Two of the top scorers make my NHL anytime goal picks for Dec. 29.
The pregame narrative: The Buffalo Sabres are scorching to close 2025, and Tage Thompson is a big part of their success. He's a great pick to find the back of the net. Elsewhere, Kyle Connor is heating up and is a nice value to strike on Monday.
Check out my NHL goal picks for Dec. 29.
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NHL goal picks Dec. 29
Best Bet: Thompson to score (+155)
Thompson's recent play is helping lead the hottest team in the NHL.
Buffalo has won eight consecutive games and is firmly back in the Atlantic Division mix. Thompson has been stellar during this run, totalling five goals and 11 points during this stretch.
He leads his team in both categories over this time.
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The matchup is right for Thompson to strike, too, as his squad visits the flailing St. Louis Blues.
St. Louis has been abysmal defensively this season. It's ceding the sixth-most goals per game (3.36), and has the fourth-worst save percentage (.879).
I expect Buffalo to have a strong night offensively, and Thompson will almost certainly be in the thick of it. He leads the Sabres in scoring chances (110) and will likely add to that mark tonight.
Key stat: Thompson has scored a goal in six of his last nine games.
NHL predictions
Connor to score (+125): Secondly, I'm liking what Connor is showing lately.
The Winnipeg Jets star is heating up after a six-game goalless drought. He has three goals in his last two contests, with eight shots on goal during this stretch.
As Winnipeg looks to climb back into the playoff picture, I expect Connor to start playing his best.
-> Bet on Connor and the Jets tonight!
It helps his case on Monday that he gets to battle Calvin Pickard and the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers are tied for allowing the eighth-most goals per game (3.31), and have the third-worst save percentage in the league (.877).
Pickard gets the start for Edmonton, and he's been especially bad this year.
Pickard has a brutal .861 save percentage.
NHL goal picks made at 1:46 p.m. ET on Dec. 29, 2025.
