NHL Betting Picks & Predictions for April 15, 2025

The NHL regular season wraps up on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with a full slate of games and plenty of betting action. We've got ten matchups on the schedule, each with intriguing storylines and odds. Below we break down every game with a quick overview, predicted final score, and our best bets for the moneyline, puck line, total goals, and a top player prop. Whether you're looking for a smart moneyline pick or a value prop bet, Kingpin Sports Picks has you covered.

Let's dive into today’s NHL predictions for each game:

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New Jersey Devils vs Boston Bruins (7:00 PM ET)

The Devils and Bruins face off in Boston in a clash of teams trending in opposite directions. New Jersey (41-32-7) is fighting to secure playoff positioning despite hitting a late-season skid (three straight losses). The Devils' offense has cooled (just 3 goals in the last two games), but stars like Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier can spark at any time. New Jersey is motivated to snap its slump and build momentum before the postseason.

The Bruins (33-39-9), meanwhile, have had a surprisingly rough year and will miss the playoffs. Boston is coming off a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Pittsburgh, but overall their season has been defined by inconsistent offense (2.69 goals/game) and defensive lapses. David Pastrnak (42 goals) remains a bright spot and has been on a tear at home, but he’s gotten little help. With Boston playing for pride, they’ll aim to play spoiler against New Jersey, but their confidence isn’t high.

Predicted Score: Devils 3 – Bruins 2
Moneyline: Devils (-140) – New Jersey’s urgency and superior talent give them the edge to win outright.
Puck Line: Bruins +1.5 – Boston should keep it close at home; taking the +1.5 goals covers a one-goal loss.
Over/Under: Under 5.5 – Both teams have struggled to score lately and Boston tends to play low-scoring games as underdogs.
Top Prop: David Pastrnak to score a goal – Pastrnak has scored in six straight home games against Metropolitan Division opponents, making him a good bet to find the net even if Boston falls short

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Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres (7:00 PM ET)

An Atlantic Division showdown sees the Maple Leafs (50-26-4) visiting the Sabres (35-37-7). Toronto is red-hot, riding a three-game win streak as they push to secure the #2 seed in the East. The Leafs offense is clicking (3.24 goals/game); Mitch Marner is sitting on 99 points and will be eager to hit the century mark, while William Nylander (45 goals) has been a scoring machine. Toronto’s defense has also tightened up, allowing just 1 goal in their last outing, and goalie Joseph Woll has been solid down the stretch. The Leafs are the clear favorites and want to keep momentum into the playoffs.

Buffalo, on the other hand, is slumping with three straight losses. The Sabres have been inconsistent offensively and porous on defense (3.49 goals against avg, bottom-five in the NHL). Tage Thompson (44 goals) and Rasmus Dahlinlead a talented young core, and Buffalo can put up goals in bunches when things click. However, defensive struggles (13 goals allowed in the last three games) have doomed them. At home, the Sabres will play hard to snap their skid, but facing a focused Toronto squad is a tough task.

Predicted Score: Maple Leafs 5 – Sabres 2
Moneyline: Maple Leafs (-165) – Toronto’s form and firepower make them a strong pick to win, despite the road setting.
Puck Line: Maple Leafs -1.5 – The Leafs’ offense should be able to win by 2+ goals; Buffalo’s weak defense gives value to Toronto covering the spread.
Over/Under: Over 6.5 – Buffalo’s defensive issues and Toronto’s scoring prowess point to a high-scoring game (7+ goals).
Top Prop: Mitch Marner Over 1.5 points – Marner is on the cusp of 100 points and should play a big role tonight. Expect him to notch at least two points (via goals or assists) against a leaky Sabres defense.

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Chicago Blackhawks vs Ottawa Senators (7:00 PM ET)

The rebuilding Blackhawks visit a Senators team that has playoff aspirations. Chicago (23-46-11) sits last in the Central and is simply looking toward next season. Rookie sensation Connor Bedard has been a lone bright spot, leading the team with 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists) and showing flashes of brilliance. Offensively, the Hawks struggle to generate chances (last in the NHL in shots per game since January) and their defense is even worse (31st in goals against). Chicago will play hard to evaluate young talent, but wins have been scarce. They pushed Ottawa to overtime in their last meeting (4-5 OT loss in March), so they can be pesky.

The Senators (44-30-6), by contrast, are pushing for a playoff spot with 94 points. Ottawa is riding a two-game win streak and has been strong at home. Offensively they’re middle of the pack, led by Tim Stützle (75 points) and a hopefully healthy Brady Tkachuk (questionable, upper body). The Sens’ power play is effective (~23%) and could feast on a poor Chicago penalty kill. In net, Linus Ullmark has been a steady presence (24-14-3, 2.67 GAA) since being acquired, and the team defense is around league average. With much more to play for, the Senators should control this game, though they’ll be wary of a letdown against a weaker opponent.

Predicted Score: Senators 3 – Blackhawks 2 (OT)
Moneyline: Senators (-290) – Ottawa is heavily favored for good reason; they have the superior team in all facets and should win outright (consider using this in parlays due to the steep price).
Puck Line: Blackhawks +1.5 – Chicago is outmatched but has a knack for keeping games close; taking them +1.5 covers an Ottawa win by a single goal.
Over/Under: Under 5.5 – With Chicago’s offense lacking and Ullmark in net for Ottawa, expect a tighter, low-scoring game (the under has hit in 3 of the last 4 meetings).
Top Prop: Connor Bedard to record a point – The rookie center is finishing strong (points in back-to-back games) and should be involved in any Chicago scoring. A Bedard assist or goal is a solid prop as he showcases his talent one more time this season.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Philadelphia Flyers (7:00 PM ET)

A Metropolitan Division battle features one team clinging to playoff hopes and another playing spoiler. The Blue Jackets (38-33-9) sit three points out of a Wild Card with two games left, so this is a must-win. Columbus is red-hot, riding a four-game winning streak, during which they’ve outscored opponents 15-4. Defenseman Zach Werenski (22 goals, 56 assists) remarkably leads the team in points and has been on fire lately. The Jackets average 3.23 goals/game and are finally getting balanced scoring from the likes of Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine. Goaltending remains a bit shaky (Elvis Merzlikins has a sub-.900 save percentage), but he’s coming off a strong outing and is expected to start. Columbus will be highly motivated to extend their season and should bring an aggressive attack.

The Flyers (33-37-10) sit last in the Metro and are simply trying to end on a positive note. They showed some fight in a 4-3 OT loss at Ottawa recently, but Philadelphia has lost four of its last five. Scoring has been middling (around 3.0 goals/game) and the defense is vulnerable (nearly 3.4 goals against). Veteran Travis Konecny and youngster Owen Tippett have been bright spots offensively, but inconsistency plagues the Flyers. Goalie Carter Hart can steal a game, but he’s been hung out to dry often by a weak defensive unit. Philly would love to upset a division rival at home, but with nothing on the line for them, it’s tough to match Columbus’s intensity.

Predicted Score: Blue Jackets 5 – Flyers 3
Moneyline: Blue Jackets (-140) – Columbus has everything to play for and is in better form; we like them to win in Philadelphia.
Puck Line: Blue Jackets -1.5 – With the Jackets scoring surge and Philly’s leaky defense, Columbus could very well win by 2+ goals (plus this puck line offers a nice plus-money payout).
Over/Under: Over 6.5 – Both teams can light the lamp and have suspect defense/goaltending. Expect a more open game with Columbus pressing — an over is likely (the Jackets’ last few games have totaled 7+ goals).
Top Prop: Zach Werenski to record a point – The offensive-minded defenseman is driving the Columbus attack and has points in four of his last four games. Back Werenski to tally at least one assist or goal as he quarterbacks the power play and joins the rush frequently.

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Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning (7:30 PM ET)

Sunshine State rivals meet in Tampa in what could be a playoff preview. The Panthers (47-30-4) and Lightning (46-26-8) are both securely in the postseason, but this game will likely decide home-ice advantage in their first-round matchup (Tampa currently has 100 points to Florida’s 98). Florida has had a strong season, powered by a high-flying offense. Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov lead a Panthers attack that averages around 3.3 goals per game. However, the Cats can be vulnerable defensively at times, and goaltending has been up-and-down (Sergei Bobrovsky will need to be sharp). Florida won’t want to head into the playoffs on a loss, so expect a full effort here.

The Lightning have bounced back this year and look dangerous as ever. At home, Tampa Bay has been excellent. Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point are a dynamic duo — Point is approaching 50 goals and Kucherov has been racking up assists. The Bolts’ power play is lethal and could exploit Florida’s average penalty kill. In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy gives Tampa a big edge; he’s experienced in big games and sports strong numbers again this season. Tampa Bay has also won the last few meetings with Florida, so they hold a psychological edge. With the Bolts motivated to clinch home ice and playing in front of their fans, they’ll be tough to beat.

Predicted Score: Lightning 4 – Panthers 2
Moneyline: Lightning (-175) – Tampa Bay’s experience and goaltending at home make their moneyline a solid pick in this crucial game.
Puck Line: Lightning -1.5 – This rivalry is often tight, but we’ll take Tampa -1.5 for a plus payout; an empty-net goal could secure a two-goal win as the Lightning clamp down late.
Over/Under: Over 5.5 – Both teams feature elite offensive talent. With so much skill on the ice, a 4-2 or 4-3 type of game pushes this total over. (They’ve hit 6+ goals in many recent meetings.)
Top Prop: Brayden Point to score a goal – Point has been on a goal-scoring tear (nearing 50 on the season) and loves playing against Florida. Back him to light the lamp in a game where stars will shine.

Washington Capitals vs New York Islanders (7:30 PM ET)

This matchup is intriguing as the Capitals (50-20-9) have already clinched the Metropolitan Division, while the Islanders (35-33-12) are ending a disappointing season. Washington has had a fantastic campaign, but with top seed in the East locked up, they may choose to rest some veterans. If Alex Ovechkin plays, he’ll be gunning to add to his goal totals (he’s been vintage Ovi this year, leading the Caps offense). Washington’s depth (including newcomers and young call-ups) could see extra ice time. The Caps boast one of the league’s better defenses and goaltending units, but keep an eye on their lineup – any rested stars or backup goalie starts could level the playing field.

The Islanders, despite being out of the playoffs, will want to give their home fans a win to close the season. New York’s identity is defense-first: they play a tight-checking style and rely on stellar goaltending from Ilya Sorokin. Sorokin and the Isles have kept scores low (expect goals to be hard to come by). Offensively, the Isles struggle (just 2.8 goals/game); Brock Nelson and Mathew Barzal are their best hopes to generate goals. Motivation could favor New York slightly since this is effectively their “Game 7” of the year, and they’re facing a Caps team with little at stake. Look for a grinding, playoff-style game.

Predicted Score: Islanders 3 – Capitals 2
Moneyline: Islanders (-115) – In essentially a pick’em, lean toward New York at home. The Islanders have more to prove tonight and the Caps might not be icing their A-lineup for a full 60 minutes.
Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 – This should be a one-goal game either way. Taking Washington +1.5 (if available at a reasonable price) is a safe play given the low total and likely tight scoreline.
Over/Under: Under 5.5 – Two defensive-minded teams and possibly a resting Caps squad point to an UNDER. Islanders games frequently end 3-2 or 2-1; expect a similarly low total here.
Top Prop: Brock Nelson to score a goal – Nelson is the Isles’ leading goal-scorer and power play trigger man. In a low-scoring affair, he’s a good bet to be the one to find the back of the net for New York.

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Utah (Hockey Club) vs St. Louis Blues (8:00 PM ET)

(Note: “Utah” refers to the league’s newest franchise, which has had a solid inaugural/relocated season.)

The Utah club travels to St. Louis to take on the Blues. Utah (37-30-13) has been respectable, though they likely fell just short of a Wild Card spot in the West. They are coming off an impressive 5-3 win over Dallas, showing they can surprise even good teams. Offensively, Utah is middle-tier (232 goals on the season) with a couple of young standouts – Clayton Keller continues to be a star (leading the team in points) and rookie Logan Cooley has flashed brilliance. The team’s Achilles heel is defense/goaltending: they’ve allowed 238 goals, and their save percentage around .892 indicates vulnerability in net. Utah will play loose and could make this interesting if their offense gets going.

The Blues (43-30-8), meanwhile, are back in playoff form with 94 points. St. Louis wants to tune up for the postseason and possibly clinch a specific seed. They’ve won three of their last four and have been solid at both ends of the ice. Offensively, the Blues rely on Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas to drive scoring – both are crafty playmakers and finishers. St. Louis’s power play has been decent (~22%) and could exploit Utah’s mediocre penalty kill. In goal, Jordan Binnington (or Joel Hofer if they give Binnington a rest) has been steady; the Blues sit around league average in goals allowed (220). At home, with experience on their side, the Blues will aim to dispatch the upstart Utah team professionally.

Predicted Score: Blues 4 – Utah 2
Moneyline: Blues (-165) – St. Louis is the better team and should secure the win. The price isn’t cheap, but the Blues’ experience and home-ice advantage justify it.
Puck Line: Blues -1.5 – If you’re looking for value, consider the Blues to win by 2. Utah’s defensive issues mean St. Louis could pull away with an empty-netter or a strong offensive showing.
Over/Under: Over 5.5 – Utah’s games often creep into higher goal totals due to their shaky defense. Combined with the Blues’ capable offense, we like the OVER (both teams could reach 3+ goals here).
Top Prop: Jordan Kyrou to score a goal – Kyrou has been leading the Blues in scoring and comes into this game in good form. Back him to bury one against a team that gives up plenty of quality chances.

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Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild (8:00 PM ET)

The Ducks head to the Twin Cities for a matchup with the playoff-bound Wild. Anaheim (35-36-8) showed improvement this season but will miss the postseason. They’re coming off a 4-2 loss to Colorado and generally have struggled against top teams. The Ducks’ offense is young and streaky — Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry can dazzle, but Anaheim averages under 3 goals per game. Defensively, the Ducks remain suspect (they’ve allowed 250+ goals and have one of the league’s worst shots-against totals). Goalie John Gibson has battled hard all year and can steal a game, but he’s often under siege. Anaheim might already be mentally in offseason mode, but their talented youngsters will still try to put on a show.

The Wild (44-30-7) have clinched a playoff spot and sit at 95 points. Minnesota is a heavy -270 favorite here for good reason: they boast a stout defense and reliable goaltending. Marc-Andre Fleury (or Filip Gustavsson, who’s been outstanding) gives the Wild a last line of defense that far outclasses Anaheim’s attack. Offensively, Minnesota isn’t explosive but has a clear edge – Kirill Kaprizov is an elite scorer (expect him to fire plenty of shots tonight) and the supporting cast (Mats Zuccarello, Joel Eriksson Ek, Matt Boldy) can all capitalize on Anaheim’s defensive lapses. The Wild play a structured game and will want to fine-tune their systems in this final tune-up. At home, in front of a loud Xcel Energy Center crowd, Minnesota should take care of business methodically.

Predicted Score: Wild 4 – Ducks 1
Moneyline: Wild (-270) – Minnesota is a huge favorite; we fully expect them to win. The moneyline isn’t bettable straight up at this price, but it’s a safe parlay piece.
Puck Line: Wild -1.5 – Back Minnesota to cover the -1.5 spread. Their defense can shut down Anaheim, and the talent gap suggests a two-goal win (if not more) is likely.
Over/Under: Under 5.5 – The Ducks may have a hard time scoring at all. The Wild aren’t likely to run up the score unnecessarily, so a 4-1 or 3-1 game keeps this under the total.
Top Prop: Kirill Kaprizov to score a goal – Kaprizov is the Wild’s go-to sniper and power play focal point. In a mismatch like this, look for him to strike early. Betting on Kaprizov to score is always a good move, especially against a weak defense.

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Vegas Golden Knights vs Calgary Flames (9:00 PM ET)

In Calgary, the Flames fight for their playoff lives against the Pacific Division champion Golden Knights. Vegas (49-22-9)has clinched the best record in the Pacific and might use this game to rest a few stars or at least manage ice time. Still, the Golden Knights have pride and plenty of depth. Their defense has been stellar (2.61 goals against per game) and they’ve won two straight coming in. Offensively, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone lead the way, but Vegas has gotten scoring from everywhere (several players with 20+ goals). If they play their regulars, Vegas will be formidable even with nothing at stake. Keep in mind, however, that their intensity may not match Calgary’s desperation, and goalie choices could favor Calgary (Vegas might start backup if they choose to rest Logan Thompson or Adin Hill).

The Flames (39-27-14) are in a do-or-die scenario. They sit just outside a playoff spot and must win to keep any hope alive. Calgary has been inconsistent all season in finishing games (hence the league-high 14 OT losses), but they have talent to compete with anyone. The Flames have won back-to-back games to give themselves a shot, and their defense has stepped up, allowing just 3 goals total in those two wins. Elias Lindholm and Jonathan Huberdeau will need to drive the offense; goals haven’t come easy for Calgary at times, but they’ll throw everything at Vegas tonight. In net, young goalie Dustin Wolf or Dan Vladar could be starting if Jacob Markstrom is no longer with the team (Calgary’s goaltending situation has evolved). Regardless, expect a playoff-like effort from the Flames. They’ll try to dictate a tight, defensive game and capitalize on power plays to edge out Vegas.

Predicted Score: Flames 3 – Golden Knights 2
Moneyline: Flames (-125) – With motivation heavily on Calgary’s side and home-ice advantage, we like the Flames to get the win, even against the formidable Knights.
Puck Line: Golden Knights +1.5 – This matchup should be close. Vegas rarely gets blown out, so taking them +1.5 covers a one-goal loss (or an outright win if they spoil Calgary’s night).
Over/Under: Under 5.5 – Anticipate a playoff atmosphere with tight checking. Calgary will focus on defense and goaltending to secure the win, keeping the total low. A 3-2 type score feels right, which falls under.
Top Prop: Elias Lindholm to score a goal – When Calgary needs offense, Lindholm is often the guy. He has a knack for scoring clutch goals and will be firing puck on net all game. In a must-win, bet on Lindholm’s leadership translating into a lamp-lighter.

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Los Angeles Kings vs Seattle Kraken (10:30 PM ET)

The final game of the night pits two Western Conference playoff teams (or near-playoff teams) in Seattle. The Kings (likely ~45+ wins) have had a strong season and will either be locked into a seed or jockeying for position. Los Angeles is a slight favorite here, reflecting their consistency. The Kings have a balanced attack — Adrian Kempe has emerged as a top sniper (he’s coming off a 40+ goal season last year and continues to score timely goals), and Anze Kopitar and Kevin Fiala provide veteran playmaking and scoring depth. LA’s defense, anchored by Drew Doughty, has improved, though goaltending has been a question in past years. They’ll want to enter the playoffs on a high note, so expect the Kings to play their main guys and push for a win.

The Kraken (likely around 42-30-9) are looking to build on last year’s playoff debut. Seattle has been a bit streaky but extremely competitive, often exchanging blows in high-scoring games. They roll four lines that can all contribute — Jared McCann (who hit 40 goals) and Matty Beniers lead the offense, while Jordan Eberle and others provide secondary scoring. Seattle’s major concern is goaltending; if Philipp Grubauer is in net, he’s been better this season but can still be inconsistent. The Kraken play hard at home with a loud crowd at Climate Pledge Arena, and they’d love to get a win to possibly secure a wild card or simply to gear up for the postseason. This game could be fast-paced, as both sides have skill and will trade chances.

Predicted Score: Kings 3 – Kraken 2
Moneyline: Kings (-115) – Los Angeles’ experience and slightly better defensive structure give them the nod in a close contest. They’ve been the more reliable team overall.
Puck Line: Kraken +1.5 – Seattle rarely gets blown out, especially at home. Taking the Kraken +1.5 is a smart play to cover a one-goal game (either an LA win or an outright Seattle upset).
Over/Under: Under 5.5 – While both teams have offensive talent, there’s a playoff vibe here that could lead to cautious play. The last few Kings games have trended under, and we see a 3-2 type result.
Top Prop: Adrian Kempe to score a goal – Kempe’s goal-scoring ability has tormented opponents all season. He’s a good bet to score for LA, as he often finds space against teams that don’t have a shutdown defense. Look for him to unleash that wicked shot at least a few times in this one.

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NHL Betting FAQ

Q: How does puck line betting work in the NHL?
A: The puck line is hockey’s version of a point spread, which is always set at 1.5 goals. The favorite must win by 2 or more goals to cover the puck line (-1.5), while the underdog can lose by 1 goal (or win outright) to cover the +1.5. For example, if a team is -1.5 on the puck line, they need to win by two; if you bet the underdog +1.5, your bet wins as long as they don’t lose by more than one goal. Puck line bets often offer better odds on favorites and a little cushion on underdogs compared to the moneyline.

Q: What is a good over/under total in NHL betting?
A: A “good” over/under (total goals) bet depends on the matchup. Most NHL games have totals set between 5.0 and 6.5 goals. A good over/under bet means you’ve identified if the game will be high-scoring (over) or low-scoring (under) compared to the line. For example, an O/U of 5.5 goals is common; if you expect a 3-2 type defensive battle, the Under 5.5 is a good bet. If two offensive powerhouses or weak defensive teams are playing, betting Over 6.5 might be wise. Always consider team playing styles, goalie performance, and recent trends. Generally, 5.5 is on the lower side (indicating a likely defensive game), while 6.5 suggests an expected shootout.

Q: What does a -140 moneyline mean in hockey betting?
A: Moneyline odds indicate how much you must risk to win a certain amount (for favorites) or how much you win on an underdog. -140 on the moneyline means the team is favored – you would need to bet $140 to win $100 in profit (plus get your $140 back) if that team wins. In contrast, a +140 moneyline would mean a $100 bet yields $140 profit if the underdog wins. In simple terms, negative odds = favored (risk more to win $100), positive odds = underdog (win more than $100 on a $100 bet). So when we say Devils (-140), the Devils are favored and you’d stake $140 to win $100; if it were Devils +140, they’d be underdogs and a $100 bet would net you $140 profit. Always remember: the bigger the minus, the bigger the favorite; the bigger the plus, the bigger the underdog. Good bankroll management is key – heavy favorites can be parlays pieces, whereas underdogs can yield nice returns if you pick your spots.

Happy betting and enjoy the games! Here's to ending the regular season on a high note and cashing those tickets. 🎟️🏒

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