NHL Anytime Goal Scorer Picks, Odds, Predictions for Wednesday, March 18, 2026

By Kody Malstrom | Mar 18, 2026, 7:41am

We’re back for another day on the ice with our top goal scoring picks for NHL games on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Be sure to check out our daily NHL betting trends page too for insights and data on each game!

Jack Hughes Anytime Goal Scorer

When at full health, Jack Hughes has been one of the more productive forwards in the league, averaging 0.36 Expected Goals and 3.50 Shots on Goal per game. A much needed performance when factoring in the little support he receives from his linemates, contributing to an offense who ranks below league average in Expected Goals For in All Situations.

Luckily for Hughes, he will be able to keep the Devils competitive in their contest against the New York Rangers by exploiting a back line who resides near the bottom of the board in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. With the Rangers back line incapable of face guarding Hughes, the Devils center will be able to create a higher volume of shot attempts in front of the crease, improving the quality of his Shots on Goal.

Tim Stutzle Anytime Goal Scorer

After going 7-1-2 in their last ten games, the Ottawa Senators have been able to chip away at the Detroit Red Wings lead in the wildcard standings, sitting just five points back for the last wildcard spot in the East. Tim Stutzle’s high level of play has helped spark the Senators turnaround on offense this season, averaging 0.38 Expected Goals per game.

In a favorable matchup against the Washington Capitals, Stutzle is in a favorable position to score, attacking a back line who struggles in coverage per their below league average mark in Expected Goals Against in 5-on-5 Play. Especially with Brady Tkachuk pulling defensive attention away from him, widening the width of Stutzle’s shooting lanes in front of the net.

Jordan Kyrou Anytime Goal Scorer

It has been an abysmal year for the St. Louis Blues offense, fielding a lineup who ranks near dead last in Expected Goals For in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. Even when with his linemates struggling to give him the production he needs to help stretch out the opposing coverage, Jordan Kyrou has still been able to play at a competitive level, averaging 0.25 Expected Goals and 2.54 Shots on Goal per game.

With the Calgary Flames back line ranking in the bottom half of the board in Expected Goals Against in 5-on-5 Play, Kyrou will be able to generate a higher volume of Shots on Goal, increasing his chances of scoring. If you want to increase your exposure on Kyrou while simultaneously fading a Flames front line who severely underwhelms on offense, bet the Blues forward to score the first goal as well.

Trevor Zegras Anytime Goal Scorer

In his first stint with the Philadelphia Flyers, Trevor Zegras has been able to immediately contribute, averaging 0.27 Expected Goals per game. Unfortunately for the Flyers, his production has not been enough to help turn them into a well rounded unit as their front line currently ranks 30th overall in Expected Goals For in All Situations.

Heading into Wednesday night, expect Zegras to continue to light up the lamp by taking advantage of a Anaheim Ducks back line who grades out poorly in Expected Goals Against From High Danger Shots. Especially with Lukas Dostal failing to give the Ducks the protection they need to help mask their struggles in coverage, averaging 3.06 Goals Against per game and a .891 Save Percentage.

Photo Credit: AP/Matt Rourke

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.