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Top Goal Picks: David Pastrnak , Roope Hintz & Tomas Hertl
Anytime Goal Prop Predictions & Odds: NHL Best Bets for Friday, October 2nd
Even though there are just five games taking place on Friday night, there are a wide range of Anytime Goal Scorer props to wager on, including David Pastrnak who is in a favorable position to score while Connor Hellebuyck is out with a suspension.
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Turning our sights towards the night slate, Roope Hintz and Tomas Hertl also have a great opportunity to find the back of the net by taking advantage of a stretched out back line. If you haven’t yet, check out our NHL betting trends page for the latest daily game odds, insight, and data.
David Pastrnak (Bruins vs. Jets)
After failing to play at a competitive level last year, the Boston Bruins front line were able to round back into form in their season opener against the New York Rangers, leaping into the top-5 in Expected Goals For. David Pastrnak was instrumental in the Bruins success by consistently creating pressure in front of the Rangers net, generating 0.39 Expected Goals.
Heading into Friday night’s matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, expect positive regression to swing towards Pastrnak’s way by attacking a back line that ranks near dead last in Expected Goals Against in All Situations, improving the quality of his Shots on Goal. Especially with Stuart Skinner incapable of matching Pastrnak’s output, averaging a .888 Save Percentage in his 2025-26 campaign with the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the Bruins lone Power Play against the Rangers, Pastrnak was the focal point of the offense, generating the only Shot on Goal in two minutes. With his usage rate unscathed, expect Pastrnak to continue to pressure the net at a high rate and score his first goal of the season.
Roope Hintz (Stars vs. Blues)
Even with his supporting cast struggling to find their footing, Roope Hintz was able to play at a high level last year, entering the playoffs averaging 0.38 Expected Goals per game.
While a matchup against the St. Louis Blues back line looks daunting on paper, their defenseman actually struggled to smother opposing shot attempts in front of the crease, plummeting to the bottom half of the board in Expected Goals Against From High Danger Shots in 5-on-5 Play. With minimal coverage in front of him, Joel Hoffer will be forced to scramble between the pipes, creating larger gaps beside the Blues stalwart goalie.
When in the Power Play, Hintz is surrounded by the Stars top players, including Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, and Mikko Rantanen, all formidable scorers who can break through the back line in a blink of an eye. Their combined production will force the Blues to stretch out thin, creating more space in the middle for Hintz to exploit.
Tomas Hertl (Golden Knights vs. Ducks)
Like Pastrnak, Tomas Hertl also fell short in his efforts of scoring while pressuring the net at a high rate, generating 0.56 Expected Goals in the Vegas Golden Knights dominant win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
In a favorable matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, Hertl will be able to build on his momentum by ambushing a back line who struggles to stay in front of the puck per their bottom six mark in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Especially with Lukas Dostal incapable of walling off the Golden Knights assault, averaging 3.10 Goals Against per game and a .888 Save Percentage.
Hertl also gets the benefit of operating in a talented Power Play unit, skating alongside Mark Stone and Jack Eichel who help pull defensive attention to the outside, widening the width of his shooting lanes in front of the net. If you want to increase your exposure, escalator bet Hertl’s Anytime Goal Scorer prop by placing smaller wagers on his alternate totals.
Photo Credit: REUTERS
