NHL Anytime Goal Scoring Picks, Odds, Predictions for Thursday, February 26, 2026
The NHL is back with another full slate of games on the ice! Let’s go through some of the best plays to consider for goal scoring picks on Thursday, February 26, 2026! Be sure to also check out our daily NHL betting trends for game stats, data and odds!
NHL Anytime Goal Scoring Picks for Thursday
Bryan Rust Anytime Goal Scorer
Horror struck for Pittsburgh Penguins fans when it was announced Sidney Crosby suffered an injury in the Winter Olympics and is expected to be out until March. With Crosby out, the Penguins will lean heavier on Bryan Rust to generate their offense as he is currently averaging 0.39 Expected Goals and 2.57 Shots on Goal per game.
Fortunately for Rust, he will have a great opportunity to find the back of the net on Thursday night, exploiting a New Jersey Devils back line who ranks in the bottom five in Expected Goals Against in 5-on-5 Play. With the Devils struggling to shade their coverage around the crease, Rust will be able to pressure the net at a higher rate which increases his chances of scoring.
Top Trend: n/a
Kirill Marchenko Anytime Goal Scorer
After severely underwhelming as a whole last year, the Columbus Blue Jackets have been able to turn it around this season just four points back from Boston in the wild card standings. Fighting for the last spot in the playoffs, their offense ranks in the top-10 in Expected Goals For in All Situations. Kirill Marchenko has played a major role in their resurgence by averaging 0.33 Expected Goals and 3.04 Shots on Goal per game.
Heading into Thursday night’s contest against the Boston Bruins, expect Marchenko to build on his momentum by consistently blitzing through a back line who ranks near the bottom of the board in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Even with Jeremy Swayman in net, Marchenko’s aggression will force the Bruins goalie into scrambling situations, creating wider shooting lanes beside him.
Top Trend: Kirill Marchenko has scored a point in four straight games.
Sam Reinhart Anytime Goal Scorer
With injuries plaguing their roster, the Florida Panthers have been unable to recapture the same success they had last year, entering the second half of the season listed near the bottom of the overall standings. Even when supported by a hobbled front line, Sam Reinhart has still been able to play at a high level, averaging nearly 0.50 Expected Goals per game.
In a highly anticipated matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Reinhart will be able to continue to create high quality scoring opportunities in front of the crease by taking advantage of a defense who ranks in the bottom ten in Expected Goals Against in 5-on-5 Play. To help increase your exposure, escalator bet Reinhart’s Anytime Goal Scorer prop by placing smaller wagers on his alternate totals at the best available odds.
Top Trend: n/a
Steven Stamkos Anytime Goal Scorer
Since joining the Nashville Predators, Steven Stamkos has been able to thrive, averaging 0.34 Expected Goals per game. While his production has helped turn the Predators offense into an efficient unit, they have still struggled as a whole as they are currently in tenth place in the Western Conference standings while four points back from Seattle for the last wildcard spot in the playoffs.
With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, expect Stamkos to be more aggressive in his efforts of scoring on Thursday night, drawing a favorable matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks who rank 30th in Expected Goals Against From High Danger Shots. Their inability to face guard will free up more space for Stamkos, making it easier for him to pressure the net for the full duration of the contest.
Top Trend: Steven Stamkos has scored a goal in four straight home games.
