NHL Picks Today April 3, 2025: Best Bets, Predictions & Goal Scorer Props

Kingpin
Apr 3, 2025, 4:48:29 AM

NHL Betting Preview: Thursday, April 3, 2025 – Predictions & Best Bets

Hockey fans are in for a treat on Thursday, April 3, 2025, with nine NHL games on the slate as the regular season winds down. Teams are jockeying for playoff position (or playing spoiler), and we’ve got you covered with matchup previews, best bets, and player prop predictions for each game. From historic rivalries like Bruins vs. Canadiens to an expansion showdown in Utah, here’s what to expect:

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Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens (4:00 PM ET)

Matchup Preview: An Original Six rivalry takes a twist as the Montreal Canadiens host the Boston Bruins. Montreal has taken a step forward this season and enters as a -190 home favorite (total 5.5 goals). The Canadiens’ young core – led by Nick Suzuki and sniper Cole Caufield – has been surging late in the year. Boston, meanwhile, has had a disappointing campaign; their aging roster has struggled to generate offense and sits last in the Atlantic Division. Montreal will look to capitalize on home ice as they push to finish their season strong, while Boston aims to play spoiler in this rivalry matchup.

Best Bet: Under 5.5 goals – With Boston’s scoring woes and Jake Allen/Sam Montembeault (Montreal’s goaltending tandem) playing well, goals should be at a premium. Montreal isn’t a high-scoring team either, so a tight, low-scoring game is the expectation.
Player Prop: Cole Caufield to score a goal – Caufield leads the Habs in goals this season and is the primary trigger on their power play. Facing a Bruins defense that has been leaky on the road, Caufield has a great chance to find the back of the net tonight.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Ottawa Senators (4:00 PM ET)

Matchup Preview: The Tampa Bay Lightning visit the Ottawa Senators in a game with offensive fireworks written all over it. Tampa Bay (43-25-5, 93 points) is gearing up for yet another playoff run, boasting stars like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Ottawa (39-29-6, 84 points) has made strides this year and clings to wild-card hopes. The Sens play an up-tempo style behind Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle, but their young defense can be inconsistent. Oddsmakers have the Lightning as slight -125 favorites with an Over/Under of 5.5. Tampa’s experience and Ottawa’s hunger should create a fast-paced, competitive game.

Best Bet: Over 5.5 goals – Both teams can light the lamp. The Lightning’s offense remains potent (over 3 goals per game on the season), and the Senators love to trade chances at home. Ottawa’s defensive lapses and strong power play units on both sides point to a higher-scoring affair. A 4-3 type of game feels very plausible here.
Player Prop: Nikita Kucherov over 1.5 points – Kucherov has been racking up multi-point games, quarterbacking Tampa’s top-ranked power play. Against Ottawa’s 25th-ranked penalty kill, he’s a good bet to register at least two points (goal or assist combined) in this matchup.

Colorado Avalanche at Columbus Blue Jackets (4:30 PM ET)

Matchup Preview: The Colorado Avalanche (45-26-4, 94 points) continue their push for Central Division supremacy as they travel to face the Columbus Blue Jackets (34-30-9, 77 points). Colorado’s star power is undeniable – Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen lead a high-flying offense that ranks among the league’s best. Columbus, to their credit, has improved this season with young talent like Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson, but they remain defensively vulnerable. The Jackets are coming off an 8-4 shootout win in their last game, highlighting both their scoring ability and defensive issues. Colorado is a -165 favorite and the total is a lofty 6.5, reflecting the expectation of an open game.

Best Bet: Over 6.5 goals – This matchup promises offense. The Avalanche can easily erupt for 4+ goals on their own against Columbus’s shaky defense (which just allowed 4 goals to low-scoring Nashville). On the flip side, the Blue Jackets have enough scoring punch (Johnny Gaudreau, Patrik Laine, etc.) to chip in a couple, especially at home. Take the over in what could be a run-and-gun affair.
Player Prop: Nathan MacKinnon over 1.5 points – MacKinnon is the engine of Colorado’s offense and thrives against porous defenses. He’s been averaging around two points per game over the past couple of weeks. Facing Columbus, MacKinnon should be good for a multi-point night – whether it’s setting up teammates or scoring himself.

Pittsburgh Penguins at St. Louis Blues (5:00 PM ET)

Matchup Preview: Two teams headed in opposite directions meet as the St. Louis Blues host the Pittsburgh Penguins. St. Louis (41-28-7, 89 points) is fighting to secure a Western Conference wild-card spot, riding strong two-way play from Jordan Kyrou and captain Brayden Schenn. The Penguins (30-34-11, 71 points) have had a rough season; their aging core of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin has lacked support, and Pittsburgh will miss the playoffs. The Blues are heavy -215 favorites here, and the Over/Under is 5.5. Look for St. Louis to dictate play on home ice with structured defense and opportunistic scoring, while Pittsburgh hopes for a flash of old magic from their stars.

Best Bet: Under 5.5 goals – Pittsburgh’s offense has dried up down the stretch (they were shut out or held to one goal in several recent games), and St. Louis tends to play a tight-checking style at home. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington has been in good form, and the Penguins might start giving younger players more ice time, which could limit scoring chances. A 3-1 or 3-2 type of game is the most likely outcome.
Player Prop: Jordan Kyrou to score a goal – Kyrou leads the Blues in goals this season and is generating plenty of shots each game. He’s exactly the kind of speedy winger that can exploit Pittsburgh’s suspect defense. Back Kyrou to find the net in this one, possibly on a rush or a power-play one-timer.

Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars (5:00 PM ET)

Matchup Preview: The Dallas Stars (49-21-4, 102 points) have been a powerhouse, and they’ll look to keep rolling against the visiting Nashville Predators (27-40-8, 62 points). Dallas sits near the top of the West, boasting the league’s 3rd-best offense (3.41 goals per game) and 3rd-best defense (2.53 goals against). Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski headline a deep Stars attack, while Jake Oettinger anchors them in net. Nashville, by contrast, has had a tough year. The Preds own the worst offense in the NHL (2.52 goals per game) and have been playing out the string, missing several key players (Captain Roman Josi is out, and even trade acquisition Jonathan Marchessault has been banged up). It’s no surprise Dallas is a big -280 favorite (O/U 5.5). Expect the Stars to control this game in front of their home crowd.

Best Bet: Under 5.5 goals – Dallas may light the lamp, but Nashville’s inability to score makes the under attractive. Predators goalie Juuse Saros is one of the league’s best and could steal a period or two, keeping Nashville from getting blown out. Meanwhile, the Stars’ elite defense should smother the Preds’ meager offense. A final score around 4-1 or 3-1 in favor of Dallas fits both a Stars win and the under.
Player Prop: Jason Robertson to score a goal – Robertson has been Dallas’s top sniper (over 40 goals this season) and is especially dangerous on the power play. Nashville’s defense has struggled, and their penalty kill is merely average. Robertson’s quick release and accuracy make him a good bet to pot one tonight – look for him to capitalize on a setup from Jamie Benn or Tyler Seguin.

Los Angeles Kings at Utah Hockey Club (6:00 PM ET)

Matchup Preview: In a unique matchup, the Los Angeles Kings (42-23-9, 93 points) visit the NHL’s newest franchise, the Utah Hockey Club (34-29-12, 80 points). The Kings are playoff-bound, powered by a balanced attack (Kevin Fiala, Anze Kopitar, and Adrian Kempe are all having strong seasons) and improved depth scoring. LA is a -130 favorite on the road, but they can’t take Utah lightly. Utah – in its inaugural season after relocation – has been surprisingly competitive. Led by young standout Clayton Keller and solid goaltending from Karel Vejmelka, the Utah squad has made their home arena in Salt Lake City a tricky place for visitors (they’ve got a winning home record). Still, the Kings’ experience and talent give them the edge as they seek to clinch a higher playoff seed. The total for this game is 5.5, reflecting what should be a tighter contest.

Best Bet: Kings moneyline (-130) – Los Angeles simply has more firepower and motivation to get the win. Utah has cooled off a bit after a mid-season surge and may be running out of gas. Expect the Kings’ structured game and veteran leadership to prevail, even if it’s close. At -130, the moneyline on LA is solid value for the clearly superior team.
Player Prop: Adrian Kempe to score a goal – Kempe’s combination of speed and a wicked shot makes him a constant threat. He leads the Kings in goals and has been especially good on the road. Against an expansion-level defense (Utah allows its fair share of quality chances), Kempe is a good pick to break through. Look for him to score off the rush or on a quick one-timer in the slot.

Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames (6:30 PM ET)

Matchup Preview: The Calgary Flames (35-27-12, 82 points) host the Anaheim Ducks (33-33-8, 74 points) in a Pacific Division tilt. Calgary is clinging to playoff hopes, sitting 9th in the West and needing every point. It’s been an up-and-down year for the Flames – their offense has underperformed (just 2.57 goals per game, 31st in the NHL), but they’ve remained in the hunt thanks to decent team defense and goaltending. The Ducks are technically still at .500 but have been inconsistent, especially on the road. Anaheim’s young stars (Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and rookie Leo Carlsson) can spark the offense, but the Ducks also own one of the worst defenses in the league (they give up the most shots and nearly 3.1 goals against per game). Calgary is favored at -165 with the Over/Under at 5.5. The Flames know this is a must-win against a team they should beat.

Best Bet: Flames -1.5 (puck line) – Calgary’s urgency and experience should carry them to a multi-goal win. The Ducks have frequently lost by 2+ goals against playoff-caliber teams this season, especially when traveling. With the Flames playing on home ice and needing a statement game, look for a 4-2 or 3-1 victory that covers the puck line. (If you’re wary of Calgary’s offense, an Under 5.5 is also a reasonable lean given both teams’ scoring issues, but we’ll trust the Flames to pull away late.)
Player Prop: Jonathan Huberdeau over 0.5 assists – Huberdeau is finding his playmaking groove again for Calgary. He’s coming off a couple of multi-assist games in the past two weeks and leads the Flames in assists. Against Anaheim’s porous defense (and shaky goaltending), Huberdeau should be able to set up at least one goal – perhaps on a power play or a quick transition where his vision excels.

Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights (7:00 PM ET)

Matchup Preview: One of the marquee games of the night features the Winnipeg Jets against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Jets (51-20-4, 106 points) have been a surprise juggernaut, currently sitting atop the Central Division thanks to stellar goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck and a balanced offense led by Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. The Golden Knights (45-21-8, 98 points), meanwhile, are the defending Stanley Cup champions and lead the Pacific Division. Vegas is a -125 favorite at home – a nod to their strong home-ice advantage at T-Mobile Arena. This could be a playoff preview, and both teams will want to make a statement. Expect a tight, hard-fought game; Winnipeg’s stout defense vs. Vegas’s depth and forecheck will be the key battle. The total is 5.5, indicating a moderately low-scoring tilt given the quality of the goaltending.

Best Bet: Vegas Golden Knights Moneyline (-125) – This is close to a toss-up, but a few factors favor Vegas. The Knights are excellent at home and have a knack for rising to the occasion in big games. The Jets are on the road for the second time in three nights and might be a bit road-weary after a game in Los Angeles on Tuesday. With Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and company pressing to lock up the Pacific title, Vegas should find a way to win a close one. Laying -125 on the home team is reasonable in this scenario.
Player Prop: Jack Eichel to score a goal – Eichel has been in great form, leading the Knights in goals. In a game of this magnitude, expect him to be aggressive in driving the offense. He’ll likely match up against the Jets’ top defenders, but Eichel’s talent tends to shine through. Whether on a power play one-timer or a slick wrist shot in transition, look for Eichel to bury one. (If you prefer a Jets angle: Kyle Connor over 3.5 shots on goal is another solid prop, as Winnipeg’s sniper will be firing early and often, especially if they trail.)

Edmonton Oilers at San Jose Sharks (7:30 PM ET)

Matchup Preview: The night wraps up with a lopsided Pacific Division clash as the Edmonton Oilers (43-26-5, 91 points) visit the San Jose Sharks (20-44-10, 50 points). Edmonton’s deadly duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has the Oilers gearing up for the playoffs as one of the league’s most feared offenses (over 3.7 goals per game, top 2 in NHL). The Sharks, on the other hand, are in a full rebuild and sit at the bottom of the West. San Jose’s defense has been especially awful – they’ve allowed 4 or more goals in four of their last five games, including an 8-1 drubbing by the Kings last week. It’s no wonder Edmonton is a massive -270 favorite, with the highest total of the day at 6.5. Barring a miracle, this should be an Oilers rout in Silicon Valley.

Best Bet: Over 6.5 goals – Oilers games are often track meets, and this one sets up to be no different. Edmonton could potentially cover this total by themselves given the mismatch (they’ve scored 6+ goals on San Jose multiple times in recent meetings). Additionally, the Oilers’ own defense and goaltending can be lax when they get a big lead, so the Sharks might sneak a couple of consolation goals in. The over is the play in what could end up a 6-2 or 7-3 type of game.
Player Prop: Connor McDavid over 1.5 points – Betting on McDavid to have a multi-point game is almost routine, and against the league’s worst defense it’s a no-brainer. The NHL’s scoring leader has been terrorizing teams all year, averaging nearly two points per game. He had a four-point night the last time he faced San Jose. Whether it’s at even strength or on the power play, expect McDavid to notch at least two points (if not more) as he carves through the Sharks’ hapless defense.

FAQ

Q: Who is favored in the Bruins vs. Canadiens game on April 3, 2025, and what is the best bet?
A: The Montreal Canadiens are favored at home (-190 odds) against the Boston Bruins. Montreal has been playing better hockey down the stretch while Boston has struggled. The best bet for this game is the Under 5.5 goals, as both teams have had trouble scoring and the goaltending match-up favors a low-scoring contest.

Q: Will the Lightning vs. Senators game be high-scoring?
A: It projects to be. The Tampa Bay vs. Ottawa matchup features plenty of offensive talent on both sides and an Over/Under of 5.5 goals. We recommend betting Over 5.5 in Lightning vs. Senators, expecting a final score around 4-3. Both teams have strong offenses (Tampa’s top stars and Ottawa’s young guns) and somewhat shaky defense, which usually leads to a high-scoring game.

Q: Are the Colorado Avalanche a good bet to beat the Blue Jackets?
A: Yes, the Avalanche are favored (-165) and are the better team. Colorado’s speed and scoring depth should overwhelm Columbus. However, the best bet in that game is actually the Over 6.5 goals, given Colorado’s firepower and Columbus’s defensive issues. We anticipate the Avs win in a shootout-style game, rather than a defensive battle.

Q: Who will likely win the Penguins vs. Blues game?
A: The St. Louis Blues are expected to win. They’re heavy favorites (-215) over the Pittsburgh Penguins. St. Louis is fighting for a playoff spot and has home-ice advantage, whereas Pittsburgh has had a down year. Our preview calls for a Blues victory in a tight, low-scoring affair (something like 3-1 or 3-2). The best bet we gave was Blues/Penguins Under 5.5 goals, aligning with a Blues win in a defensive game.

Q: Can the Calgary Flames cover the puck line against the Anaheim Ducks?
A: We believe so. The Flames are -1.5 goal favorites, and we like them to cover that spread. Calgary is at home and desperate for points to stay in the playoff race, while Anaheim has struggled on the road, often losing by 2 or more goals to good teams. A predicted 4-2 win (or better) for Calgary would cover the puck line. Just keep in mind the Flames’ offense has been inconsistent – if that worries you, a safer play is simply Calgary to win outright, but the value is there on the puck line.

Q: What is a good player prop bet for the Oilers vs. Sharks game?
A: Connor McDavid over 1.5 points is an excellent player prop for the Oilers-Sharks matchup. McDavid is facing one of the league’s weakest defenses and has a history of multi-point games against San Jose. In fact, he’s been routinely putting up 2+ points in games against bottom-tier teams. We expect him to notch at least two points (goals or assists combined) in this game. If you’re looking for a goal-scorer prop, McDavid to score at least one goal is also very likely, given his talent and the matchup.