NHL Playoff Predictions: Sunday, April 27, 2025

This Sunday features four crucial Stanley Cup first-round games. Our experts deliver NHL predictions today and Stanley Cup playoffs picks for each matchup, with analysis of trends, injuries and betting angles. For best NHL bets today and NHL player props today, read on:

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Winnipeg Jets @ St. Louis Blues (1:00 PM ET)

Game Preview: Winnipeg holds a 2-1 series lead after winning Games 1 and 2, but the Blues blasted the Jets 7-2 in Game 3, seizing momentum. The Jets must shake off a slow start and Calgary-like turnovers that cost them Game 3. St. Louis’ top line (Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas and Jimmy Snuggerud) was unstoppable in Game 3 (Buchnevich scored a hat trick). Winnipeg’s record-setting power play (28.9%) struggled on home ice, and defenseman Dylan DeMelo’s absence (illness) disrupted their back end. No new injuries are reported, but Winnipeg needs much cleaner play.

Prediction: Winnipeg Jets – Top-seeded Winnipeg should rebound. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck will reset after Game 3, and forwards like Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor will help regain control. The Jets will force a rematch of Game 3’s mistakes and take Game 4.

Best Bet: Jets Moneyline (-130). Despite the Blues’ Game 3 surge, Winnipeg is a strong favorite (-125 on SportsInteraction) and should win straight up. Alternatively, consider the under 5.5 goals (series average is high but Game 2 was low scoring, and Hellebuyck typically keeps games tighter).

Top Player Prop: Pavel Buchnevich Over 1.5 points. Buchnevich has 6 points (3G, 3A) so far and tallied a hat trick in Game 3. He’s the Blues’ hottest player and a likely scorer again.

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Carolina Hurricanes @ New Jersey Devils (3:30 PM ET)

Game Preview: Carolina leads the series 2-1 after dropping a marathon double-OT Game 3. The Canes will need a fast start; they tied Game 3 with two third-period power-play goals but couldn’t hold it. Carolina’s special teams have been outstanding (10-for-10 on the PK and 2-for-4 on the PP through three games), and No. 1 goalie Frederik Andersen sports a 1.48 GAA and .943 save percentage this series. The Devils, meanwhile, got an enormous boost when 19-year-old defenseman Simon Nemec scored the Game 3 winner in the third overtime. New Jersey may be without defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic (injured in Game 3), which could leave their blue line short-handed. Jonas Siegenthaler returned after a long absence and logged huge minutes in Game 3.

Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes – The defending East champs will adjust. Their depth and experience show; even without Kovacevic, the Hurricanes have multiple forwards (Martin Necas, Andrei Svechnikov, Seth Jarvis) who can find the net. Carolina’s balanced attack and league-best penalty kill should grind out a win in New Jersey.

Best Bet: Hurricanes Moneyline (-172). Carolina is favored in sharp markets (around -175). With their special teams advantage and home-ice pressure, betting Carolina straight up is the best play. (The Devils are tempting at +142, but Carolina is the safer chalk.)

Top Player Prop: Seth Jarvis Over 0.5 points. Jarvis has 2 points already (goal in Game 3) and quarterbacked the power play. He’s a dynamic scorer and should at least notch a point in this game.

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Washington Capitals @ Montreal Canadiens (6:30 PM ET)

Game Preview: Washington leads 2-1, but Game 3 was a blowout: Montreal scored 6 goals in front of a raucous, sold-out Bell Centre crowd – its first home playoff game since 2017. Both teams face goalie uncertainty. Washington’s No. 1 Logan Thompson left Game 3 injured, and backup Charlie Lindgren is on standby to start if Thompson can’t go. Montreal’s starter Sam Montembeault was injured in Game 3 and is questionable; rookie Jakub Dobes may get the nod. Offensively, Montreal’s young forwards (Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky) are peaking – they combined for the bulk of the scoring in Game 3. The Capitals counter with veteran stars Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov and captain Nicklas Backstrom, but Montreal’s fourth line and defensemen like Kaiden Guhle have contributed to this upset run.

Prediction: Montreal Canadiens – The home team will even the series. The Canadiens are riding a wave of confidence (Game 3 was a frenzy) and Montreal’s crowd can be overwhelming. With both goalies in question, the Canadiens’ offense and depth should prevail in overtime or regulation. Washington is vulnerable without Thompson and didn’t play well last game, so Montreal takes Game 4.

Best Bet: Canadiens Moneyline (-105). This one is a virtual pick ’em in odds (Capitals at -117, Canadiens at -103). The edge goes to Montreal at home. Back the Canadiens to win straight up (roughly +100) or use the puck line (Canadiens +1.5 around -150) for more value.

Top Player Prop: Cole Caufield Over 0.5 points. The 22-year-old sniper scored twice in Game 3 and is the Canadiens’ hot hand. He’s a prime source for goals or assists, so getting even one point is likely.

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Los Angeles Kings @ Edmonton Oilers (9:30 PM ET)

Game Preview: Los Angeles holds a 2-1 lead after taking the first two games at home, but Edmonton responded with a 7-4 win in Game 3. This series has been a goal parade: combined scores of 11, 8, and now 9. Edmonton’s top stars – Connor McDavid (7 points in series) and Leon Draisaitl – finally woke up, especially the Oilers’ power play (scoring on 3 of 8 chances in Game 3). Goalie Darcy Kuemper struggled in Game 3 and was replaced by Calvin Pickard, who steadied the ship. Los Angeles got 8 goals in two wins, but away form has plagued the Kings (only 17-19-5 on the road this year). Edmonton at home is a daunting task; the Oilers led the NHL in total shots, and their home crowd fuels their offense.

Prediction: Edmonton Oilers – The Oilers will win a shootout. After dialing up the offense in Game 3, Edmonton should carry momentum at home. McDavid and Draisaitl will continue to dominate the attack, and with the Oilers’ improved power play, Los Angeles’ thin defense can’t hang on. Edmonton evens the series and takes control.

Best Bet: Over 6.5 goals. Every game in this series has gone way over 5.5. With both teams playing offensively and Edmonton’s power play firing, expect at least 7 total goals again. (Oilers moneyline is tempting, but heavy scoring is the bigger edge.)

Top Player Prop: Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points. McDavid has 7 points already (2 goals, 5 assists) and is on a heater. If you need a prop, betting McDavid to get a goal and an assist is a solid choice given his playmaking and Edmonton’s uptempo style.

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FAQ: NHL Playoff Picks & Betting Tips

Q: Which teams are the best bets today?
A: Carolina and Edmonton stand out. Carolina (vs. NJ) and Edmonton (vs. LA) have momentum and home advantage. Their moneylines or puck lines are strong picks. Winnipeg is also a safe bet against St. Louis.
Q: What about player prop bets?
A: Focus on players in form. Pavel Buchnevich (Blues), Seth Jarvis (Hurricanes), Cole Caufield (Canadiens) and Connor McDavid (Oilers) are all red-hot. Betting these stars to register points is a common “best NHL prop today.”
Q: Any general NHL playoff betting tips?
A: Special teams and goaltending swings are crucial. In playoff series, a big win often boosts the underdog’s confidence, so watch for momentum shifts. Home-ice teams in trouble (like Winnipeg in Game 3) often bounce back. Over/Under totals are also worth considering: high-scoring trends (like Kings-Oilers) suggest taking overs, while physical or defensive series (like Jets-Blues) can lean under.
Q: How far will these teams go?
A: It’s early, but the teams with balanced lineups and experience—like Winnipeg, Carolina and Edmonton—have the structure to go deep. Upsets can happen (as Montreal is showing), so keep an eye on any Cinderella runs. Overall, bet smart, manage your bankroll, and enjoy the playoffs!

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