NHL Picks April 6, 2025: Odds, Predictions & Best Bets

Kingpin
Apr 6, 2025, 4:47:04 AM

NHL Picks April 6, 2025: Odds, Predictions & Best Bets

Last day of the NHL regular season! Eight games pack the Sunday slate on April 6, 2025, with playoff positioning and pride on the line. We break down each matchup with odds, sharp betting analysis, and best bets – from early-morning action in the Metro Division to a late-night Pacific clash. Expect data-driven insights and a confident betting outlook, including puckline leans, underdog value plays, and scoring trend angles for today’s NHL picks.

Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers – 9:30 AM ET – TNT/truTV/Max/MNMT

Betting Odds:

Moneyline: Capitals -150, Rangers +130
Total: 6.5 goals

Game Preview: The Capitals enter this early game red-hot, sitting atop the Metropolitan Division at 49-18-9 and boasting the NHL’s highest-scoring offense (3.62 goals per game). Washington is still motivated – they’re vying for the Presidents’ Trophy and looking to keep momentum into the playoffs. Alex Ovechkin is chasing history after tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record on Friday, so expect an inspired Caps team. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren (31-6-6, 2.49 GAA, .910 SV%) has been stellar, and Washington’s depth scoring (Dylan Strome with 75 points leading the team) makes them tough to contain. The Rangers, by contrast, have been eliminated from postseason contention and were blanked 4-0 by New Jersey on Saturday. New York’s form has tailed off down the stretch; scoring has dried up and motivation is in question in this quick turnaround. Unless Igor Shesterkin stands on his head, the Rangers could be in for a rough morning at Capital One Arena.

Check out these articles for winning picks:

Washington has dominated this matchup recently and holds all the situational edges (home ice, rest, and urgency). The Caps’ aggressive offense and improved special teams should exploit a Rangers squad playing out the string. Puckline lean: The Capitals have the firepower to win by 2+ if the Rangers mail it in.

Best Bet: Capitals -1.5 (Puck Line) – Washington’s offense and motivation gap should produce a multi-goal win. Laying -1.5 at plus odds offers value given the Caps’ scoring prowess and New York’s flat form.

Top Player Prop: Alex Ovechkin over 0.5 goals – The Great 8 can break the goal record in front of the home crowd. He has 7 goals in his last 10 games and will be fed on the power play. With history on the line, an Ovechkin anytime goal is a savvy prop bet.

Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild – 12:00 PM ET – TNT/truTV/Max

Betting Odds:

Moneyline: Stars -155, Wild +135
Total: 5.5 goals

Game Preview: Dallas is coming off a rare loss (5-3 to Pittsburgh) that snapped a seven-game win streak, but the Stars remain one of the league’s most balanced teams. They are 8-1-1 in their last 10 meetings against Minnesota, consistently cashing as the better squad. Dallas excels on both ends – ranking 3rd in goals per game and 3rd in goals against. Their league-best penalty kill (84.6%) and strong goaltending (Jake Oettinger 36-15-3, 2.45 GAA, .912 SV%) make them reliable on the road (22-14-2 away). Oettinger is back in net, and the Stars have thrived as a road favorite (6-2 against Central Division foes in that role this year). Look for Dallas to tighten up defensively after yesterday’s hiccup.

Minnesota, meanwhile, is desperate for a win but trending in the wrong direction. The Wild have lost four straight and six of their last seven, falling out of the playoff race. Offense has been the main culprit – Minnesota averages just 2.68 goals (25th) and has scored only 2.0 goals per game over the last seven contests. Even a solid defense and goaltender Filip Gustavsson (29-18-6, 2.55 GAA, .915 SV%)can’t compensate when the team is constantly playing from behind. The Wild are 5-8-1 as home underdogs (ATS) this season, struggling to generate underdog value at Xcel Energy Center. With their offense sputtering and confidence low, Minnesota faces a tough matchup against a focused Stars squad.

Best Bet: Stars Moneyline (-155) – Back Dallas to get the job done in regulation. The Stars have covered the moneyline in 8 of 10 vs. the Wild and should dictate play with superior depth and special teams. Laying moderate juice is justified given the clear edge in form and stats.

Top Player Prop: Jason Robertson over 3.5 shots on goal – Dallas’s top winger has been firing the puck at will. Robertson leads the Stars in shots and faces a Wild defense allowing nearly 30 shots a night. In a game where Dallas should press offensively, expect Robertson to clear 4+ shots as he keys the attack.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Ottawa Senators – 2:00 PM ET – ESPN+

Betting Odds:

Moneyline: Blue Jackets +170, Senators -190
Total: 6.5 goals

Game Preview: Ottawa is finishing strong and still clinging to playoff hopes, whereas Columbus is limping to the finish. The Senators (41-29-6) are 11-5 in their last 16 games and an impressive 7-2 in their last 9 at home. They just shut out Florida 3-0 on Saturday behind stingy defense, showcasing how dialed-in their effort is. Ottawa’s offense isn’t elite, but Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk (if healthy) lead a balanced attack averaging 3.2 goals at home. With a chance to reach a wildcard spot, the Sens won’t lack motivation. Expect Cam Talbot or Anton Forsberg in net – both have been solid, and Ottawa’s defensive structure has produced unders in 7 of the last 10 meetings with Columbus.

Columbus (34-32-9) saw its faint playoff hopes crushed in a 5-0 loss at Toronto last night. That’s three straight defeats for the Jackets, who have dropped 11 of their last 15 games. Offense has been a major issue – they were shut out by the Leafs and have struggled for consistency, especially on the road (12-22-4 away). Defensive lapses and injuries have plagued Columbus as well. Their top players (Zach Werenski 74 points, Kirill Marchenko 31 goals) continue to produce, but it hasn’t translated to wins. Facing a disciplined Senators team on home ice is a tall order for a Jackets squad with nothing to play for and likely starting backup goaltending.

Best Bet: Under 6.5 Goals – Trends and context point to a lower-scoring game. Ottawa leans under frequently (under in 4 of last 5 games) and has gone under in 7 of 10 against Columbus. Columbus’ offense is unreliable, and Ottawa’s defense is stepping up. At 6.5, the under provides a cushion for a 4-2 type game.

Top Player Prop: Brady Tkachuk over 0.5 points – The Sens’ captain is the heartbeat of their offense and will be involved if Ottawa scores. Tkachuk has points in four straight home games and faces a Jackets defense that just allowed 5 in their last outing. At home with the power play time he gets, Tkachuk to register at least one point is a solid prop play.

Florida Panthers vs Detroit Red Wings – 2:30 PM ET – TNT/truTV/Max

Betting Odds:

Moneyline: Panthers -125, Red Wings +105
Total: 5.5 goals

Game Preview: The Panthers (44-28-4) took a stumble Saturday, getting shut out 3-0 by Ottawa. That loss puts pressure on Florida to rebound here to solidify their playoff position. Florida should come out with urgency – before that blanking, they had won 5 of 7 and were averaging over 3 goals per game in that stretch. Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov and Co. drive an offense that can explode in any given game. Goaltending could be a question mark on the back-to-back: Sergei Bobrovsky has been excellent (31 wins, 2.45 GAA, .906 SV%), but if the Panthers turn to backup Vitek Vanecek (3.72 GAA) for rest, it could open the door for more scoring against. Defensively, Florida is solid, but their penalty kill is middle of the pack. Expect a focused effort after being kept off the scoresheet – the Panthers know a win here may clinch a wildcard.

Detroit (35-33-7) is playing for pride and future roles. They’ve had an up-and-down year and were idle yesterday, so they’ll be the fresher team at home (20-16-3 at Little Caesars Arena). The Red Wings offense is mediocre (Dylan Larkin leads the team but they rank mid-20s in goals per game), yet they have shown flashes – for example, Detroit put up 7 goals in a game earlier this week against a non-playoff opponent. On defense, Ville Husso and Alex Lyon have shared duties; expect Husso if healthy. Detroit’s recent games have trended to the over, with defensive lapses once games open up. With no pressure on Detroit, they may play loose and trade chances, especially if facing Florida’s number-two goalie. The Panthers won the last meeting 5-2 and will look to dictate pace again.

Best Bet: Over 5.5 Goals – This total is set low, and the circumstances favor offense. Florida’s potent forwards should bounce back after being shut out, and a potentially tired defense or backup goalie increases the chance of Detroit scoring 2-3 goals themselves. The over has hit in 3 of the last 4 meetings in Detroit, and a 4-2 or 4-3 type game is very plausible here.

Top Player Prop: Dylan Larkin over 2.5 shots on goal – Detroit’s captain will try to ignite the offense in the home finale. Larkin averages over 3 shots at home and should find lanes against a Panthers team that played yesterday. With top-line minutes and power play time, he should easily reach 3+ shots as he looks to finish the season strong.

Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres – 3:00 PM ET – ESPN+

Betting Odds:

Moneyline: Bruins +145, Sabres -165
Total: 5.5 goals

Game Preview: It’s been a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Bruins have shockingly fallen apart in the final weeks, dropping 10 straight games. Boston’s once-vaunted offense has vanished – they haven’t scored more than 3 goals in any of their last 11 contests. On Thursday, the Bruins were handled 4-1 by Montreal, marking their seventh straight road loss. Morale is low for the B’s, who are a far cry from last year’s Presidents’ Trophy form. Defensive breakdowns are frequent (4+ goals allowed in 4 of the last 5)and goaltending hasn’t bailed them out. With nothing to play for, Boston is essentially playing out the string and “pulling up the rear in the Atlantic Division”. One bright spot is David Pastrnak (37 goals) who can still find the net, but he’s been one of few contributors. Boston has also been a terrible bet ATS on the road – losing 70% of road games outright. This is a team ready for the offseason.

The Sabres, conversely, have found late-season spark. Buffalo has won 5 of their last 6 games and just beat Tampa Bay 3-2 in a shootout, showing fight despite being out of playoff contention. They’ve scored 4+ goals in four straight games, including an 8-goal eruption against Washington last week. Young talent like Jack Quinn and Owen Power has flourished, and veterans Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin are producing on both ends. At home, Buffalo has won four in a row, and KeyBank Center should be energized to see the team finish on a high note. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected in net; he’s struggled in recent outings, but against Boston’s anemic offense he may not be tested heavily. Buffalo has also had Boston’s number lately, winning 2 of the last 3 meetings and potting nine goals the last time the Bruins visited Buffalo.

Best Bet: Sabres -1.5 (Puck Line) – We’re confidently fading Boston. The Bruins have lost by 2+ goals in many of their recent losses, and Buffalo’s offense is rolling. Laying the -1.5 (+ odds) on the Sabres is warranted given Boston’s 0-10 skid and Buffalo’s tendency to light the lamp at home. The Sabres have covered the puckline in 4 straight home wins, and a 5-2 type result feels likely.

Top Player Prop: Tage Thompson over 0.5 assists – The Sabres’ breakout star is a playmaking force on the power play. Thompson has tallied at least one assist in 3 of the last 4 games and will be facing a Bruins PK that’s been bleeding goals during this slump. Look for Thompson to set up a goal (or two) as Buffalo’s top line overwhelms Boston’s defense.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Chicago Blackhawks – 3:00 PM ET – ESPN+

Betting Odds:

Moneyline: Penguins -130, Blackhawks +110
Total: 6.5 goals

Game Preview: Neither of these teams is playoff-bound, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find an edge. Pittsburgh (31-34-12) pulled a surprise 5-3 upset in Dallas yesterday, a prideful win for a veteran squad in a lost season. However, that victory may set them up for a classic letdown on the road in a back-to-back. The Penguins have been wildly inconsistent, and before beating Dallas they had lost 6 of 8. Tired legs and likely a backup goalie (Casey DeSmith) could spell trouble here. Pittsburgh’s defense has been leaky (3.28 goals against average) and their road record poor. They are just 8-15 in their last 23 away games and only 8-7 as a moneyline favorite all year, so trusting the Pens as chalk is risky. One highlight: Sidney Crosby continues to produce (he had a goal and assist vs Dallas), but overall the team’s motivation is a question mark now that they’re eliminated.

Chicago (21-45-10) is closing out another rebuilding year and enters on a five-game losing streak. The Blackhawks have been thoroughly outmatched lately, going 1-8-1 in their last 10 while giving up 41 goals in that span. That said, this is their final home game, and we could see a spirited effort for the fans at United Center. Rookie sensation Connor Bedard remains a bright spot and will look to add to his goal tally in his last outing of his inaugural season. Chicago’s offense has actually perked up with 26 goals in the past 10 games – not great, but an improvement – and they’ll be facing a likely fatigued opponent. If the Hawks can tighten up defensively even a little (they allow the most shots and have subpar goaltending), they have a puncher’s chance. Keep an eye on special teams; neither PK is strong, so a few power-play goals could swing this.

Best Bet: Blackhawks Moneyline (+110) – Here’s our underdog value play of the day. Chicago is a live dog with Pittsburgh in a schedule disadvantage and likely to be flat after a big win. The Blackhawks have nothing to lose and should treat this as their “Game 7.” It’s a risky pick, but backing Chicago to snap their skid pays plus-money and the situational spot is ideal for an upset.

Top Player Prop: Connor Bedard over 0.5 points – The rookie will want to end his first season on a high note. Bedard leads Chicago in goals and will be featured in all offensive situations. He’s up against a Penguins team that has allowed 7 power-play goals in their last 5 games. Whether it’s a goal or assist, Bedard getting on the scoresheet at least once is a solid bet in this finale.

Montreal Canadiens vs Nashville Predators – 4:00 PM ET – ESPN+

Betting Odds:

Moneyline: Canadiens -115, Predators -105
Total: 5.5 goals

Game Preview: Montreal (38-30-9) has surprisingly battled into the final wildcard spot and can clinch it with a win. The Canadiens have won two straight (including 3-2 over Philly last night) and have scored 3+ goals in 9 of their last 11 games. Nick Suzuki (81 points) is powering a rejuvenated offense that now ranks around league-average in scoring – a big improvement after a slow first half. The Habs are on a back-to-back, but this youthful team has energy and everything to play for. Goalie Sam Montembeault has been steady (28-23-6, 2.86 GAA) and may go again, though if he’s rested, rookie Jakub Dobes could see action. Either way, Montreal’s defense is a concern (24th in goals against)– they often have to win 4-3 type games. But given Nashville’s struggles, the Habs’ offense might be enough. Montreal won the only prior meeting this season and won’t take the Preds lightly with a playoff berth on the line.

Nashville (27-42-8) has had a season to forget. Losers of five straight games, the Predators are just playing out the schedule. They were thumped 5-1 by Dallas on Friday in a game that wasn’t close. Offensively, Nashville is dead last in the NHL at 2.40 goals per game– an almost unthinkable stat for a team that used to score at will. Filip Forsberg leads the team with 69 points, but he hasn’t had much help; the Preds have scored two or fewer goals in 7 of their last 10 outings. Defensively, normally strong goalie Juuse Saros has had a rough year (18-29-6, .894 SV%), often left out to dry by a porous defense. Backup Justus Annunen has seen time as well, but results are similar. Nashville simply looks checked out, and home ice hasn’t been much advantage (they’ve dropped four straight at Bridgestone Arena). Unless pride kicks in, it’s hard to see the Preds matching Montreal’s intensity.

Best Bet: Canadiens Moneyline (-115) – This is essentially a pick’em, and we’ll ride with the team that has something to play for. Montreal’s offense and momentum should carry them past a Predators squad that appears ready for summer. The Habs are 8-3 in their last 11 overall and have more scoring options firing right now. With Nashville having lost five in a row, backing Montreal at a near coin-flip price is the sharp play.

Top Player Prop: Cole Caufield over 0.5 goals – The young sniper has been Montreal’s leading goal scorer this season and is exactly the kind of player to step up in a clutch game. Caufield has been finding open ice consistently (Montreal is 15th in offense largely thanks to him) and faces a Predators team that ranks 25th in goals against. At roughly +150 odds, Caufield to score is an enticing prop as he’ll be firing all game.

Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks – 7:00 PM ET – ESPN

Betting Odds:

Moneyline: Golden Knights -150, Canucks +130
Total: 5.5 goals

Game Preview: The Golden Knights (45-22-8) wrap up their season looking every bit like a contender. Vegas has clinched a playoff spot and is looking to possibly secure the Pacific Division title with a win. They play a heavy, structured game and rank top-10 in both offense and defense. Aidan Hill (29 wins, 2.50 GAA, .907 SV%) has quietly had a strong year in net, supported by a deep defense corps. The Knights are 7-2-1 in their last 10 and have the pedigree of a defending Stanley Cup champion – they know how to take care of business. One caveat: with playoffs imminent, Vegas might manage minutes or rest a few veterans. Even so, their second-tier players are good enough to compete; forwards like Chandler Stephenson and Reilly Smith can carry the load if stars get limited ice. Look for Vegas to establish their forecheck and play a disciplined road game, as usual.

Vancouver (36-28-13) is coming off a 6-2 win over Anaheim on Saturday, a feel-good result in a season where they fell short of the playoffs. The Canucks have actually been respectable at home and over .500 overall, but a slew of injuries has made the final week challenging. Star center Elias Pettersson is sidelined with an upper-body injury, and the Canucks have several other regulars out (Filip Chytil, Tyler Myers, etc. are banged up). They have relied on Quinn Hughes (who had a 4-point night vs Anaheim) and J.T. Miller to drive the offense. Against a tight defensive team like Vegas, missing Pettersson’s playmaking will hurt. Vancouver’s defense is suspect, but goalie Thatcher Demko can steal games – he’s coming off a solid performance vs the Ducks. The question is whether Vancouver can find enough motivation in this finale. They’ve shown pride and fight, and young players will be eager to impress, but the talent gap with Vegas (especially given injuries) is notable.

Best Bet: Under 5.5 Goals – Expect a controlled, lower-event game. Vegas is content to win 3-2 and will clamp down defensively, especially if they get a lead. Vancouver’s offense is shorthanded without Pettersson, and their young call-ups will find it hard to crack Vegas’s structure. The under is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings of these teams, and this has the feel of a playoff-style, grind-it-out affair.

Top Player Prop: Jack Eichel over 0.5 points – Eichel has 27 goals on the yearand should notch at least a point against a leaky Canucks defense. Whether it’s a power-play assist or an even-strength goal, Eichel’s line will be a mismatch advantage for Vegas. With the Knights aiming to clinch the division, expect their top center to be engaged – Eichel to register a point is a strong prop to round out the night.