NHL anytime goalscorer: one goal wins
An NHL anytime goalscorer bet wins if your player scores at least one goal, usually counting regulation and overtime but not the shootout. Top scorers are often priced near +110 to +150.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01One goal in regulation or overtime wins.
- 02Shootout goals do not count.
- 03Empty-net goals count.
Key numbers
Anytime goal at a glance
In short
Key takeaways
- Even 50-goal scorers miss the net in most games.
- Power play time is a big edge.
- Empty-netters help players on the ice late.
- Players who do not play are usually void.
Progress
How an anytime bet settles
- 1
Puck drop
Bet is live
- 2
Regulation
3 periods of 20 minutes
- 3
Overtime
Goals count
- 4
Shootout
Does not count
- 5
Your player scores
Bet wins
If the player does not dress, the bet is usually void.
Goals per game and chance to score
| Goals per game | Chance of 1+ goal | Fair odds |
|---|---|---|
| 0.20 | 18.1% | +452 |
| 0.30 | 25.9% | +286 |
| 0.40 | 33.0% | +203 |
| 0.50 | 39.3% | +154 |
| 0.60 | 45.1% | +122 |
Our own sums using a Poisson model.
What counts
Goals in regulation and overtime count. Goals in a shootout do not, because the NHL does not credit them as goals for players. A team’s shootout win adds one goal to the final score, but no player gets it.
Empty-net goals count. A player who is on the ice late when the other team pulls its goalie can score into an open net, which helps top forwards on leading teams. Goalies are often pulled in the last two or three minutes when a team trails by one or two goals.
Credit follows the official scorer, which can change after review. Deflections and goals off defenders are credited to the last attacking player to touch the puck.
Odds and implied chance
| Odds | Implied chance | $10 bet returns |
|---|---|---|
| +110 | 47.6% | $21 |
| +150 | 40% | $25 |
| +200 | 33.3% | $30 |
| +300 | 25% | $40 |
| +500 | 16.7% | $60 |
Implied chance before margin. Returns include stake.
What drives a player’s chances
Shots and ice time matter most. A forward who takes four shots a game and plays 20 minutes has many more chances than a fourth-line player with 10 minutes.
Power play time is a big edge. Players on the top power play unit get extra minutes against fewer defenders, and a large share of goals comes from the man advantage. Check the latest power play units, since coaches change them often.
Goalies matter too. Facing a backup goalie, or a team that allows many shots, raises a scorer’s chances. Back-to-back games can mean a tired goalie or a rested backup. Teams usually confirm starters on the morning of the game.
Sequence
Making an anytime goal bet
Step 01
Check line combinations
Top line and power play.
Step 02
Confirm the goalie
Starter or backup.
Step 03
Convert the odds
Implied chance.
Step 04
Compare books
Prices vary.
Step 05
Keep stakes small
Most bets lose.
Rules and related bets
If the player does not dress for the game, most books void the bet. If he plays even one shift, the bet stands.
First goalscorer bets need the game’s first goal and pay much longer odds. Two or more goals and goal-plus-assist props add more conditions.
Margins in scorer markets are higher than on the moneyline. Comparing prices between licensed books for the same player can save a lot over a season. Even 10 or 20 cents of price on a +150 bet adds up over many games.
Floor rules
Goalscorer terms
Know before you sit
- Anytime goal
- Player scores at least once.
- Shootout
- Tiebreak after overtime; no player goals.
- Empty-net goal
- Scored with no goalie in net.
- PP1
- Top power play unit.
Common mistakes
- Counting the shootout
- It does not count.
- Ignoring power play roles
- Big effect.
- Betting before goalie news
- Backups change odds.
- Big stakes on long shots
- Most lose.
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01Basics
What is an NHL anytime goalscorer bet?
A bet that a player will score at least one goal in the game, counting regulation and overtime.
Do shootout goals count?
No. Shootout goals are not credited to players, so they never win an anytime bet.
Do empty-net goals count?
Yes. Any goal credited to the player in regulation or overtime counts, including empty-netters.
02Odds
What are typical odds for a top scorer?
Often around +110 to +150, which implies about 40% to 48% before margin. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
How do I estimate a player’s chance?
Use his goals per game with a Poisson model, then adjust for ice time, power play and goalie.
Why does power play time matter?
Teams score at a higher rate with a man advantage, so top-unit players get more chances.
03Rules
What if the player does not dress?
Most books void the bet and return your stake if he does not play. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Who gets credit for a deflected goal?
The official scorer credits the last attacking player to touch the puck, which can change after review.
Where can I get help?
If betting stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Sources
- NHL — Official rules Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Overtime and shootout rules
- Hockey Reference — NHL stats Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026League and player statistics
- Wikipedia — Fixed-odds betting Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Odds formats and implied chance
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER