NHL Picks & Predictions April 12, 2025 – Expert Betting Preview for Every Game

Kingpin
Apr 12, 2025, 5:13:05 AM

NHL Picks & Predictions – All Games for Saturday, April 12, 2025

Get ready for a packed Saturday NHL betting slate on April 12, 2025. Below we break down NHL picks, predictions, and best bets for every matchup on the schedule, including moneyline and puck line plays, over/underleans, and NHL player props to consider. Our analysis matches the sharp, expert tone of Kingpin Sports Picks – delivering data-driven insight for the serious bettor.

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Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Islanders (12:30 PM ET, ESPN+)

Both the Flyers and Islanders are finishing out disappointing seasons. Philadelphia has already been eliminated from playoff contention, yet they’ve shown fight lately – the Flyers erupted for an 8–5 upset over the Rangers and have won four of their last six games. Travis Konecny (75 points) has been a bright spot, fueling an offense that has scored 6+ goals in three recent wins. New York saw its playoff hopes virtually extinguished after a 9–2 drubbing by the Rangers on Thursday, which all but sealed their fate. The Isles have dropped two straight while allowing a whopping 16 goals, raising concerns about tired legs and goaltending (Ilya Sorokin struggled to a .905 SV% this year). However, prior to that, New York had won two in a row, including a solid 4–1 victory over Washington, showing they are capable of tighter defense when focused. This Metropolitan Division showdown is purely for pride, but the Flyers’ recent surge and home-ice energy give them an edge in momentum.

Moneyline Pick: Flyers (-110) – Philadelphia’s offense is clicking late in the season, and they’ll be motivated to reward the home fans. The Islanders are reeling and could be demoralized after their last blowout loss. We lean Flyers to win a close one.
Puck Line: Islanders +1.5 – While we expect Philly to win, this should be a tight game. New York will push to end on a high note, so taking the Isles +1.5 (albeit at expensive odds) is the safer puck line play. A one-goal game either way is very plausible.
Total (O/U 5.5): Over 5.5 – Both teams have trended over recently. The Flyers’ last few outings saw shootout scores (8–5, 7–4, 6–4 wins), and the Isles just gave up 9 goals. Defensive lapses and loose play in a no-pressure game could yield another high-scoring affair.
Player Props: Travis Konecny to record 1+ point (he’s been Philly’s top creator, averaging over an assist per game in his last five). Bo Horvat over 3.5 shots on goal – Horvat leads New York in points and should be firing away as he tries to end the season on a positive note.

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Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets (12:30 PM ET, ABC)

The Capitals are gearing up for the playoffs and still have something to play for – Washington (50-19-9) is in pursuit of the Presidents’ Trophy, just three points behind Winnipeg for the NHL’s top overall record. The Caps have been playing inspired hockey, winning five of their last six, including a gutsy 5–4 shootout win over Carolina on Thursday. Even with Alex Ovechkin possibly resting a game after breaking the goals record, Washington’s depth (Tom Wilson with 33 goals, Dylan Strome on a six-game point streak) is stepping up. In net, Charlie Lindgren has filled in solidly with starter Darcy Kuemper and others dealing with injuries. On the other side, the Blue Jackets (36-33-9) are clinging to faint wild-card hopes – essentially in “must-win” mode. In fact, Columbus could be mathematically eliminated if Montreal won on Friday, but either way they’ll be desperate here. The Jackets have won two straight (including a comeback 3–2 win over Buffalo) and showed resiliency with young call-up goalie Jet Greaves making 39 saves in that win. Boone Jenner and Jack Roslovic have led a balanced attack lately. Still, Columbus is dealing with injuries in net (Elvis Merzlikins is out), and facing a playoff-ready Caps squad on a mission is a tall order.

Moneyline Pick: Capitals (-135) – Washington’s experience and form give them the clear edge. The Caps offense is rolling and they “haven’t had a bad stretch of five, six, seven in a row,” as Dylan Strome noted. Columbus’ urgency is noted, but talent-wise they’re outmatched if the Caps play to potential.
Puck Line: Capitals -1.5 (+210) – For a value play, consider Washington to cover the -1.5. The Caps have the firepower to pull away if Columbus presses too hard. It’s risky – Columbus has been scrappy – but a 4–2 win (with an empty-netter) for Washington is on the table.
Total (O/U 6.5): Over 6.5 – These teams combined for a 7-goal game in their last meeting. Washington is averaging over 4 goals in recent games, and Columbus has scored 3+ in six of their last eight. Add a shaky Jackets goalie situation and this matchup could easily reach 7+ goals.
Player Props: Tom Wilson anytime goal scorer – Wilson has 33 goals and is a net-front presence on the Caps’ power play, making him a good bet to light the lamp. Boone Jenner over 0.5 points – Columbus’ captain has goals in back-to-back games and will be heavily involved in any Jackets offense in this do-or-die scenario.

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New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes (3:00 PM ET, ABC)

This is a fascinating clash of urgency vs preparation. The Hurricanes (46-27-5) have locked in the 2nd seed in the Metro and home ice in Round 1, but they’re also trying to snap a concerning four-game losing streak. Carolina hasn’t looked themselves lately, blowing a 2–0 lead in an OT loss to Washington Thursday. Scoring isn’t an issue – Sebastian Aho (71 points) and Seth Jarvis (31 goals) continue to produce, with Jarvis netting 8 goals in his last 16 games – but defensive lapses and shootout struggles have plagued them. Expect coach Rod Brind’Amour to demand a playoff-level effort to get the Canes back on track. The Rangers (37-35-7), meanwhile, desperately need a win to keep faint playoff hopes alive. They sit six points behind Montreal for the final wild-card with three games left, so elimination looms with any loss. New York did respond with a massive 9–2 win over the Islanders on Thursday, led by Artemi Panarin (2 goals, 3 points) and rookie Brett Berard’s breakout game. However, that followed a three-game skid where they were outscored 17–6. The question is which Rangers team shows up in Raleigh. Goalie Igor Shesterkin will need to be sharp to stop a Carolina squad that is due for a rebound. The Canes won’t forget that the Rangers knocked them out of the playoffs last year, so expect a playoff atmosphere.

Moneyline Pick: Hurricanes (-190) – Although New York’s urgency is high, Carolina’s overall consistency and home dominance are hard to bet against. The Canes have lost four straight, but those were tight games – they are too well-coached defensively (2.7 GAA) to keep losing. Look for a focused Carolina effort to end the skid.
Puck Line: Rangers +1.5 (-135) – We like Carolina to win, but by a slim margin. The Rangers, fighting for their lives, should keep it close. They recently hung 9 goals on the Isles, so they can threaten. Taking New York +1.5 covers a one-goal loss, which is very plausible given the desperation factor.
Total (O/U 5.5): Under 5.5 – The last meeting was low-scoring, and Carolina will aim for a tight, playoff-style game to get ready for postseason. The Hurricanes have allowed 4+ goals in four straight games, something captain Jordan Staal said they must “battle through”. Expect a corrections game – a 3–2 type score feels right.
Player Props: Seth Jarvis anytime goal – Jarvis has been a rare offensive bright spot for Carolina, with goals in two of his last three outings and 8 goals in the past month. Artemi Panarin over 2.5 shots – Panarin is coming off a big game and will be firing puck after puck as New York leans on its stars; he had 5 shots on goal in the blowout of the Isles.

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Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings (4:00 PM ET, ESPN+)

Two teams headed to the playoffs but in very different situations. The Avalanche (48-28-4) are locked into 3rd placein the Central and have nothing at stake standings-wise. In Thursday’s loss to Vancouver, coach Jared Bednar even rested superstar Nathan MacKinnon, who is dealing with a minor injury and will sit out this weekend’s games to heal up. Don’t be surprised if other Avs veterans see limited minutes or rest as well. Without MacKinnon, Colorado’s attack relies on Mikko Rantanen and trade-deadline pickup Martin Nečas (who filled in on the top line Thursday). Defense and goaltending might also rotate – keep an eye on Pavel Francouz possibly getting the nod in net. Meanwhile, the Kings (45-24-9) are fighting to secure 2nd place in the Pacific and home-ice in the first round. L.A. has been one of the league’s hottest teams, winning 13 of their last 17 games. Their offense has been rejuvenated by the addition of Andrei Kuzmenko (since the deadline) alongside Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe – that top line has combined for 47 points in 18 games. The Kings crushed Anaheim 6–1 in their last outing, showcasing their depth scoring. With a slim lead over Edmonton in the standings, Los Angeles can’t afford a slip-up. Motivation and lineup strength clearly favor the Kings here, though the Avalanche’s prideful depth could still put up resistance.

Moneyline Pick: Kings (-195) – Los Angeles is the better bet given Colorado’s likely roster management. The Kings are at home, red-hot, and need this win. Colorado, already beaten by a non-playoff team last game, is essentially in rest-and-tune-up mode.
Puck Line: Kings -1.5 (+135) – With the Avs resting stars, the Kings have a great chance to win by 2+. L.A. often pours it on offensively (averaging ~4 goals in their last 5 wins) and could exploit a depleted Colorado defense. We’ll take the plus-money gamble on the Kings to cover the puck line.
Total (O/U 5.5): Over 5.5 – Even minus MacKinnon, Colorado still has skilled forwards who can chip in, and their defense might be looser than usual. The Kings have scored 4+ in three of their last four. This could end up a 5-2 type game, pushing it over.
Player Props: Adrian Kempe over 0.5 goals – Kempe leads L.A. with 33 goals and has been on fire since Kuzmenko joined his line. He’s a good bet to find the net against a backup goalie or tired Avs defense. Mikko Rantanen over 3.5 shots on goal – With MacKinnon out, Rantanen will be the focal point of Colorado’s offense. Expect him to shoot frequently (he’s averaging around 4 shots/game) as he tries to carry the load.

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Buffalo Sabres vs Florida Panthers (6:00 PM ET, ESPN+)

The Panthers (46-29-4) are playoff-bound and suddenly surging again. Florida endured a five-game winless skid (0-4-1) in late March but has bounced back with consecutive victories this week, including a 4–1 win over Detroit on Thursday. Those wins pulled Florida within one point of Tampa Bay for 2nd place in the Atlantic, so there’s incentive for the Cats to keep the pedal down in hopes of stealing home-ice in Round 1. Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov lead a balanced attack, and newcomer Brad Marchand finally scored his first goal as a Panther last game – a promising sign for their offense. Sergei Bobrovsky has been steady in net, backstopping a defense that has looked more like last year’s Cup-winning form (just 2 goals allowed total in the last two games). In contrast, the Sabres (35-37-6) will miss the playoffs but are finishing strong. Buffalo had a season-high five-game winning streak before letting a 2–0 lead slip in a 3–2 loss on Thursday, a defeat that officially ended their postseason hopes. Still, the young Sabres have been scoring in bunches – they hadn’t been held under 3 goals in nearly three weeks prior to that Columbus loss. Tage Thompson (44 goals) and Alex Tuch (79 points) are a formidable duo up front, and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is pushing for 70 points. The concern for Buffalo is fatigue and morale after being eliminated, plus facing a motivated Florida squad on the road where the Sabres have struggled historically.

Moneyline Pick: Panthers (-210) – Florida is the clear favorite at home. They’re back “on track” after that rough stretch, and have far more to play for. Buffalo’s young team might have lost some spark after their elimination. Roll with the Panthers to win outright.
Puck Line: Panthers -1.5 (+116) – The Panthers’ last two wins were by 2+ goals, and if they play to form, they can cover the -1.5. Florida’s defense has tightened up, which could frustrate Buffalo if the Sabres fall behind. We’ll ride the momentum and pick Florida to win by a couple of goals (e.g. 5–3 with an empty netter).
Total (O/U 6.5): Over 6.5 – This game features plenty of offensive talent and two teams that have trended over. Florida averages about 3.3 goals/game and Buffalo around 3.1, and Buffalo’s defense (3.46 GAA) is among the league’s worst. The Sabres also have nothing to lose, so expect free-flowing play and a likely shootout.
Player Props: Matthew Tkachuk over 1.5 points – Tkachuk is a multi-point machine and tends to feast on weaker defenses; he could easily notch a goal and assist or more against Buffalo. Tage Thompson anytime goal scorer – Thompson is Buffalo’s top sniper and broke a five-game goal drought during the recent win streak. He’s exactly the type of elite shooter who can still solve Bobrovsky once or twice even if the Sabres fall short.

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Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs (7:00 PM ET, ESPN+)

One of hockey’s oldest rivalries gets a new twist: the Canadiens are unexpectedly hot and fighting for a wild-card berth, while the Maple Leafs are vying to clinch the division. Montreal (39-30-9) is riding an incredible late-season surge – they have points in six straight games (5-0-1) and are 11-2-1 over their last 14 outings. Under coach Martin St. Louis, this young Habs team has bought in and become “harder to play against” with a tenacious, pack-mentality style. Rookies are making an impact: goalie Jakub Dobeš started his NHL career 4-0-0, and defenseman Lane Hutson is on a six-game point streak. Montreal’s offense is spread out, but watch for Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield (if healthy) to lead the charge, along with contributions from youngsters like Juraj Slafkovský (goals in back-to-back games). For the Maple Leafs (48-26-4), they come in with 100 points and a chance to secure first place in the Atlantic. Toronto has a three-point lead over Tampa after beating the Lightning 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday, followed by two days off. The Leafs did play (and win) an overtime thriller against New Jersey on Thursday as well, so fatigue could be a small factor. Auston Matthews and William Nylander are in top form – Nylander scored twice including the OT winner in that Devils game. Toronto’s offense (3.04 GF/G) will test Montreal’s rookie netminder like never before. Defensively, the Leafs have been solid (2.67 GA/G), and they may start Ilya Samsonov here and save Joseph Woll for Sunday’s game. This game means a lot to both sides: Montreal needs points to clinch its first playoff berth since 2021, and Toronto would love to crush their rival’s hopes while inching closer to a division title.

Moneyline Pick: Maple Leafs (-240) – The Canadiens have been a great story, but this is a tough spot in Toronto against a focused Leafs team. Toronto’s star power and experience give them the edge. Montreal’s winning run has mostly come against non-playoff teams; the Leafs on home ice are a different beast.
Puck Line: Canadiens +1.5 (-105) – That said, Montreal has played everyone tight (they’ve allowed 4+ goals only twice in their last 10 games). With Jake Allen/Dobeš performing well in net, the Habs can absolutely keep this a one-goal game. We like taking the +1.5 insurance on a team fighting for its life.
Total (O/U 5.5): Under 5.5 – These rivalry games often trend under, and Montreal’s improved defensive structure has been key to their streak. The last meeting was a low-scoring affair. Unless special teams go wild, a 3-2 type game is likely given what’s at stake.
Player Props: Auston Matthews anytime goal – Matthews lives for big moments against Montreal and has 45+ goals on the season. With a rookie goalie in net, he’ll be eager to strike early. Lane Hutson over 0.5 assists – A bit of a bold prop, but Hutson leads all NHL rookies with 36 points (most of them assists) and quarterbacks the Habs power play. He could sneak onto the scoresheet with a helper even if Montreal falls short.

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Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks (7:00 PM ET, NHL Network)

The Jets (likely 1st in Central) enter this game flying high. Winnipeg blanked Dallas 4-0 on Thursday behind Connor Hellebuyck’s league-leading 8th shutout, virtually clinching the top seed in the West (they need just one more point to officially lock it up). The Jets have been dominant down the stretch, winning 8 of their last 10, and could even secure the Presidents’ Trophy with a strong finish. Offensively, Winnipeg is led by Kyle Connor (who scored twice in that win over Dallas) and Mark Scheifele (41 goals). We might see some minor rest for veterans, but with home-ice throughout the playoffs on the line, coach Rick Bowness should ice a strong lineup. The Blackhawks (28-46-7) are wrapping up a rough season but have shown they can still shock teams. Just this week, Chicago pulled off a 5–2 upset in Boston, scoring three quick goals in the third to stun the Bruins. Rookie sensation Connor Bedard (if playing – he’s been day-to-day) would be a player to watch, as he leads Chicago in goals as a teenager. Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno, both former Bruins, were heroes in that Boston win (Foligno had two goals). However, consistency is a problem – Chicago has lost 12 of its last 15 overall. In net, they’ve rotated youngsters; whoever starts will have their hands full against a Jets squad that plays a heavy, north-south game. Winnipeg also boasts a top-5 penalty kill, which could neutralize Chicago’s power play that struggles at 15%. Barring a letdown, this is Winnipeg’s game to lose.

Moneyline Pick: Jets (-300) – No surprise, we’re taking Winnipeg. The Jets are the far superior team on both ends and still have motivation to officially clinch the conference. Chicago’s big upset earlier in the week actually serves as a warning that should keep Winnipeg from overlooking them.
Puck Line: Jets -1.5 (-120) – Winnipeg has the capability to win by multiple goals here. They’ve covered -1.5 in 7 of their last 8 victories. With the Blackhawks owning a -98 goal differential on the season, this is a spot where the Jets could jump out early and cruise. A 4-1 or 5-2 win for Winnipeg seems well within reach.
Total (O/U 5.5): Under 5.5 – Hellebuyck (if he starts) has been a brick wall, and even backup David Rittich can hold down Chicago’s 32nd-ranked offense. The Hawks may only score once or twice. The question is whether the Jets put up a big number; if they ease up after getting a lead, this stays under. Winnipeg might be content with a methodical 4-1 type win, which cashes the under.
Player Props: Kyle Connor anytime goal – Connor has 38 goals and is coming off a two-goal game. He’s the trigger man on the Jets’ top line and power play, facing a defense allowing over 3.5 goals per game. Connor Bedard over 3.5 shots – Bedard, if in the lineup, will likely unleash a flurry of shots in his final game of a standout rookie campaign. The young phenom averages around 4 shots a night and will want to give the home crowd something to cheer about.

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Utah Hockey Club vs Dallas Stars (8:00 PM ET, ESPN+)

This matchup features a non-playoff newcomer versus a Western Conference power. The Dallas Stars (50-23-6) have locked up 2nd place in the Central Division and know they’ll have home-ice in the first round. Dallas is coming off a tough 4-0 loss to Winnipeg, which dashed their hopes for the division title. Expect the Stars to treat this game as a tune-up and confidence boost heading into playoffs. Jason Robertson (44 goals, 99 points) will be eyeing the 100-point milestone, and linemates Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski provide veteran savvy and scoring punch. The Stars’ defense, led by Miro Heiskanen, ranks top-5 in goals against. We might see Jake Oettinger start for a bounce-back after being pulled last game, or they could give backup Scott Wedgewood some work. The visiting Utah Hockey Club (36-30-13) – the relocated Arizona franchise – exceeded many expectations in their inaugural season but will miss the postseason. Utah sits 6th in the Central and was only recently eliminated from contention. They boast some exciting young talent: Clayton Keller has had another 30-goal season, and rookie Logan Cooley has impressed with his playmaking. However, Utah has struggled on the road and against elite teams. They dropped a 7–3 game to Carolina recently and have been inconsistent (4-5-1 in their last 10). One storyline: former Predator Filip Forsberg now with Utah (acquired mid-season) will face a familiar foe in Dallas – Forsberg has historically done well against the Stars. Ultimately, Dallas’s structured game and depth should control this one, but Utah will surely put up a fight as they conclude their first season in a new city.

Moneyline Pick: Stars (-175) – Dallas at home, coming off a loss, and wanting to hit the playoffs on a positive note – that’s a recipe for a focused Stars win. Utah has had a solid debut year, but they’ve generally fallen short against top-tier opponents. Take the Stars to get the job done in regulation.
Puck Line: Stars -1.5 (+140) – If Dallas plays to its potential, a multi-goal win is achievable. The Stars offense (3.20 GF/G) can feast on Utah’s defense (which allows about 3.10 GA/G). We could see Dallas jump out early; they beat Utah by 3 goals in their only other meeting this season. With plus-money on the puck line, it’s worth a look.
Total (O/U 5.5): Over 5.5 – Utah’s games have tended to be high-event when facing strong offenses. The over is 4-1 in their last 5 road games. Dallas itself might score 4+ here, and Utah has enough skilled forwards to contribute a couple. A 5-2 type scoreline would cash the over.
Player Props: Jason Robertson over 1.5 points – “Robo” is a scoring machine and will be keen to hit 100 points; he could easily tally a goal and an assist against Utah’s loose defense. Clayton Keller anytime goal – Keller is Utah’s most dangerous forward (he leads the team in goals and points) and has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. Even in a loss, Keller could sneak in a goal, perhaps on the power play.

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Minnesota Wild vs Vancouver Canucks (10:00 PM ET, ESPN+)

The Wild (44-32-5) have clinched a playoff spot (they secured a wild-card berth with a win on Wednesday night), so their motivation here is largely about playoff seeding and staying sharp. Minnesota might be locked into the second wild-card depending on other results, but they could still jockey with St. Louis for the first wild-card. They did take a 4-2 loss in Calgary last night, which suggests they could rest some key players on the tail end of this back-to-back. If so, star winger Kirill Kaprizov’s status bears watching – he might sit or see limited ice time. When in the lineup, Kaprizov is a game-changer (40+ goals despite missing time). Others like Matt Boldy (31 goals) and Mats Zuccarello will need to carry the offense if Kirill rests. The Wild pride themselves on defensive structure and goaltending; expect Filip Gustavsson to start in net after Marc-André Fleury played Friday. On the Canucks side, it’s about ending on a high note. Vancouver (37-29-13) was eliminated from playoff contention when Minnesota clinched on Wednesday, but the Canucks responded by beating Colorado 4-1 on Thursday for their second straight win. They have been playing spoiler effectively. The Canucks’ young guns are clicking: Elias Pettersson (90+ points) and Quinn Hughes (70+ points) are wrapping up stellar seasons, and even role players like Kiefer Sherwood and Dakota Joshua have stepped up (each had a goal and assist in the win over the Avs). Goalie Thatcher Demko is out, but backup Kevin Lankinen just stopped 31 of 32 shots in that Colorado game. Vancouver is 6-3-1 in their last 10, showing a lot of pride under coach Rick Tocchet. Given Minnesota’s potential fatigue and lineup rotation, Vancouver might have a slight edge in intensity.

Moneyline Pick: Canucks (+100) – This is an upset pick. Vancouver has been playing well and would love to give the home crowd a win to end the season. Minnesota may not be 100% dialed in, especially if they rest stars or are a bit tired. At even money or better, the Canucks offer value as a live home underdog.
Puck Line: Canucks +1.5 (-250) – If you prefer a safer play, Vancouver +1.5 is a solid parlay piece. The Canucks rarely get blown out; they’ve allowed 2 or fewer goals in 7 of their last 10 games. The Wild are generally involved in tight games (they play a lot of one-goal contests). Taking the goal-and-a-half with the home team feels secure.
Total (O/U 5.5): Under 5.5 – These teams met in late February in a 2-1 game. The Wild’s defensive mindset and Gustavsson’s goaltending (if he starts) combined with Vancouver’s improved defensive play under Tocchet point to an under. Also, if Kaprizov sits, Minnesota’s offense is less explosive.
Player Props: Elias Pettersson over 0.5 assists – Pettersson is a playmaking force for Vancouver and has 63 assists on the year. He’s riding momentum and could easily set up a goal or two against Minnesota, especially on the power play. Matt Boldy anytime goal – Boldy has been terrific in the second half of the season. He’s often the trigger man when Kaprizov isn’t on the ice and has a knack for scoring big goals; he could be the Wild’s best hope to crack Lankinen.

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Nashville Predators vs Vegas Golden Knights (10:00 PM ET, ESPN+)

It’s a mismatch on paper: the Golden Knights (48-22-9) are the Pacific Division leaders looking to clinch the division title, while the Predators (29-42-8) have had a season to forget. Vegas is coming off a 2-1 win over Seattle that brought them one step away from securing first place in the Pacific. They’ll be fully motivated to finish the job on home ice. The Golden Knights excel at rolling four lines and wearing teams down. Jack Eichel (78 points) has led the offense and will be hungry to add to his total against a porous Preds defense. Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith provide secondary scoring, and don’t overlook Mark Stone’s two-way impact if he’s in the lineup (he’s been nursing an injury but could return soon). In goal, Adin Hill and Laurent Brossoit have admirably held the fort with Logan Thompson out – Hill made 24 saves in that Seattle win. For the Predators, it’s all about playing for pride and youth development. Nashville’s record speaks to their struggles; they’re scoring only about 2.5 goals per game and have already hit 42 regulation losses. One highlight has been the play of Juuse Saros – despite the team in front of him, he’s kept many games close. However, Saros might get a rest in one of the final games, meaning backup Kevin Lankinen (if not playing for Vancouver, as odd as that shared name is – likely a different backup like Devin Cooley) could start, which would be trouble against Vegas. Offensively, Nashville traded away pieces at the deadline, but Filip Forsberg remains a threat (he recently had a shootout winner against Utah). Youngsters like Luke Evangelista and Tommy Novak have gotten extended minutes. Still, facing a Cup contender on the road is a tall task for this Preds squad.

Moneyline Pick: Golden Knights (-270) – Vegas at home with the division on the line against one of the league’s worst teams – it’s a straightforward pick. The Knights rarely slip up in these situations, and they’ll want to build playoff momentum. Nashville simply doesn’t have the firepower to hang with Vegas unless Saros plays out of his mind.
Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (-110) – The Knights should be able to win by 2+ here. Nashville has lost many games by multi-goal margins this year, and Vegas won their only previous meeting 5-2. With Vegas’s depth, we could see them pull away by the second or third period. Laying -1.5 at near even odds is justified.
Total (O/U 5.5): Under 5.5 – Vegas might have to do the heavy lifting to hit this over, because Nashville’s offense is inconsistent. If Saros starts, he could keep the Knights to 3 or 4 goals, and Nashville might only muster 1. Vegas also might go into a defensive shell if they get a lead, as they often do. Something like 4-1 or 4-2 keeps it just under.
Player Props: Jack Eichel over 3.5 shots on goal – Eichel has been asserting himself, and in a game like this he’ll be looking to create chances. He’s averaging around 4 shots per game lately. Filip Forsberg over 0.5 points– Despite Nashville’s woes, Forsberg is still their best offensive player. He has a good history against Vegas and might sneak an assist or goal, perhaps on a power play, even if it comes in a losing effort.

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St. Louis Blues vs Seattle Kraken (10:00 PM ET, ESPN+)

The Blues (43-30-7) have quietly put together a solid season and clinched a playoff spot. With 93 points, St. Louis is likely locked into a wild-card position, but they’ll want to fine-tune their game and could still swap seeding with Minnesota depending on results. The Blues have won three of their last four coming in. Offensively, Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich have been the one-two punch – Kyrou leads with 35 goals, and Buchnevich with 78 points. Trade acquisition Kevin Hayes has also chipped in since coming over, and young Jake Neighbours has provided a spark on the forecheck. In net, Jordan Binnington is expected to start; he’s been up and down, but he tends to raise his game when the stakes rise. The Kraken (34-40-6) are finishing a disappointing campaign after last year’s playoff appearance. Seattle’s defense of their wild-card spot fell flat – they’ve lost 8 of their last 10 and were eliminated from postseason contention earlier in the week. Scoring dried up: the Kraken average just 2.80 goals while giving up 3.46. Top scorer Jared McCann (30+ goals) missed some time, and sophomore center Matty Beniers experienced a slump. One bright note: Jaden Schwartz (a former Blue) and Jordan Eberle still provide veteran scoring and will face their old team with pride. Goaltending has been a major issue – neither Philipp Grubauer nor Chris Driedger found consistency. Seattle fell 2-1 to Vegas on Thursday, showing they can play tight games, but offense was again lacking. At home in their finale, the Kraken will want to put on a show for fans, but motivation favors St. Louis here as they prepare for the playoffs. The Blues won the previous meeting 5-3 in January and will look to sweep the season series.