NHL Anytime Goal Scorer Picks, Odds, Predictions for Thursday, March 5, 2026
There are plenty of NHL game to sink your teeth into for Thursday, March 5 including top goal scorers! Let’s go through the best anytime goal scorer plays for tonight’s slate. Be sure to also check out our daily NHL betting trends page for odds, insights and data!
Bryan Rust Anytime Goal Scorer
Even though Bryan Rust failed to score in Tuesday’s edition of our Anytime Goal Scorer Best Bets while generating just 0.13 Expected Goals, the Pittsburgh Penguins forward still contributed in other areas, clocking in an Assist in their 2-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. A stunning performance when factoring in how well Rust excels at pressuring the net, averaging 0.39 Expected Goals per game.
Fortunately for Rust, he will have a great opportunity to find the back of the net on Thursday night as he faces off against the Buffalo Sabres who reside near the bottom of the board in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. With the Sabres back line struggling to face guard, Rust will be able to rifle off a heavier volume of Shots on Goal which increases his chances of scoring.
Top Trend: n/a
Auston Matthews Anytime Goal Scorer
After failing to re-tool their roster in the offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs front line have struggled to pressure the net, ranking well below league average in Expected Goals For in 5-on-5 Play. While his supporting cast has severely underwhelmed, Auston Matthews has still been able to play at a high level by averaging 0.49 Expected Goals and 3.76 Shots on Goal per game.
Heading into Thursday night’s matchup against the New York Rangers, expect Matthews to light up the scoreboard by taking advantage of a back line who severely struggles in coverage per their bottom ten mark in Expected Goals Against. For some more exposure, escalator bet Matthews Anytime Goal Scoring prop by placing smaller wagers on his alternate totals at the best available odds across multiple sportsbooks.
Top Trend: Austin Matthews has seen an assist in six straight road games
Matthew Tkachuk Anytime Goal Scorer
After losing their last three games in a row, the Florida Panthers are in serious danger of missing out on the playoffs as they are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference standings. Luckily for the reigning Stanley Cup champions, Matthew Tkachuk has been able to round back into form since returning from injury, averaging 0.52 Expected Goals per game.
In a favorable matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tkachuk will be able to build on his momentum by attacking a back line who ranks 27th in Expected Goals Against From High Danger Shots. Especially with his linemates pulling defensive attention away from him, widening the width of his shooting lanes in front of the net which will increase the quality of his Shots on Goal.
Top Trend: Matthew Tkachuk has scored a goal in 10 of 12 games against Columbus
Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goal Scorer
Since the start of the regular season, Nikitia Kucherov has rivaled Nathan MacKinnon at the top of the oddsboard for the Hart Memorial Trophy, averaging 0.49 Expected Goals and nearly 2.00 Points per game. His production has helped turn the Tampa Bay Lightning into a contender capable of making a deep run in the playoffs, leading an offense who ranks second in Expected Goals For in 5-on-5 Play.
With the Winnipeg Jets back line ranking near dead last in Expected Goals Against in All Situations, their inability to stay in front of the puck will allow Kucherov to pressure the net at a higher rate. Even with Connor Hellebuyck projected to get the start in net for Winnipeg, the Lightning’s versatility will force the Jets goalie to constantly scramble across the ice, opening up wider gaps beside him for Kucherov to exploit.
Top Trend: Nikita Kucherov has scored a goal in four straight road games
