Best NHL Bets Today: 3 Game Lines and 3 Anytime Goal Scorers for Friday

Written By Nick Crain | Published at February 27, 2026
Feb 26, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) celebrates his goal with left wing Matt Boldy (12) and left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) and right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Friday’s NHL slate brings a compact but intriguing card, with several tight matchups and plus-money value spots across both game lines and player props. For bettors scanning the board across sports betting apps and looking for the best NHL bets today, this is a night where underdogs and elite scorers present strong value.

We’ve identified three game lines with upset potential and three anytime goal scorers who are positioned well based on matchup, usage, and form. Here are the best NHL picks today for Friday’s Feb. 27 slate.

All Odds via Fanduel

Game Lines

Sabres ML (+100) at Panthers

Buffalo at even money against Florida is worth a look in what profiles as a high-event game. The Sabres thrive when the pace opens up, and against a Panthers team that plays aggressively in transition, that creates space for Buffalo’s skill forwards to operate.

The Panthers often control possessions, but that style can also lead to rush chances the other way. At +100, this is a value spot backing a Sabres team that can trade chances and has the offensive firepower to capitalize if this turns into a track meet.

Wild ML (+114) at Utah

Minnesota getting plus money here feels like a pricing inefficiency, particularly with the Wild leaning heavily on their top-end talent in competitive spots. Utah has shown flashes offensively, but Minnesota’s structure and special teams give it a real edge in tight games.

At +114, you’re getting a disciplined road team that doesn’t need a high-scoring game to win. If this turns into a grind-it-out matchup, which favors the Wild's system and depth, who is the better team in this one?

Jets ML (+110) at Ducks

Winnipeg at plus money against Anaheim stands out immediately. The Jets bring a balanced attack and a defensive structure that typically limits high-danger looks, something the Ducks have struggled to generate consistently.

Anaheim can be opportunistic, and has been the better team this year, but the Jets' top lines create sustained pressure that can't be overlooked. At +110, Winnipeg has too much value to not take the underdog.

Anytime Goal Scorers

Jack Eichel +190 (Golden Knights at Capitals)

Eichel at +190 is strong value given his role on the top line and primary power-play unit. He consistently drives shot volume and is Vegas’ focal point in high-leverage offensive situations.

Washington has shown vulnerability defending elite skill players off the rush, and Eichel’s ability to create his own shot makes him a threat at even strength and on the man advantage. He'll look to carry his momentum from the Olympics into this final stretch of the NHL season.

Kirill Kaprizov +167 (Wild at Utah)

Kaprizov remains Minnesota’s offensive engine. Everything runs through him, including top line minutes, first power-play unit, late-game situations. He's one of the best goal scorers in the entire league.

Utah’s defensive coverage can break down against dynamic wings, and Kaprizov’s release and creativity in tight spaces make him a constant scoring threat. If Minnesota gets on the board, there’s a strong probability he’s involved.

Leo Carlsson +225 (Ducks vs Jets)

At +225, Carlsson provides the kind of upside you want in an anytime market. He’s been seeing increased offensive responsibility and power-play usage, and he isn’t priced like a top-line focal point yet.

Winnipeg can suppress volume, but Carlsson’s combination of size and skill allows him to generate high-quality chances even in limited windows. At this number, the risk-reward profile makes sense. If the 21-year-old scores a goal tonight, he would tie last season's total already.

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Friday’s slate may be smaller, but the value is clear. Between three plus-money game lines and three high-upside anytime goal scorers, there are multiple ways to attack this board. For bettors searching for the best NHL bets today, always be sure to check multiple sportsbooks to ensure you get the best odds.

All Odds as of 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 26