Best NHL Prop Bets & Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Today on Friday Night

Written By Nick Crain | Published at May 8, 2026
May 6, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) skates against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period of game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

If you’re looking for anytime goal scorer picks today, Friday’s NHL playoff slate has a really nice mix of styles. The Montreal Canadiens are trying to answer after dropping Game 1 in Buffalo, while the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks are back at it in a series that already feels tight and physical.

The second round has been ultra-competitive and has produced some of the most entertaining games in quite some time. For bettors searching for NHL anytime goal scorer predictions today and the best NHL prop bets today, this card leans into top-six usage, playmaking stars and a couple of plus-money swings with real upside.

Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Today

Starting with anytime goal scorers, which is the most popular bet in hockey. It's thrilling to wager on who will find the back of the net, with these three being the best NHL anytime goal scorer bets today.

Jack Quinn Anytime Goal Scorer (+331 via BetMGM)

Quinn is the clear value swing in the Buffalo game, but there’s a real case for it. The Sabres are back home, their offense looked sharp in Game 1, and this is the kind of number where you don’t need a player to dominate the game to make it worth a shot. Quinn has the skill to capitalize if Buffalo creates another strong offensive environment, and on a two-game slate, that kind of plus-money upside is worth chasing.

Jack Eichel Anytime Goal Scorer (+200 via FanDuel)

Eichel is one of the cleaner goal scorer looks on the board because Vegas still runs so much through him offensively. Anaheim did a good job slowing the Golden Knights down in Game 2, but heading into another game in this series, it’s hard not to look at Vegas’ top offensive engine as a bounce-back candidate. At 2-to-1, this is a very fair price on a star center who can create his own finish, which makes this one of the best NHL anytime goal scorer picks today.

Mitch Marner Anytime Goal Scorer (+270 via BetMGM)

Marner is known more for his playmaking, but that’s part of what makes this number interesting. Defenses have to account for him as a creator first, and that can open up the exact kind of space he needs to cash an anytime goal scorer ticket. In a series that already looks competitive and doesn’t offer much margin for error, backing a skilled top-line player at this kind of plus money makes plenty of sense.

Best NHL Prop Bets Today

From there, bettors can capitalize on assist, point and shot totals. With that in mind, here are the best NHL player props today.

Tage Thompson Over 0.5 Assists (+115 via FanDuel)

This is a nice plus-money angle because Thompson doesn’t have to do too much to cash it. Buffalo’s offense looked lively in Game 1, and with the Sabres at home again, there should be chances for their top players to stay involved. Thompson is one of the main players Montreal has to worry about, and if Buffalo scores a couple again, there’s a very good chance he helps create one of them.

Mark Stone Over 0.5 Points (-155 via BetMGM)

Stone is a pretty straightforward point prop because he has more than one way to get there. He can finish one himself or help set one up, and that flexibility always matters in playoff hockey. He's also a proven veteran who has been on this stage many times, which is why he is always a reliable NHL player prop option.

Cutter Gauthier Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (-135 via FanDuel)

This is probably the most unique prop on the board, but it fits the game script. Anaheim showed in Game 2 that it can pressure Vegas and create enough offense to stay dangerous, and Gauthier is the kind of player who should stay active if the Ducks are pushing again. Four shots is not a tiny number, but in a series where Anaheim has already proven it can tilt stretches of play, this is a reasonable bet on volume and opportunity.

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This is the kind of two-game playoff slate where it makes sense to trust usage and not overcomplicate things. As these second-round series keep settling in, more clarity is gained on the role of each player and how they match up with their specific opponent. As always, be sure to check multiple sportsbooks to ensure you get the best odds.

All Odds as of 11:59 p.m. ET on May 7.