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NHL Predictions Today: Odds, Picks & Best Bets for Friday, Oct. 2

Our NHL predictions for Friday feature David Pastrnak, plus two more picks from today’s slate.

Gary Pearson

Last Updated: October 2, 2026 4:47 AM EDT • 2 minute read

Pictured: Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak in action as we break down our NHL Predictions Today. Photo by Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images.

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I’ve selected three bet types for Friday’s NHL predictions, leading with a David Pastrnak anytime-goal pick.

I love Pastrnak’s matchup against Stuart Skinner and the Winnipeg Jets, and I hope he capitalizes on it. I’m also featuring Jack Eichel and Wyatt Johnston, with the former having a superb opening night that I expect him to build on.

🏒 NHL predictions today: Oct. 2

See all of our experts’ NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.

Pick	Odds	Bet size
David Pastrnak anytime goal, Bruins vs. Jets, 8 p.m. ET	+140 via FanDuel	1 unit
Jack Eichel Over 0.5 assists, Ducks vs. Golden Knights, 10 p.m. ET	-120 via FanDuel	1 unit
Wyatt Johnston Over 2.5 shots, Blues vs. Stars, 9 p.m. ET	-114 via FanDuel	1 unit

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 3.1 units

💰 NHL best bet today

David Pastrnak anytime goal (+140 via FanDuel)

The Skinner era has dawned in Winnipeg. While Skinner’s competent, he’s worryingly inconsistent, and I expect the Jets to have more trouble keeping the puck out of their own net.

Cue Pastrnak, who scored at least 40 goals in four of the previous five seasons. Last year, he only scored 29 goals, but I expect him to tally more in 2026-27.

He has enjoyed playing the Jets recently, netting four goals in the previous four meetings, including potting a pair the last time he played in Winnipeg.

📡 SBR Edge: The skinny on Skinner

Skinner struggled with a 0.888 save percentage last season and a 2.92 goals-against average.

🔥 More NHL picks & predictions

Jack Eichel Over 0.5 assists (-120 via FanDuel)

I backed Eichel to notch an assist in the opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, and he delivered two. With nine assists in the first six games of the 2025-26 season, Eichel has been one of the best superstars out of the gate recently.

The Golden Knights looked sharp offensively in the opener, albeit against a hapless Blackhawks team. I also like how Eichel plays against the Anaheim Ducks, as he has six assists in the previous five meetings. Those were playoff contests, which makes the stat line even more impressive.

Wyatt Johnston Over 2.5 shots (-114 via FanDuel)

Johnston scored 45 goals last season, tied for the fourth most with three others. He did so on just 206 shots, which ranked 46th (tied with three others).

His 21.8 shooting percentage was exceptional, but is it sustainable?

I have my doubts, which is why I expect Johnston to fire more rubber on net this season. That starts with a favorable home matchup against the St. Louis Blues, whom he has at least three shots against in three of the previous five meetings.

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Written by:
Gary Pearson

Gary Pearson has written professionally since 2010, focusing on sports betting since 2014. Gary, who consumes sports like a blue whale devours plankton, specializes in writing about the NFL, hockey, and soccer, focusing on player props, game predictions, and futures plays. Most often utilizing FanDuel and bet365, the latter of which usually provides better early odds, he looks for a perfect-storm combo of in-form players who fare historically well against the opponent in question. He has contributed to the Canadian Press, FanSided, The Hockey Writers, The Hockey News, The Calgary Herald, and other publications. He studied at various post-secondary institutions, including the University of Calgary, SAIT Polytechnic, and Griffith University, located in Brisbane, Australia. Gary has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Griffith University.