With a massive NHL slate tonight, there’s no better way to celebrate than cashing out on a few anytime goal scorers.
Last week, we hit two out of three (thanks, Jake DeBrusk and Brock Nelson), so let’s carry on our momentum, shall we? Tonight I’m looking at the Blue Jackets vs Canucks, Sharks vs Capitals, Flames vs Blackhawks, and Stars vs Mammoth.
Here are my NHL anytime goal scorer picks and predictions for Thursday, January 15.
NHL Anytime Goal Scorers for Thursday, January 15
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
  | 9:00 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NHL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Blue Jackets vs. Canucks
It’s insane that Charlie Coyle is a 15-year veteran, but here we are.
In his first season with the Blue Jackets, Coyle has had a fine year, sticking to his career-long half-point per game pace.
But just recently, he started to find a little puck luck.
In his past two games, he’s notched three goals – one against the Mammoth on Sunday, and two against the Flames on Tuesday.
So, banking on him to score another one may be far-fetched, right?
Well, I actually think that Coyle is heating up at the right time. The Jackets just fired their coach, Dean Evason, to bring in Rick Bowness, and for teams, there’s usually a “new coach spark.”
Bowness is the ultimate locker room cure for a team that’s trapped in peril and I think he’s the kind of guy to keep Coyle hot.
Coyle’s been active in his past 10 games, ranking seventh in the league in expected goals and fifth in high danger attempts, which means he’s not only getting the opportunities, but he’s positioned perfectly to light the lamp.
Pick: Charlie Coyle Anytime Goal Scorer (+360)
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Sharks vs. Capitals
As the Sharks continue to build out an impressive season (and perhaps a playoff push?), all eyes have rightfully gone to Macklin Celebrini, who’s set the league on fire.
But, San Jose isn’t just a one-man show, as William Eklund is heating up at the right time.
Eklund has always been primarily a playmaker, so his lack of goals this season isn’t a surprise, but he’s finding himself in a position to score.
In this 10-game stretch, he’s ninth in the league with 5.4 expected goals, tied for sixth in high danger attempts, and leads the Sharks in high danger expected goals.
One underrated stat that I found interesting was that his shots have primarily been accurate.
He’s hitting the net at a 61% clip, which is better than Nikita Kucherov, Dylan Larkin and Alex Ovechkin.
Furthermore, in his past eight games, Eklund has registered a point in six of them, with goals in two of those games. The Sharks’ opponents, the Capitals, allow a decent amount of high-danger opportunities and rebounds.
Eklund has posted 1.6 expected goals on rebound shots, which ranks in the top percentile.
At +235, I like Eklund’s chances here.
Pick: William Eklund Anytime Goal Scorer (+235)
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Flames vs. Blackhawks
Bertuzzi is probably my favorite pick here because he’s been playing out of his mind this season.
Even with Connor Bedard battling injuries or the flu, he’s still managed to find a way to get on the board for the Blackhawks.
He’s always been the kind of player to get involved in the dirty areas, but the efficiency with which he’s doing it at is a marvel to watch.
Currently, Bertuzzi is on pace to shatter his career high in goals and has made his presence known to goaltenders around the league.
Tonight, they play the Calgary Flames, who have been better as the season has worn on, but still have a lot of holes.
In the past 10 games, Calgary has allowed six rebound goals, and the third-most rebounds out of any team.
Not only does Bertuzzi rank fifth in the league in expected goals on rebound shots, but he also ranks fourth in expected goals on non-rebound shots.
If you needed any more convincing, he’s also fourth in expected goals, first in high danger shot attempts, and third in high danger expected goals.
Pick: Tyler Bertuzzi Anytime Goal Scorer (+225)
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Stars vs. Utah
McBain has carved a role in this league as a real solid bottom-six center, but as of late, he’s been making his presence known.
He’s managed to find the back of the net in two straight games, including posting a goal and two assists against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.
Prior to that, McBain has struggled to find the back of the net, with his previous goal being on December 17th.
But the fifth-year veteran is starting to get hot, and when players get hot, we need to take advantage.
In his past 10 games, McBain has found himself in extremely opportunistic situations, where he’s ranked sixth among all players in high danger shot attempts.
Being on a line with Dylan Guenther will certainly open up opportunities for him, as the Stars do a solid job at shutting down opposing teams’ top scorers.
I think if you sprinkle some on McBain, this could really be a solid low-risk, high-reward situation.
Pick: Jack McBain Anytime Goal Scorer (+700)
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