NHL Highest-Scoring Game Odds: Consider This Central Division Showdown Thursday At 8/1 Odds

Which game will feature the most goals on Thursday? It’s a common question for hockey fans, especially in fantasy hockey and betting. But in betting, the goal is to find the best value, not just predict the highest-scoring game. This article aims to do just that by breaking down Thursday’s odds for the highest-scoring NHL game.

Thursday’s Highest-Scoring Game Odds

Analysis

The games with the shortest odds—Panthers at Senators, Maple Leafs at Devils, and Penguins at Red Wings—are all priced at 5/1. While these matchups feature potent offenses, the short odds don’t provide much upside given the variance in hockey scoring. Essentially, you’re paying for star power in these matchups.

Toronto was involved in 15 of the 100 games last season that featured at least 10 goals, leading the league by a wide margin. However, the Maple Leafs were shut out on Wednesday, and former head coach Sheldon Keefe will likely lean on goaltender Jacob Markstrom and focus on defense against his old club.  New Jersey allowed just two goals in two meetings against Buffalo in Prague.

Pittsburgh was also blanked in the first half of their back-to-back on Wednesday, losing 6-0 to the Rangers. Meanwhile, Ottawa has been shut out in three of its last four games against the Panthers, but with Linus Ullmark making his first start as a Senator, the tables could turn.

The Kings at Sabres and Blue Jackets at Wild are intriguing at 6/1, but those teams ranked between 18th and 24th in offense last season. Plus, Los Angeles and Minnesota are known for their solid defense.

Further down the board, the Canadiens at Bruins have the second-longest odds. While they were involved in the second-highest scoring game last season (13 goals), the Canadiens may be drained after trying to hold onto their 1-0 lead against the Maple Leafs. The Bruins, on the other hand, will likely aim to lock things down in their home opener after allowing six goals against the Panthers.

Best Value: Stars at Predators +800

For my money, Stars at Predators is the best bet for the highest-scoring game. Jake Oettinger and Juuse Saros are two of the best goaltenders in the league, but Dallas and Nashville both ranked among the top-10 teams on offense last season, and they combined for 11, nine, and seven goals, respectively, in their final three meetings. Plus, the Predators are debuting two 40-goal scorers in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, and Saros is questionable to start in goal due to a lower-body issue so backup Scott Wedgewood was the first goaltender off the ice at morning skate.