorado Avalanche into a well oiled machine, contributing to a group who ranks first in Expected Goals For in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play.

Heading into Wednesday night’s contest against the Vegas Golden Knights, Makar will have a great opportunity to light the lamp by taking advantage of a back line who will be forced to stretch out their coverage in a desperate attempt to slow down their offense. When spaced out, the width of Makar’s shooting lanes will widen, improving the probability of his shot attempts turning into Shots on Goal.

Brock Nelson Anytime Goal Scorer

In his first full year with the Avs, Brock Nelson has wasted no time in his efforts of getting into a groove, averaging nearly 0.40 Expected Goals per game. Unfortunately for the former New York Islander, he has been unable to recapture the same success he had throughout the regular season, scoring just two Goals in nine games throughout the playoffs.

With the Golden Knights forced to shade their coverage towards Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas while Makar pulls their forwards towards the blue line, Nelson will be able to exploit the extra space in the middle, leading to a heavier volume of shot attempts in front of the net. For those into First Goal Scorer props, split a wager into fourths and place each piece on MacKinnon, Nelson, Makar, and Necas to help diversify your portfolio.

Jack Eichel Anytime Goal Scorer

On the other side of the ice, Jack Eichel has been a steady source of production for the Golden Knights offense, averaging 0.34 Expected Goals and 3.51 Shots on Goal per game. With their front line running through Eichel, the Golden Knights have been able to remain competitive in their contests, fielding a unit who ranks above league average in Expected Goals For in All Situations.

With his linemates rounding back into form per their current marks in Expected Goals For, their versatility will help break through the Avs suffocating coverage, making it easier for Eichel to weave the puck through their back line. Even with Mackenzie Blackwood playing at a high level, Eichel’s aggression will force the Avs goalie to scramble across the crease, opening up wider gaps for the Golden Knights forward to attack.

Photo Credit: AP/Jack Dempsey

Kody Malstrom

Kody is a professional sports bettor and sports betting journalist with eight years of experience in the industry. He covers a wide range of sports, including NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, MLB, and UFC. What started as a side gig has turned into a full time job, spending a majority of his time staring at odds screens and market movement. When away from the computer, Kody enjoys spending his time outdoors relaxing at the beach or golfing with friends.