Thursday SHL Best Bets and Predictions - 1 October 2026
Thursday brings a full SHL slate, and we're targeting three games with a mix of team goals and a full-game total.
HV71's defensive problems remain difficult to ignore, while Växjö have produced some wild numbers through the opening weeks.
- HV71 have conceded at least three goals in all four SHL games
- Växjö's four games have produced 9, 7, 7 and 12 total goals
- Frölunda have scored 17 goals during their 4-0 start
Here are our Thursday SHL betting tips, plus a bonus anytime goalscorer.
HV71 vs Örebro Hockey Prediction
Bet: Örebro Over 2.5 Team Goals
We're going straight back to the HV71 defence on Thursday.
HV71 have conceded 19 goals through four games, with Malmö scoring five, Skellefteå three, Växjö seven and Björklöven four.
That means every opponent they've faced has cleared 2.5 team goals.
Örebro have scored at least three themselves in three of four games, including five away against Timrå. Three goals is the target again in Jönköping.
Frölunda HC vs Brynäs IF Prediction
Bet: Frölunda Over 2.5 Team Goals
Frölunda are the only team with a perfect 4-0 start and have already scored 17 goals.
They've reached at least three goals in three of those four matches, scoring five against Växjö, three against Färjestad and seven against Luleå. Their only miss came in a 2-1 victory over Malmö.
Brynäs deserve some respect after responding strongly to their opening 7-2 defeat against Skellefteå, including Tuesday's 1-0 shutout of Timrå.
This selection is therefore much more about Frölunda's offence than a weakness in Brynäs. We're backing the league's hottest attack to get to three at home.
Björklöven vs Växjö Lakers Prediction
Bet: Over 5.5 Goals
If you like goals, Växjö have been appointment viewing.
All four of their SHL matches have cleared 5.5 goals, with totals of 9, 7, 7 and 12.
Växjö have scored 18 and conceded 17, meaning their games are averaging a ridiculous 8.75 total goals.
Björklöven should be capable of contributing as well. They've scored four against Örebro and another four against HV71 in two of their last three.
Six goals is our target in Umeå.
Bonus Goalscorer: Olivier Nadeau
Bet: Olivier Nadeau Anytime Goalscorer
We'll stay with Björklöven vs Växjö for our bonus player selection.
Nadeau has started the SHL season with four goals and six points through four games, including opening the scoring in Växjö's 7-5 win over HV71.
With Växjö averaging 4.5 goals per game and another high-scoring contest on the cards, Nadeau gets the nod as our anytime scorer.