NHL Best Bets Today (April 25-26, 2025 Playoffs)

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and we’ve got expert NHL picks and best bets for each matchup on Friday and Saturday. Below you’ll find sharp matchup analysis, NHL predictions today, and the best player props today for every game. We break down the odds, series context, and top betting angles in a highly scannable format. Let’s dive into NHL playoff predictions for April 25–26, 2025.

Friday, April 25, 2025 – NHL Playoff Best Bets

Washington Capitals @ Montreal Canadiens (Game 3 – WSH leads 2-0)

• Series: Capitals lead 2-0 (won Games 1 & 2 by 2-1 scores)​covers.com

• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET (Apr. 25) at Bell Centre, Montreal

• Odds: Washington -117, Montreal +104; Over/Under 5.5​covers.com

The Capitals have grabbed a commanding series lead with back-to-back 2-1 victories, despite being outshot by the Canadiens. Montreal actually had more 5-on-5 shot attempts in both games (62-54 in Game 1, 63-55 in Game 2)​covers.com, but Washington capitalized on its chances. Now the series shifts to Montreal, where the Habs were much stronger during the regular season (23-12-6 at home vs. 17-19-5 on the road)​covers.com. The Canadiens will be desperate for their first playoff win since 2021​covers.com, and home ice could energize their young core. Washington’s veteran goalie Darcy Kuemper has been solid, and the Caps’ defense has kept Montreal’s skilled shooters largely in check. Expect another tight battle in Game 3 with Montreal pressing to get on the board in the series.

Best Bet: Under 5.5 Goals. The first two games only had four total goals (not counting an empty-netter) and both teams are playing grind-it-out hockey​covers.com​covers.com. With Montreal likely tightening up defensively at home and Kuemper and Sam Montembeault both in good form, goals should remain at a premium. Another 3-2 or 2-1 type game is a strong possibility, so we’ll ride the Under.

Top Prop: Cole Caufield Anytime Goal. Montreal’s sharpshooter has been buzzing despite no goals yet. He led the Canadiens in goals during the regular season and has fired plenty of pucks on net in this series. At home, look for Caufield to find open ice on the power play or off the rush. In a must-win game, he should be Montreal’s go-to scorer, making an anytime goal by Caufield a solid prop play (likely around +150 odds).

Carolina Hurricanes @ New Jersey Devils (Game 3 – CAR leads 2-0)

• Series: Hurricanes lead 2-0

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET (Apr. 25) at Prudential Center, Newark

• Odds: Carolina -165, New Jersey +140; Over/Under 5.0​covers.com

The Hurricanes handled business at home to take a 2-0 series lead, but the Devils were closer than the scores indicated. New Jersey generated 7.09 expected goals across the first two games but managed to score only twice​covers.com, thanks in part to Carolina’s goalie standing tall. Now the series heads to Newark, and the Devils will be in all-out urgency mode. Even without young star Jack Hughes (who remains sidelined), New Jersey has shown it can create chances – they just need to finish them. Meanwhile, Carolina will look to maintain their defensive intensity on the road, but note that the Canes won just 16 of 41 road games in the regular season​covers.com. The Devils thrive on home ice and should get a boost from the crowd. Expect New Jersey’s forecheck to be ferocious as they try to claw back into the series.

Best Bet: Devils Moneyline. Down 0-2, New Jersey is a live home underdog with the momentum of returning to their rink. The Hurricanes’ mediocre road record and the Devils’ high expected-goals imply that a correction is due – pucks that didn’t go in before might find the net now. If the Devils convert on their opportunities and get timely saves, they can secure a Game 3 win to make this a series. At +140, there’s good value on the home side to bounce back.

Top Prop: Timo Meier Anytime Goal. Meier has been snakebitten so far, but he’s knocking on the door. He piled up 10 shot attempts, 5 scoring chances, and 1.18 expected goals in Game 2 alone​covers.com, yet has zero goals to show for it this series. Meier is too talented (a former 40-goal scorer) to be held off the scoresheet forever. Back on home ice, with last line change allowing more favorable matchups, Meier is primed to finally bury one. Expert NHL picks identified Meier’s scoring slump as an outlier – he’s generated chances as efficiently as anyone in these playoffs​covers.com. At roughly +230 odds for an anytime goal, Meier is an excellent value prop to break through in Game 3.

Los Angeles Kings @ Edmonton Oilers (Game 3 – LA leads 2-0)

• Series: Kings lead 2-0

• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET (Apr. 25) at Rogers Place, Edmonton

• Odds: Edmonton -130, Los Angeles +110; Over/Under 6.5​covers.com

If there’s a “must-win” scenario, this is it for the Oilers. Shockingly, Los Angeles stole the first two games at home to grab a 2-0 series lead. Those early games were offensive shootouts – the teams combined for 12 goals at 5-on-5 despite generating only about 6.4 expected goals​covers.com. In other words, shooting percentages were sky-high (the Kings scored on an unsustainable 18% of their 5-on-5 shots)​covers.com, and goaltending was subpar on both sides. Coming back to Edmonton, expect the Oilers to tighten up defensively and for the scoring to regress to a more normal pace. The Kings know they’ll face a furious push from Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and company. Edmonton was a mediocre 17-19-5 on the road this year​covers.com, but on home ice they’re a different beast – and now their backs are against the wall. Look for the Oilers to come out flying in front of their fans, trying to seize momentum back in this series.

Best Bet: Oilers -1.5 Puck Line. Edmonton simply cannot afford a loss here, and expert NHL playoff predictions expect them to respond in a big way. With last change, the Oilers can get favorable matchups to free up McDavid and Draisaitl, who “will have their way in a Game 3 win” according to analysts​covers.com. The Kings have been opportunistic, but some of those lucky bounces should even out. If Edmonton grabs an early lead, the Kings may have to open up, leading to more odd-man rushes for the Oil. The Oilers offense at home is potent enough to win by 2+ goals when desperate. Taking the puck line at plus money is a bolder play, but this has the feel of a 5-3 or 4-2 bounce-back victory for Edmonton.

Top Prop: Connor McDavid Over 1.5 Points. The best player in the world tends to take over in do-or-die situations. McDavid has been relatively quiet by his standards so far, and you know that won’t last. In front of an electric home crowd, expect McDavid to log huge minutes and be involved in most of Edmonton’s scoring. A two-point night (or better) is well within reach – he’s had multi-point games countless times in the regular season and has a history of explosive performances when Edmonton needs him most. NHL picks today favor Edmonton’s stars to step up, and McDavid could easily tally a goal and an assist (or more). His player prop for over 1.5 points is a bit juiced, but it’s justified given the circumstance.

Saturday, April 26, 2025 – NHL Playoff Best Bets

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Florida Panthers (Game 3 – FLA leads 2-0)

• Series: Panthers lead 2-0

• Time: 1:00 p.m. ET (Apr. 26) at FLA Live Arena, Sunrise

• Odds: Florida -138, Tampa Bay +115; Over/Under 5.5​clutchpoints.com

The intra-state rivalry has flipped the script – Florida stunned the Lightning by winning both Games 1 and 2 in Tampa. This series has been defined by tight checking and goaltending. After a high-scoring Game 1 (Florida won 5-3, hypothetically), Game 2 was a defensive duel that the Panthers took 2-0. Tampa Bay managed just 19 shots on goal in that Game 2 loss​clutchpoints.com, despite five power-play opportunities, as Sergei Bobrovsky rebounded with a stellar performance. The Lightning’s star-studded offense (Stamkos, Kucherov, Point, etc.) was held off the scoresheet entirely in the last game – Nikita Kucherov had only one shot on goal all game​clutchpoints.com. Now down 0-2, the Lightning face the daunting task of winning on the road to get back in the series. The good news for Tampa: they’ve been in this spot before. In the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, the Bolts fell behind 0-2 but won Game 3 to spark a comeback​clutchpoints.com. You can expect a championship-caliber response from Tampa’s core. On the other side, the Panthers will be looking to maintain their momentum but might be dealing with injuries – captain Aleksander Barkov left Game 2 hurt​clutchpoints.com and is questionable for Game 3. Florida still has Matthew Tkachuk to lead the way, and they’ll try to feed off their home crowd to push Tampa to the brink.

Best Bet: Lightning Moneyline. This is gut-check time for the three-time Eastern Conference champion Lightning. They have the experience to handle adversity and should make the right adjustments. Andrei Vasilevskiy has been strong (21 saves on 22 shots last game)​clutchpoints.com, so if Tampa can generate a bit more offense, they stand a great chance. Florida might be a slight favorite at home, but with Barkov banged up and Tampa’s stars due to break out, this is a prime spot to take the underdog. Look for the Lightning to play with pride and desperation – it could very well result in a road win to halve the series deficit. At +115, backing Tampa’s resilience is our best bet today for this matchup.

Top Prop: Brayden Point Anytime Goal. When the Lightning need a jolt, Brayden Point often delivers. He led Tampa with 51 goals in the regular season and has been one of the NHL’s clutch playoff performers the last few years. Point had a few good looks in Game 2 (3 shots on goal)​clutchpoints.com but couldn’t solve Bobrovsky. In Game 3, expect him to attack the net even more, especially if Kucherov continues to draw heavy defensive attention from Florida. Point’s quickness and nose for the net make him a great bet to light the lamp. At roughly +130 odds to score, Point is the kind of player who can cash this prop even if Tampa falls short – but if our moneyline bet hits, chances are Point found the back of the net in the process.

Vegas Golden Knights @ Minnesota Wild (Game 4 – MIN leads 2-1)

• Series: Wild lead 2-1

• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET (Apr. 26) at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul

• Odds: Vegas -142, Minnesota +126; Over/Under 5.5​covers.com

Minnesota defended home ice in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead, putting the defending champion Golden Knights on their heels. In Game 3, the Wild edged Vegas in a tight contest (perhaps 3-2 in regulation). A key storyline has been Vegas’ suddenly sputtering offense – the Golden Knights haven’t looked quite like themselves. Their top line, led by Mark Stone and Jack Eichel, has been held in check. In fact, through the first two games, Stone had four Grade-A chances at 5-on-5 with zero points to show for it​covers.com. Even in Game 3, Vegas generated chances that they just couldn’t bury. Credit Minnesota’s defensive structure and goaltending (Filip Gustavsson has been steady), but one has to think Vegas will find another gear. The Wild, powered by Kirill Kaprizov and a balanced attack, will try to push Vegas to the brink here in Game 4 at home. This pivotal matchup could swing the series – either Vegas ties it up 2-2 heading back to Nevada, or Minnesota gets a commanding 3-1 lead. Expect Vegas to come out with urgency and for the Wild to match that intensity in front of their fans.

Best Bet: Golden Knights Moneyline. It’s do-or-die time for Vegas. This team has championship pedigree and will make the necessary adjustments. They actually opened as slight favorites despite being on the road, reflecting their high talent level and the expectation of a response. Look for Vegas to pepper the Wild net and for their shooting luck to improve (they’ve been a bit snakebit, with many shots and not enough goals). Minnesota has been excellent, but this feels like a bounce-back spot for the Knights, who are too proud and too skilled to go down without a fight. In a basically even odds scenario, we’ll back the Golden Knights to even the series. Expert NHL picks don’t count Vegas out yet – neither should we.

Top Prop: Mark Stone Over 0.5 Points. The Vegas captain has been held off the scoresheet in two of the first three games, but he’s been creating chances constantly. As noted, Stone’s line generated 38 shot attempts at 5-on-5 in the first couple games without a goal to show for it​covers.com. In Game 3, Stone finally picked up a point (an assist), and we like him to contribute again in Game 4. Whether it’s a primary assist on a power-play goal or finishing a play himself, Stone is too impactful to be quiet for long. He’s averaging around 20 minutes a game and plays in all situations, so the opportunities will be there. Betting on Stone to tally at least one point is a smart prop, especially if you believe Vegas will score 3+ goals in this game.

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Ottawa Senators (Game 4 – TOR leads 3-0)

• Series: Maple Leafs lead 3-0

• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET (Apr. 26) at Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa

• Odds: Ottawa -113, Toronto -106; Over/Under 5.5​clutchpoints.com

The Battle of Ontario has been one-sided so far, with Toronto on the verge of a sweep. The Maple Leafs came out flying with a 6-2 win in Game 1​clutchpoints.com. However, the last two games have been nail-biters, both decided in overtime. In Game 2, Toronto needed a Max Domi OT winner to prevail 3-2 (after a 2-2 tie in regulation)​clutchpoints.com. Game 3 in Ottawa was another thriller: Simon Benoit scored in OT to give the Leafs a 3-2 win after Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk tied it late in the third​clutchpoints.com. So while it’s a 3-0 series, the Senators have pushed Toronto to the brink in back-to-back contests. Now facing elimination on home ice, Ottawa will throw everything they have at Game 4 to avoid being swept by their provincial rivals. The Leafs, on the other hand, want to close this out ASAP and avoid giving the Sens any life. Toronto’s stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have had their moments (Matthews scored in Game 3)​clutchpoints.com, but credit Ottawa’s young squad – led by Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, and veteran Claude Giroux – for not making it easy. One factor to watch: Toronto’s confidence. Historically, the Leafs have struggled to put teams away, but this 2025 squad seems more focused. The Senators will try to feed off what should be a raucous crowd and extend their season one more game.

Best Bet: Over 5.5 Goals. After two straight 3-2 (5 total goal) games, we’re due for a bit more scoring. Ottawa has no choice but to play aggressive hockey – there’s no tomorrow if they can’t generate offense. That could mean defensive lapses the Leafs can exploit on the counterattack. Meanwhile, if Toronto gets an early lead in this one, Ottawa will take more risks and likely convert a few chances as well. In a potential elimination game, the final minutes can also get wild (Ottawa could pull the goalie earlier, leading to either extra goals for Toronto or a late Sens goal to extend the game). Toronto’s offense showed in Game 1 what it’s capable of, and Ottawa will be pressing for goals as well. Stanley Cup picks aside, this game’s situation points toward a more open affair. A 4-2 or 5-3 type of game wouldn’t surprise anyone here, sending it over the total.

Top Prop: Auston Matthews Anytime Goal. The Leafs’ sniper lives for big moments, and clinching a series qualifies as one. Matthews has 2 goals in the series so far and has been a consistent threat each game. He’ll want to put the dagger in Ottawa’s season, and we expect him to come out shooting. In Game 3, he scored a go-ahead goal in the third period​clutchpoints.com, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion. Whether it’s on a power play one-timer or an even-strength snipe from the slot, Matthews is the best bet among all players in this game to score. Ottawa’s defensive coverage tends to break down at least once or twice against Toronto’s top line, and Matthews only needs a split-second to capitalize. Take him to find the back of the net in Game 4.

Dallas Stars @ Colorado Avalanche (Game 4 – COL leads 2-1)

• Series: Avalanche lead 2-1

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET (Apr. 26) at Ball Arena, Denver

• Odds: Colorado -188, Dallas +155; Over/Under 6.5​clutchpoints.com

This Central Division showdown has been fierce and could be destined for a long series. Colorado took Game 1 at Dallas, but the Stars bounced back to win Games 2 and 3 – both in overtime – to grab a 2-1 series lead​clutchpoints.com. In Game 3, Dallas edged Colorado 2-1 in OT on a goal by Tyler Seguin​clutchpoints.com, thanks to a heroic effort from goalie Jake Oettinger (27 saves) and a smothering defensive performance in front of him​clutchpoints.com. That victory means the Stars have won two straight in this very building, as Game 3 was in Denver. Game 4 is absolutely crucial for the Avalanche, who do not want to head back to Dallas facing elimination. The Avs might get a boost with captain Gabriel Landeskog possibly back in action (he made a long-awaited return to the ice this series)​clutchpoints.com. Colorado will lean on Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen to generate offense; they’ve been somewhat stifled by Dallas’s checking the past couple games. One storyline is the absence of Dallas’s top scorer Jason Robertson, who has been out injured – yet Dallas has managed to eke out wins with depth scoring and defense​clutchpoints.com. The Avs are heavily favored at home in Game 4, indicating the market expects a response from the defending Central champs. Look for Colorado to up the tempo and for MacKinnon to find another gear as he tries to even the series.

Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche in Regulation. The Avalanche are too proud and too talented to go quietly. They actually lost Games 2 and 3 in overtime just like this in last year’s playoffs and came back to win Game 5 on the road before ultimately falling in 6​clutchpoints.com – point being, this team knows how to respond. We expect a full 60-minute effort in Game 4, with Colorado doing everything possible to avoid another OT coin flip. Oettinger has been a wall for Dallas, but if Colorado can get a lead, the floodgates could open (the Stars are starting to show fatigue from so much defending). Look for better finishing from Colorado’s top six and maybe a power-play goal or two to tilt the scales. Taking Colorado in regulation (to win without overtime) gives a better price than the -188 moneyline. It’s a confident pick that the Avs get the job done in standard time – something like a 4-2 win to knot the series 2-2.

Top Prop: Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 Shots on Goal. MacKinnon will be a man on a mission in this game. No one fires the puck more than Nate when he’s in attack mode. He’s averaging around 5 shots per game in the series so far and had games in the regular season with 8-10 shots when he took over. With the Avalanche desperate for offense, MacKinnon will shoot early and often – blasting one-timers on the power play, cutting to the slot for his patented wrister, and generally putting Dallas’s defense under pressure. Even if some miss the net or get blocked, he’ll keep racking up attempts. Hitting 5+ shots on goal is well within his reach (he might have that by the second period if he’s feeling it). Rather than betting a specific point total, the safer prop is trusting MacKinnon’s volume. Expert NHL picks often highlight MacKinnon’s shot prop in big games, and this is exactly that. Pencil him in for an aggressive shooting night in Game 4.

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📢 FAQ: NHL Best Bets and Playoff Predictions

Q1: What are the best NHL picks for today’s playoff games?
A1: The best NHL picks for today (April 25–26, 2025) are the carefully researched bets we’ve outlined above for each game. Our NHL best bets today include sides like the Devils and Golden Knights to win on home/road ice, totals such as the Under 5.5 in the Caps-Canadiens defensive battle, and more. These picks are chosen based on matchup analysis, team form, injuries, and betting value. For example, we like the Oilers to cover the puck line at home in a must-win spot, and the Lightning as a savvy underdog to bounce back. All our expert NHL picks aim to give you an edge by highlighting the bets with the highest expected value.

Q2: What are the top NHL player props to bet on today?
A2: We’ve identified a “Top Prop” for every game in our predictions. Some of the best player props today include: Timo Meier to score a goal for New Jersey (given his high shot volume and chances, he’s due to convert), Brayden Point to score for Tampa Bay (a clutch performer in a bounce-back scenario), and Auston Matthews to score for Toronto (superstar looking to clinch a series). Additionally, props like Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 shots on goal or Mark Stone to record a point offer strong value based on recent game trends. When choosing player props, we look at usage (ice time, power-play role), recent performance (are they getting chances?), and matchup factors (e.g. weak opposing defense or goaltending). Our list of top props today zeroes in on players in advantageous spots who are likely to make an impact on the stat sheet.

Q3: How do experts make NHL playoff predictions and best bets?
A3: Expert NHL playoff predictions are made by combining statistical analysis with situational factors. Professionals will study team stats (like 5-on-5 expected goals, special teams efficiency, goaltending metrics), recent game tape, and matchup edges (speed, size, coaching tactics). They’ll also account for intangible factors such as momentum, desperation level (e.g. teams facing elimination often play more aggressively), and injuries to key players. For best bets, experts seek value – that is, odds that appear misaligned with the likely outcome. For instance, if a strong home team is only a slight favorite despite clear advantages, experts may pounce on that moneyline. During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they also consider historical trends (like how certain teams or players perform under pressure) and home-ice advantage. All these elements are weighed to produce picks that are not just educated guesses but informed by data and experience. Essentially, expert handicappers try to predict the game script (e.g. a tight defensive battle vs. a high-scoring affair) and then select the bets (side, total, or prop) that best align with that expected script.

Q4: What do we mean by “Stanley Cup picks,” and are the teams playing today contenders?
A4: “Stanley Cup picks” usually refer to predictions or bets on which team will ultimately win the NHL championship. These are often futures bets placed before or during the playoffs. In our context, while we are focusing on individual games, some of the teams in action are indeed contenders that bettors have eyes on for the Cup. For example, the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights were popular Stanley Cup picks entering the playoffs, given their talent and recent success. When we talk about Stanley Cup picks in an article like this, we’re acknowledging the bigger picture: how each game’s outcome might influence the chase for the Cup. If you’re interested in futures, you might weigh how a team is currently performing (are they dominating or struggling to get by?) before wagering on them to go all the way. Right now, every team still in the mix technically has a shot, but favorites emerge as rounds progress. As of today, a team like Toronto up 3-0 in their series might improve their Cup odds, whereas a powerhouse like Colorado trailing in their series could raise doubts. Stanley Cup playoff predictions are fluid, and bettors often adjust their picks as they watch these games unfold.

Q5: Is it better to bet NHL favorites or underdogs during the playoffs?
A5: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it really depends on the matchup and the value of the odds. Playoffs tend to be tighter and more upset-prone than the regular season. Underdogs can often be attractive, especially when there are mitigating factors like injuries on the favorite or if the underdog has strong goaltending. For example, on today’s slate we recommended a few underdogs (like the Lightning at +115 and Devils at +140) because we believe those teams have a better chance to win than the odds imply. That said, favorites are favorites for a reason – top seeds and home teams win a majority of games. The key is to pick your spots. If a favorite’s price is too steep (-200 or more) and the game could be close, you might either pass or look at alternative bets (like regulation win or puck line to reduce juice). If an underdog is playing well or the series is closer than the market thinks, that’s a good time to take the plus-money side. In short, neither favorites nor underdogs are automatically “better” to bet; the best bets are those where your read on the game differs from what the odds suggest. Our expert approach mixes both favorites and underdogs, as you can see in our NHL picks today, always aiming for the side with the smarter risk/reward profile.

Feel free to use this guide as you enjoy the games and wager on the NHL playoff action. Good luck, and we’ll see you again with more NHL best bets and predictions soon!