NHL Picks & Predictions – April 9, 2025 (Best Bets & Top Props)

Welcome to a Wednesday night NHL slate on April 9, 2025 that features five matchups, including a national TV doubleheader (Flyers-Rangers and Blues-Oilers on TNT). We break down each game with a sharp, engaging preview – including a game overview, our Best Bet (moneyline, puck line or total), and a Top Player Prop to target. Let’s dive into tonight’s action:

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 7:00 PM ET (TB -165, O/U 5.5)

Check out these articles for winning picks:

• UFC 314 Predictions: Sumudaerji vs Mitch Raposo 4/12
• UFC 314 Predictions: Marco Tulio vs Tresean Gore 4/12 
• MLB Picks April 9, 2025 – Best Bets & Top Player Props 
• NHL Picks Today (April 9, 2025) – Best Bets & Top Props for All 5 Games 
• NBA Picks & Predictions April 9, 2025 – Best Bets & Props 
• UFC 314 Predictions: Nora Cornolle vs Hailey Cowan 4/12

The Atlantic Division lead is on the line here. Toronto leads Tampa Bay by just two points for first place​, but the Leafs are on the second night of a back-to-back after a 3-1 loss in Florida on Tuesday (snapping a four-game win streak)​. Fatigue could be a factor against a rested Lightning squad at home. Tampa Bay is coming off a dominant 5-1 win at MSG on Monday​, where Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point each had three points​. Kucherov (115 points) is tied for the NHL scoring lead​, and Point has 9 goals in his last 9 games​ – a bad omen for a Leafs team likely turning to starter Ilya Samsonov after backup Joseph Woll played last night. Expect the Lightning to apply pressure early and often, using their fresher legs and potent power play to wear down Toronto. Andrei Vasilevskiy remains a rock in net for Tampa, which should keep this showdown tight and low-scoring.

 

• Best Bet: Under 5.5 Goals. Both teams boast strong goaltending and will be in playoff-mode defensively. Toronto has seen five straight games stay under the total​, and with their offense possibly a step slow from travel, another 3-2 type game could be in store.

   

• Top Prop: Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 Points. Tampa’s offensive catalyst is on fire – he’s coming off a three-point night and now has 80 assists for a third straight season​. In a crucial home game, look for Kucherov to notch multiple points (whether it’s a pair of slick assists or a goal and a helper) as he drives the Bolts’ attack.

   

(Matchup context: The Lightning have won 5 of their last 6 home games, while the Leafs are 5-9 in their last 14 road games on zero days’ rest. Tampa’s home-ice edge and extra rest tilt this one in their favor.)

Philadelphia Flyers @ New York Rangers – 7:30 PM ET (TNT, truTV, Max) – NYR -190, O/U 5.5

Two Metro Division rivals meet with pride on the line. The Flyers were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a 3-2 loss on Saturday​, but they had shown spark under interim coach Brad Shaw (who took over after John Tortorella’s firing on March 27). Philadelphia won three straight before that Montreal loss​, leaning on Travis Konecny and the kids to play spoiler. Meanwhile, the Rangers are reeling – they were blown out 5-1 by Tampa Bay on Monday​, their third straight defeat. New York’s offense has gone cold, and morale is low with a wild-card spot nearly out of reach. That said, expect a determined effort at Madison Square Garden tonight. Igor Shesterkin should be back in goal and is capable of stifling a mediocre Flyers offense. New York still owns the talent edge with stars like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, and they’ve dominated Philly in recent meetings. Look for the Blue Shirts to tighten up defensively and take advantage of the Flyers’ defensive lapses (Philly allows 3.30 goals/game). If the Rangers jump ahead early, the Flyers may not have the firepower to catch up.

 

• Best Bet: Rangers -1.5 (Puck Line). We’re banking on New York to rebound strong at home. Shesterkin can keep Philly to 2 or fewer, and the Rangers offense should find life against a Flyers team that’s 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after scoring 2 or fewer goals. A 4-1 or 3-1 Rangers win feels likely, covering the puck line.

• Top Prop: Artemi Panarin to record an assist. The Breadman remains the Rangers’ top playmaker (60+ assists this season) and will be looking to set up his teammates to bust out of their slump. Panarin had an assist in the last meeting with Philly and faces a Flyers penalty kill ranked bottom-10. We like him to tally at least one helper on a home power play or odd-man rush.

(Matchup context: The Flyers are 1-5 in their last 6 road games and just 3-2 under Coach Shaw, while the Rangers have owned this rivalry lately. New York’s desperation to save face at MSG, plus a huge edge in goal, points to a comfortable Rangers victory.)

San Jose Sharks @ Minnesota Wild – 8:00 PM ET – MIN -290, O/U 5.5

It’s a mismatch on paper as the lowly Sharks (20-47-10) visit a Wild team gearing up for the postseason​. San Jose’s struggles are well-documented – they average an NHL-worst 2.55 goals per game while allowing 3.74 (dead last in defense)​. The Sharks blew their last game by surrendering three third-period goals, epitomizing their collapse-prone ways. One bright spot: rookie Will Smith scored twice in that outing, and 2024 top pick Macklin Celebrini notched two assists in his early NHL action​. Still, the Sharks have lost 8 of 10 and now face a stingy Minnesota squad. The Wild (42-29-7) are without superstar Kirill Kaprizov (injured)​, which has slowed their offense (28th in goals at 2.68 GF/Game)​. They’ve had trouble closing games, but did pull out a 3-2 OT win last time out thanks to Matt Boldy’s clutch performance (1 G, 1 A)​. With Kaprizov sidelined, Boldy and Mats Zuccarello carry the scoring load. Expect Minnesota to play a tight-checking game and rely on goaltending. Veteran Marc-André Fleury is projected to start – he’s struggled lately (winless in his last 3 appearances)​, but facing the league’s weakest offense is a good remedy. San Jose’s likely starter is Alexandar Georgiev (15-25-2, 3.69 GAA) – a surprising midseason pickup who hasn’t solved their defensive woes​. Given the Wild’s strong defensive structure and the Sharks’ inability to finish, this shapes up as a low-scoring affair. Minnesota should dictate play, but if they take the Sharks lightly, San Jose could hang around.

 

• Best Bet: Under 5.5 Goals. Both teams rank in the bottom-5 offensively, and Minnesota’s defense (13th in GA) should smother San Jose’s limited attack​. The last three Wild games have totaled 5 or fewer goals, and without Kaprizov they’re content to grind out a 3-1 or 3-2 win. Take the under.

   

  Top Prop: Matt Boldy Anytime Goal. Boldy has embraced a bigger role, leading the team in shots lately and coming off a 1 goal, 1 assist game​. He’ll be on the top line and #1 power-play unit, facing a Sharks penalty kill that’s bottom-5. We like Boldy to light the lamp at least once against San Jose’s porous defense.

   

(Matchup context: The Sharks are 0-7 in their last 7 road games, and the underdog is 5-1 on the puck line in Minnesota’s last 6 games, reflecting the Wild’s tendency to play close games. Still, with a playoff berth at stake, expect Minnesota to clamp down and methodically handle business.)

St. Louis Blues @ Edmonton Oilers – 10:00 PM ET (TNT, truTV, Max) – EDM -125, O/U 5.5

The late game on the TNT doubleheader is a intriguing battle between Western Conference playoff contenders – but the storyline is the injury bug biting Edmonton. The Oilers (44-28-5) could be without both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl tonight​. Edmonton holds the 3rd spot in the Pacific (87 points)​, but missing the two superstars who combine for ~220 points is huge. In their absence, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins centers the top line with newcomer Viktor Arvidsson and Vasily Podkolzin​ – a far cry from McDavid/Drai. The Oil still have weapons (winger Zach Hyman and offensive d-man Evan Bouchardwith 63 points​), but recent results show a dip in scoring. They managed just 2 goals in a 3-2 loss to Anaheim and have averaged only 2.4 goals over the last 5 games. On the flip side, the Blues (43-29-7) are surging. St. Louis has won seven straight games – fueled by the hot hand of goalie Jordan Binnington, who has 7 wins in a row allowing just 13 total goals in that span​. The Blues’ offense is quietly deep: Jordan Kyrou leads with 33 goals​, Robert Thomas (76 points) is an elite setup man, and youngsters like Dylan Holloway (63 points) have stepped up​. With Edmonton shorthanded, St. Louis will look to press an advantage at even strength. The Oilers do get a boost in net from journeyman Calvin Pickard (20-9-1, 2.64 GAA)​, who has filled in admirably – he’s given up just 2 goals in each of his last four games. Edmonton might try to slow the pace and lean on defensive structure. Still, it’s hard to bet against a Blues squad playing confidently and aiming to improve their playoff seeding. If McDavid and Draisaitl sit, St. Louis has the upper hand in forward depth and should dictate puck possession.

 

• Best Bet: St. Louis Blues Moneyline (+105). This is a prime spot to back the underdog. The Blues are red-hot and Binnington’s in a groove, while the Oilers have not proven they can score consistently without their two MVPs. Even if one of McDavid/Draisaitl suits up, they’ll be less than 100%. St. Louis has won both prior meetings this season and can grind out another win, something like 3-2, to cash the plus-money moneyline.

• Top Prop: Jordan Kyrou Over 3.5 Shots on Goal. Kyrou leads the Blues in goals and is never shy about shooting (he’s averaging ~3.3 SOG per game). With the Oilers defense focused on Thomas’s line, Kyrou should find room to fire away. He’s topped this shots mark in 4 of his last 5 games, and Edmonton gives up plenty of perimeter looks. Take Kyrou to pepper Pickard with at least 4 shots tonight.

(Matchup context: The Blues are 5-0 in their last 5 road games and have won 8 of 10 overall, while the Oilers are just 1-4 in their last 5 versus winning teams. Monitor the Edmonton injury news – if McDavid/Drai are confirmed out, the line may swing further towards St. Louis.)

Calgary Flames @ Anaheim Ducks – 10:00 PM ET – CGY -150, O/U 5.5

The Flames are clinging to faint playoff hopes, and a matchup with the Ducks offers a chance to stay alive. Calgary (37-27-13) sits a few points out of the wild card with 87 points, largely because their offense has underperformed – only 199 goals on the season (30th in NHL)​. They did enough in their last outing, a 3-2 win over San Jose​, but generally the Flames play a lot of tight games. Jacob Markström has ceded the crease to young goalie Dustin Wolflately; Wolf was in net for that Sharks win and could start again here. Calgary’s strength is preventing goals, not scoring them. They’ll need veterans Elias Lindholm, Nazem Kadri, and Jonathan Huberdeau to produce against an Anaheim club that struggles defensively. The Ducks (34-35-8) are out of contention but showing some pride – they just upset Edmonton 3-2 in their last game​. Anaheim’s youth movement is bearing fruit: Trevor Zegras (leading scorer, ~70 points) and Mason McTavish are dangerous, and rookie goalie Lukas Dostal has been getting more starts. The Ducks, however, have glaring issues on special teams. Their power play is a league-worst 12.3%​ and their penalty kill only 73.6%​, which could gift Calgary some goals (the Flames’ PP is a middling 21%​ but might feast on Anaheim’s PK). Defensively, Anaheim has surrendered 243 goals (near the bottom of the NHL)​, so even Calgary’s struggling offense might ignite. If the Flames play with urgency, they should control puck possession and generate north of 35 shots. On the flip side, the Ducks’ skilled forwards will test Calgary’s rookie netminder – Zegras, McTavish, and Troy Terry thrive in a freer, low-pressure environment, and Wolf could face some high-danger chances. This game has the feel of a more wide-open affair than the numbers suggest. Calgary knows only a win will do, while Anaheim would love to play spoiler once more.

 

• Best Bet: Over 5.5 Goals. Despite Calgary’s low scoring ranking, this matchup sets up for more offense. The Ducks play an up-tempo style at home and just put 3 goals past Edmonton. Their defensive lapses and poor PK should allow Calgary to score 3+ (the Flames peppered 32 shots and scored 3 on Anaheim last meeting). On the flip side, Anaheim’s young guns can capitalize on any Flames mistakes (Calgary has allowed 223 goals this year). A 4-3 type game could easily materialize, pushing this over the 5.5 total.

• Top Prop: Trevor Zegras Over 0.5 Points. The Ducks’ creative center has been consistently hitting the scoresheet down the stretch. He had an assist in the win over Edmonton and leads Anaheim with 26 power-play points. Zegras will be quarterbacking the offense and should register at least one point – whether it’s a slick assist or a highlight-reel goal – against a Flames team he’s burned before. In what could be an open game, back the Ducks’ top playmaker to get involved offensively.

(Matchup context: The over is 6-2 in the last 8 Flames-Ducks meetings in Anaheim, and the Ducks have nothing to lose – they’re 4-1 in their last 5 games when playing on 2 days rest, indicating they often bring energy in these situations. Calgary’s urgency might actually lead to defensive risks and more scoring chances both ways.)