NHL Picks April 22, 2025: Best Bets & Game 2 Predictions

Kingpin
Apr 22, 2025, 2:57:23 AM

Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview – April 22, 2025

Promotional graphic showcasing the four NHL playoff matchups for April 22, 2025.

Tuesday’s Stanley Cup playoff slate features four exciting games, including two Game 2 rematches and one series opener. The New Jersey Devils try to bounce back against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Ottawa Senators look to upset the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning renew their rivalry, and the Minnesota Wild aim to even their series with the Vegas Golden Knights. Below is a game-by-game betting preview with recaps, analysis, and player props to watch.

New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes (Game 2)

Series: Carolina leads 1-0 | Time: 6:00 PM ET | TV: ESPN | Line: CAR -240 | Total: 5.5

Game 1 Recap: The Hurricanes opened the series with a convincing 4-1 win in Game 1. Carolina dominated puck possession, outshooting New Jersey 45-24, and raced out to a 3-0 lead by late in the second period. Rookie forward Logan Stankoven stole the show with two goals in his NHL playoff debut, including a power-play tally, while Jalen Chatfield and Andrei Svechnikov added the other Hurricanes goals. The Devils’ lone goal came from Nico Hischier late in the second, but otherwise New Jersey struggled to generate offense against Carolina’s stifling defense. To make matters worse for the Devils, they lost defenseman Brenden Dillon (collision) and forward Cody Glass to injuries during the game, putting their Game 2 availability in doubt.

Implications for Game 2: Carolina’s depth and defensive structure were evident in Game 1 – they got contributions from across the lineup and goalie Frederik Andersen was steady when tested (23 saves). The Devils, meanwhile, know they need a much better effort at even strength and must adjust to Carolina’s speed and forecheck. New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe noted his team was “overwhelmed” in the second period of Game 1 and emphasized the need to execute their game plan better. Expect the Devils to come out with more urgency and perhaps some lineup tweaks if Dillon and Glass cannot play. The Hurricanes will aim to keep momentum and continue smothering New Jersey’s top playmakers (like Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt) who were quiet in the opener.

Moneyline Analysis: The Hurricanes enter Game 2 as heavy favorites at -240 on the moneyline, reflecting their strong home-ice advantage and Game 1 performance. A $240 bet on Carolina would net $100 profit. Backing the Devils as underdogs (around +200) is tempting only if you believe they can significantly rebound. Carolina has been dominant on home ice and has a deep lineup, so the price is justified. Unless New Jersey finds another gear, the Canes have the upper hand. Bettors might consider Carolina in regulation (to win without overtime) for a slightly better payout than the steep -240, given how firmly they controlled Game 1.

Total (O/U 5.5) Analysis: Game 1 totaled 5 goals (4-1 score), just under the 5.5 goal line. Carolina’s defensive style and Andersen’s solid goaltending kept scoring down, and the Devils never really broke through offensively. In Game 2, New Jersey will push harder, but the Hurricanes are known for playing tight-checking games, especially when ahead in a series. Unless the Devils can solve Carolina’s defense early or the Hurricanes’ power play stays hot, this could be another game that lands on 5 goals or fewer. The Under 5.5 is a reasonable lean here, though be wary of a late-game surge or empty-net goal that could push it over. If the Devils manage to bury a couple of early chances, the script could flip, but the safer expectation is a moderately low-scoring contest.

Series Outlook: By taking a 1-0 lead, Carolina seized control of the series, and a win in Game 2 would put them firmly in command heading to New Jersey. The Devils will treat this as a must-win to avoid a 0-2 hole. Carolina’s playoff experience and depth (bolstered by veterans like Taylor Hall contributing two assists in Game 1) make them favorites to advance. New Jersey needs its young stars to step up quickly to turn the tide. If the Canes continue to dictate play and go up 2-0, it’s hard to envision the Devils winning four of the next five. However, a Devils win in Game 2 would flip home-ice advantage and make it anyone’s series. Keep an eye on those injury updates for New Jersey; a short-handed Devils roster would further tilt things in Carolina’s favor for the series.

Prop to Watch: Logan Stankoven made a name for himself in Game 1 with two goals. Consider a prop bet on Stankoven to record a point (or even score again) in Game 2, as the rookie is brimming with confidence and playing on an energized Hurricanes offense. Another angle is Carolina defenseman Jalen Chatfield, who scored the first goal – his propensity to shoot from the point could make Chatfield over 0.5 points an interesting longshot prop. For the Devils, captain Nico Hischier had their only goal; if you expect New Jersey to put up a fight, Hischier to score a goalor Jack Hughes over 3.5 shots on goal could be worthwhile props as the Devils’ leaders try to spark a comeback.

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NHL Picks April 22, 2025: Best Bets & Game 2 Predictions

Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs (Game 2)

Series: Toronto leads 1-0 | Time: 7:30 PM ET | TV: ESPN2 | Line: TOR -185 | Total: 5.5

Game 1 Recap: The Maple Leafs flexed their offensive muscle in Game 1 with a 6-2 rout of the Senators. Toronto’s star-studded forward group delivered – Mitch Marner led the way with a goal and two assists (3 points), while William Nylander and John Tavares each had a goal and an assist. The Leafs jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period and never looked back, powered by a lethal power play that went 3-for-6. In fact, Toronto scored three power-play goals, exploiting Ottawa’s parade to the penalty box. Rookie Matthew Knies and veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly chipped in goals as well, showcasing the depth of Toronto’s attack. On the Ottawa side, Drake Batherson and Ridly Greig found the net, but the Senators were largely playing catch-up all night. Notably, Toronto started backup goaltender Anthony Stolarz (due to an injury to their usual starter), and he performed admirably with 31 saves, including some key stops early in the second period to thwart Ottawa’s push.

Implications for Game 2: The Senators left Game 1 knowing discipline is paramount – as captain Brady Tkachuk admitted, “we took too many penalties…that’s the game.” Ottawa will emphasize staying out of the box in Game 2, because at 5-on-5 play they felt they matched up decently once the early nerves settled. Coach Travis Green will likely make adjustments on the penalty kill and hammer home the importance of avoiding retaliation or lazy penalties. We might see the Senators come out more aggressively at even strength to set the tone. Meanwhile, Toronto will look to keep the pressure on and not let up. The Leafs’ confidence is high after scoring six goals, and they’ll aim to carry that momentum forward – although they know they can’t count on three power-play goals every night. Keep an eye on Toronto’s goaltending situation: Stolarz proved reliable in Game 1, and the team is expressing confidence in him, so he’ll likely start again. If Ottawa can test him more often (they managed 33 shots in Game 1 but many after the game was lopsided), that could be a factor. All told, expect Ottawa to tighten up and possibly play a more physical, controlled game to slow down the Leafs.

Moneyline Analysis: The Game 2 moneyline favors Toronto at -185, indicating bookmakers expect the Leafs to win again at home (a $185 bet yields $100 profit). Toronto is the higher seed (#1 Atlantic) and showed why in the opener, so they deserve to be favored. Ottawa comes in around +160 underdog; there is some value on the Sens if you believe they can rebound with a cleaner game and capitalize on any Toronto complacency. The gap in talent was evident in Game 1, especially if Toronto’s big guns are rolling. Bettors might still lean Toronto here, as the price isn’t prohibitively steep for the clearly better team on home ice. However, it’s worth noting that blowouts in one game can sometimes be followed by closer contests as the underdog adjusts. If you’re not keen on the -185, another approach could be Toronto -1.5 on the puck line (winning by 2 or more) for a plus-money payout, given their ability to pull away if things go well again. Just remember that Ottawa should come out with desperation, so this game could be tighter.

Total (5.5) Analysis: Game 1 sailed over the total, with 8 goals scored (6-2). The 5.5 line for Game 2 will tempt many to take the Over again, considering Toronto’s offense looked unstoppable and their power play is clicking. If Ottawa can’t stay disciplined, the Leafs’ man-advantage could feast once more. On the flip side, expect a more concerted defensive effort from the Senators – they know they can’t afford another track meet with Toronto. Additionally, if Stolarz continues in net for Toronto, there’s a small question of whether he can maintain his strong play; Ottawa might find a few more goals if they generate traffic and chances on him. Overall, the Over remains a solid play given the firepower on the ice, but don’t be surprised if this is closer to a 4-2 type game (which would still just hit 6 and cash the over by a hair). If Ottawa truly manages to slow the pace and stay out of the box, an Under scenario could emerge. Still, the safer lean based on recent evidence is Over 5.5, anticipating something like a 4-3 game at worst.

Series Outlook: Toronto’s Game 1 win reinforces the expectation that the Maple Leafs should advance as the top seed, but there’s a lot of hockey left. The Senators will try to replicate the classic underdog blueprint: steal Game 2 to split the road portion, and then make it a series back home. To do that, Ottawa must solve Toronto’s power play and get better goaltending from Linus Ullmark, who struggled a bit in Game 1 (allowing 5 goals before Knies’ late sixth on the power play). If Toronto goes up 2-0, their stranglehold on the series tightens considerably, and a short series (five games or so) could be in play. The Sens need their young talent and veterans alike (Tkachuk, Batherson, Giroux, etc.) to elevate their game. One positive for Ottawa is that they did create some chances; if they capitalize and keep the game at 5-on-5, they can be more competitive. Still, the series outlook favors Toronto, especially given their offensive depth and newfound confidence (this is a team that’s learned from past playoff heartbreaks and is playing with purpose). Unless Ottawa pulls off an upset in Game 2, the Leafs will be firmly on track to move on.

Prop to Watch: Mitch Marner Over 1.5 Points – Marner is in great form (3 points in Game 1) and is a key playmaker on that lethal top power play unit. If you expect Toronto to score 3+ goals, Marner is likely to figure in multiple scoring plays. Another prop to consider is John Tavares to score a goal; the Leafs’ captain had one in Game 1 and often finds the net in home games, especially working the slot on the power play. On Ottawa’s side, look at Brady Tkachuk Over 3.5 Shots – after being held off the scoresheet and expressing frustration with Game 1, the Sens’ leader will likely try to impose himself and throw pucks on net at every opportunity. Tkachuk led Ottawa in shots in Game 1 and that trend should continue as he tries to will his team back into the series.

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Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning (Game 1)

Series: 0-0 (Game 1 of series) | Time: 8:30 PM ET | TV: ESPN | Line: TB -115 | Total: 5.5

Series Background: This first-round matchup is a renewal of a fierce Sunshine State rivalry. The Lightning and Panthers met in the playoffs in 2021 and 2022, with Tampa Bay winning both times, and now Florida seeks revenge in 2025. The circumstances, however, are a bit different this year. The Tampa Bay Lightning come in as the Atlantic Division’s #2 seed, a battle-tested squad with a core that has won two Stanley Cups (2020, 2021) and reached another Final. Across the ice, the Florida Panthers are the #3 seed and have grown into a formidable playoff team themselves – they had a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final just a couple of years ago. Florida has also bolstered its roster with experienced names; notably, veteran winger Brad Marchand (a former Cup winner and known playoff agitator) joined the team, adding grit and experience. All eyes, however, are on Panthers superstar Matthew Tkachuk, who has been recovering from injury. Tkachuk is a game-time decision for Game 1, but reports suggest he’s close to returning – if he suits up, it’s a huge boost to Florida’s offense and intensity. Meanwhile, the Lightning added some familiar depth of their own, bringing back Yanni Gourde (from their Cup-winning third line) to fortify their forward group. With so many storylines, Game 1 should be intense as both teams aim to set the tone.

Matchup Notes & Keys: Expect a contrast of styles: Tampa Bay is known for its structured defense, elite goaltending, and opportunistic scoring, while Florida plays a high-tempo, aggressive game led by its forecheck. Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy remains one of the world’s best and is a proven playoff performer – he could be the x-factor in containing Florida’s attack. The Panthers will counter with either veteran Sergei Bobrovsky or youngster Spencer Knight in net (Bobrovsky backstopped the 2023 run, but Knight has been groomed as the future). Whichever goalie starts for Florida will need to match Vasilevskiy save for save. Another key battle is special teams: Tampa’s power play, quarterbacked by Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos’s one-timer, can swing games. Florida’s penalty kill will be tested, especially if Tkachuk (also an effective net-front presence on the PP) is not at 100%. Conversely, Florida’s power play has new wrinkles with Marchand’s playmaking and Aleksander Barkov’s vision, so Tampa must stay disciplined. In terms of recent form, the Lightning had a strong finish to the season, securing home ice for this series, while the Panthers had to fight till late to clinch their spot, giving them a bit of that underdog mentality they thrived on in past upsets. Look for a physical game – these teams have a history of bad blood, and with players like Tkachuk and Marchand on one side and Pat Maroon or Erik Cernak on the other, scrums are almost guaranteed.

Moneyline Analysis: The oddsmakers have this essentially as a toss-up, with Tampa Bay a slight home favorite at -115. That implies roughly a 53% win probability for the Lightning in Game 1. Florida is about a -105 underdog (nearly even money), reflecting how evenly matched this feels. If Tkachuk is confirmed in, some might even consider Florida slight favorites given their firepower; without him, Tampa’s edge might be more significant. Bettors have to decide if Tampa’s playoff pedigree and home-ice advantage outweigh Florida’s momentum and potentially healthier lineup. At -115, backing the Lightning is appealing because of Vasilevskiy in net and the team’s proven ability to get the job done in Game 1 situations. However, the Panthers at basically even odds are also attractive for those who believe Florida’s youth and speed can catch Tampa off guard early in the series. It’s a true coin-flip scenario. One possible angle: if you expect a tight game that could go to overtime, you might avoid a moneyline bet or look for “tie after regulation” props, but in regulation Tampa might have a small edge. Given the near-even line, pick the side you trust more – for many, that will be Tampa’s experience at home. Just know this one could easily go either way.

Total (5.5) Analysis: The total is set at 5.5, standard for an NHL game, but consider the factors. Both teams boast high-end offensive talent capable of quick strikes – the Lightning have Kucherov, Stamkos, Brayden Point (who had a 50+ goal season recently), and the Panthers have Barkov, Tkachuk (if active), Carter Verhaeghe (a 40-goal scorer in 2023-24), and Sam Reinhart. However, playoffs often bring tighter checking and better defensive commitment. Vasilevskiy alone can keep a game under with his goaltending. When these two teams met in the 2022 playoffs, surprisingly it was a low-scoring series due to Tampa’s defensive mastery (they swept Florida while holding them to 3 total goals in four games). Florida will remember that and try to breakthrough early. The Over 5.5 could hit if special teams get rolling or if this turns into a back-and-forth trade of chances (both teams are capable of scoring in bunches). But Game 1 might start a bit cautiously as they feel each other out, and if Tkachuk were to sit or be limited, Florida’s scoring might dip a bit. Lean toward the Under 5.5 in Game 1, banking on Vasilevskiy to stonewall a few early Panther chances and on Tampa to play a responsible defensive game at home. A 3-2 type battle would not surprise anyone given the stakes. That said, if you’re bullish on the power play talent on both sides, the Over is certainly within reach — it really hinges on goaltending. Perhaps the best play is to watch live and see how the first period goes; if it’s wide open, jump on an in-game over, and if it’s a tight defensive duel, ride the under. Pre-game, slight nod to under.

Series Outlook: This series has the makings of a long one. Tampa Bay has the championship DNA and arguably the better goaltending, while Florida has the motivation of past playoff disappointments against the Lightning and a roster that can play any style. If Tkachuk returns to form quickly, Florida gains a emotional and offensive leader that can tilt games. Still, the Lightning are slight favorites to win the series, not just because of home ice, but because when games are on the line, they have proven stars like Victor Hedman on defense and clutch scorers who know how to finish a series. Florida’s path to winning is to play fast and fearless – they’ll want to run up the score and not get into a slow, grinding duel that favors Tampa. An X-factor is special teams; whichever club wins the special teams battle may well win the series. Also, keep an eye on injuries: both teams need their big guns healthy (if Tampa were to lose, say, Hedman or Point to injury mid-series, that could swing things, just as Florida desperately needs Tkachuk back). Overall, anticipate this matchup potentially going 6 or 7 games. Early slight edge to Tampa Bay in 7 games given their goalie advantage and experience, but Florida is a very live underdog with genuine upset potential.

Prop to Watch: Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 Points – Kucherov is the engine of Tampa’s offense and tends to elevate in big games. If you expect the Lightning to score 3+ goals, there’s a good chance Kucherov has multiple points (primary playmaker on the power play and top line). On the flip side, if you like Florida in this game, Aleksander Barkov to score a goal is a compelling prop; the Panthers’ captain will shoulder more scoring responsibility if Tkachuk is not 100%, and he’s capable of finding the net with his wicked wrist shot. Additionally, consider a goaltending prop: Andrei Vasilevskiy saves. Florida averages a high volume of shots, and Vasy could easily see 30+ shots against – taking Vasilevskiy Over 29.5 saves is a reasonable play, anticipating that even if he allows a couple, he’ll have plenty of stops, especially if Florida comes out firing. Keep an eye on Matthew Tkachuk’s status – if he’s confirmed in, a fun longshot prop would be Tkachuk to score a power-play goal, given his knack for net-front tips and rebounds, but only if he’s truly back to form.

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Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights (Game 2)

Series: Vegas leads 1-0 | Time: 11:00 PM ET | TV: ESPN | Line: VGK -240 | Total: 5.5

Game 1 Recap: The Golden Knights took Game 1 by a 4-2 score, but it was a hard-fought battle throughout. Vegas jumped ahead 1-0 in the first period courtesy of Tomas Hertl, who scored a slick goal off a steal (Hertl has fit in seamlessly since joining Vegas, and his playoff experience showed). Minnesota’s rising star Matt Boldy answered later in the first to tie it 1-1, finishing a cross-ice feed from Kirill Kaprizov. In the second period, a power-play goal by Pavel Dorofeyev restored the lead for Vegas (2-1) as he blasted in a one-timer set up by Shea Theodore. Early in the third, Vegas extended the lead to 3-1 when Brett Howden scored on a rush – a great shot to the short side that caught goalie Filip Gustavsson off guard. The Wild didn’t quit; Boldy struck again midway through the third with a wraparound goal, his second of the night, cutting it to 3-2 and giving Minnesota life. The final minutes were tense as the Wild pressed for an equalizer, but Vegas’s defense and goalie Adin Hill (18 saves) stood strong. In the dying seconds, with the Wild net empty, Howden scored his second goal into the empty net to seal the 4-2 victory. Kaprizov had two assists for Minnesota, but other Wild forwards were held in check, and Minnesota will rue not generating more than 20 shots on goal in total.

Implications for Game 2: Despite the loss, Minnesota showed they can hang with the top-seeded Golden Knights. The Wild will be encouraged by Matt Boldy’s breakout performance – he was arguably the best player on the ice for them, and coach John Hynes praised Boldy for “being a beast on the puck.” However, the Wild need more from their other scorers (Kaprizov was a playmaker with assists, but guys like Mats Zuccarello, Joel Eriksson Ek, or Marcus Johansson will need to hit the scoresheet). Also, Minnesota might look to simplify their game and get more pucks to the net; 18 shots on a goalie like Hill won’t cut it. We could see the Wild emphasize a shoot-first mentality in Game 2, even if it means more perimeter shots, just to create chaos and rebounds. Vegas, on the other hand, will stick to what’s working: balanced offense and steady defense. The Knights got contributions from veterans (Hertl) and role players (Howden, Dorofeyev) in Game 1, which bodes well for them. Jack Eichel was quiet offensively in the opener, so he’ll be one to watch – Vegas could be even more dangerous if Eichel and Mark Stone start to make their presence felt on the scoresheet. Defensively, Vegas did well limiting quality chances, but they’ll be wary that Minnesota was one shot away from tying it late. Expect Vegas to come out focused, trying to take a 2-0 series lead before heading on the road, whereas the Wild will play with urgency to avoid that scenario. One lineup note: the Wild gave young defenseman Zeev Buium his NHL debut in Game 1 due to a need on the blue line, and he held up fine. Still, Vegas might try to exploit any inexperienced players on the Wild back end with their forecheck.

Moneyline Analysis: The Golden Knights are once again sizeable favorites at -240 in Game 2, reflecting their status as the defending champions and home team with a 1-0 lead. Minnesota is around +200 as the underdog. Betting Vegas at -240 doesn’t offer much value unless you’re parlaying, but it’s hard to bet against them at home – they’ve been a reliable home team in playoffs and just demonstrated they can control long stretches against Minnesota. The Wild at +200 are intriguing for contrarian bettors; Minnesota has a habit of bouncing back after losses and they did keep Game 1 close. If you believe in the Wild’s ability to make adjustments and perhaps catch Vegas a bit off-guard, a sprinkle on the Wild moneyline could pay off nicely. Still, the safer play might be tying Vegas into a parlay or looking at Vegas -1.5 on the puck line, especially if you think an empty-netter could again push the winning margin to two goals (as it did in Game 1). Minnesota has to prove they can finish the job, not just stay close. Given Vegas’s depth and the home crowd advantage at T-Mobile Arena, the Knights deserve their favorite tag. Perhaps live-bet opportunities will arise; if Minnesota scores first, you might then jump on Vegas at a better price in-game. Pre-game, though, it’s a steep number on Vegas, reflective of their strength.

Total (5.5) Analysis: The total of 5.5 was just exceeded in Game 1 (6 total goals) thanks to that last-second empty net goal. It truly was a tight game that hovered right around the line. For Game 2, oddsmakers haven’t moved it, and it still feels right on point. One could argue for the Under 5.5, expecting another solid defensive effort from Vegas and possibly a better defensive showing from Minnesota as well. Gustavsson is a quality netminder and should rebound with a stronger game, and the Wild might try to muck things up to avoid Vegas dictating pace. On the other hand, if the Wild open up a bit to generate more offense, that could lead to more chances both ways – which might push it over again. Also, if this game is close late, Minnesota could pull the goalie early (as teams often do when desperate to tie a series), raising the risk of another empty-net goal affecting the total. Overall, slight lean to Under 5.5 given the way Vegas typically plays at home (they can lock teams down when needed) and the fact that Minnesota will be keen to limit Vegas’s chances. A 3-2 or 4-1 game is a plausible outcome if the Knights impose their will. However, the margin is thin – an early 2-2 score could easily lead to an over. If you’re uncomfortable with the full-game total, another angle is the 1st period under 1.5 goals, expecting a cautious start as Minnesota tries to weather the initial Vegas push. That bet would have won in Game 1 (first period was 1-1, which is exactly 2 goals – so actually it just lost in Game 1 by a hair). It’s a tough call, but playoff intensity often means unders, so lean under here.

Series Outlook: Vegas holding serve in Game 1 reinforced their position as favorites to advance. As the #1 Pacific seed and defending Stanley Cup champions, the Golden Knights have high expectations and so far are meeting them. If they win Game 2 to go up 2-0, the Wild will be in serious trouble heading back to Minnesota. The Wild’s objective is to split in Vegas, which they narrowly missed in Game 1, so Game 2 is critical. Minnesota has shown they can compete with Vegas; if they can steal this next game, the series opens up and could go long. The Knights, however, have that killer instinct – they’d love to stomp out any underdog hope now. Key for Minnesota’s series prospects will be maintaining confidence and getting a boost from their home crowd in Games 3 and 4, but to get there without an 0-2 hole, they need a special effort in Game 2. Big picture, Vegas is favored to win the series, likely in 5 or 6 games, unless the Wild can consistently crack Vegas’s defense. Minnesota will need goalie Filip Gustavsson to possibly steal a game and their secondary scorers to contribute, otherwise the depth of Vegas will wear them down. One encouraging sign for Wild fans: star forward Kirill Kaprizov hasn’t scored yet – if he heats up, this series could tighten. Still, Vegas’s balanced attack and playoff savvy (plus home ice) give them a clear edge to move on to the next round.

Prop to Watch: Matt Boldy Over 0.5 Goals – Boldy was the Wild’s best offensive player in Game 1, scoring twice, and he’s brimming with confidence. If anyone is likely to solve Adin Hill, Boldy would be a good bet, whether it’s on the power play or at even strength. You might get plus-money on Boldy to score again, which is enticing given his current form. Another prop: Jack Eichel to score a point (Yes at least 1 point). Eichel was held off the scoresheet in the opener, but he typically doesn’t stay quiet for long. Expect him to be more noticeable; perhaps an assist on the power play or a goal in transition – either way, backing Eichel to register a point in Game 2 is a solid play. Lastly, consider Kirill Kaprizov Over 3.5 Shots on Goal. Kaprizov had two assists but no goals in Game 1, and as a superstar goal-scorer, he’ll be firing from everywhere to get his team back in it. He usually averages a high volume of shots, and with the Wild needing offense, Kaprizov should easily put 4+ pucks on net. If Vegas contains him again, it bodes well for their chances, but Minnesota will be doing everything they can to free Kaprizov for opportunities – which at the very least should result in shots, if not goals.

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