NHL Anytime Goal Scorer Picks, Odds, Predictions for Friday, May 8, 2026
With two playoff games dropping puck on Friday night, there are plenty of Anytime Goal Scorer props to wager on, including a bet on Cole Caufield and Jack EIchel with an in-depth breakdown of the rest of the card below. Be sure to check out our daily NHL betting trends page too for insights and data on each matchup.
Friday’s Anytime Goal Scorer Picks
- Cole Caufield
- Jason Zucker
- Jack Eichel
- Tomas Hertl
Cole Caufield Anytime Goal Scorer
After ranking in the bottom ten in Expected Goals For in All Situations last year, the Montreal Canadiens have been able to round back into competitive form, leaping into the top half of the board this season. Cole Caufield’s individual production has helped spark the Canadiens resurgence on offense, averaging 0.42 Expected Goals per game.
In a favorable matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, expect Caufield to continue to effectively pressure the net by attacking a back line who ranks below league average in Expected Goals Against in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. Even with Alex Lyon anchoring their net, Caufield’s aggression will force the Sabres goalie to make quick cuts across the ice, opening up larger gaps on the outside for the Canadiens forward to exploit.
Jason Zucker Anytime Goal Scorer
Like the Canadiens, the Sabres front line have also been able to find their footing this season, climbing into the top-15 in Expected Goals For in All Situations. While Tage Thompson is responsible for their turnaround, Jason Zucker has quietly been able to nearly match his output, averaging 0.35 Expected Goals and 2.06 Shots on Goal per game.
With the Canadiens back line grading out equally as poor in Expected Goals Against, Zucker will be able to generate a higher volume of Shots on Goal, increasing his chances of scoring. When Thompson is able to pull defensive attention away from him, this will create more space for Zucker in the middle of their defense, making it easier for him to weave the puck through their back line and generate a shot attempt in front of the crease.
Jack Eichel Anytime Goal Scorer
After re-tooling their front line in the offseason, the Vegas Golden Knights have thrived on offense, residing in the top half of the board in Expected Goals For in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. Jack Eichel has played a major role in their success this year, averaging 0.34 Expected Goals and 3.51 Shots on Goal per game.
Heading into game three against Anaheim, expect Eichel to build on his momentum by taking advantage of a Ducks back line who struggles to stay in front of the puck per their near dead last mark in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. For some more exposure, escalator bet Eichel’s Anytime Goal Scorer props by placing smaller wagers on his alternate totals at the best available odds across multiple sportsbooks.
Tomas Hertl Anytime Goal Scorer
It has been a forgettable stretch of play for Tomas Hertl as the Golden Knights forward has been able to generate just two total Points in the form of two Assists in his last eight games. An uncharacteristic performance when factoring in how well he excelled at pressuring the net in the regular season, averaging 0.43 Expected Goals per game.
Fortunately for Hertl, he will have a great opportunity to find the back of the net against the Ducks by ambushing a back line who grades out poorly across the board in Expected Goals Against. Especially with Lukas Dostal incapable of walling off the Golden Knights assault at the net, averaging over three Goals Against per game since the start of the playoffs.
Photo Credit: AP/Tyler Tate
