NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 04/05/2025

The Rangers-Devils matchup is setting up to be an offensive showcase that should sail over the total of 5.5 goals. While their previous three meetings this season have stayed under the total, they've been flirting with the over threshold with 6, 5, and 5 goals scored in those contests. More importantly, both teams are showing offensive firepower heading into this matchup that suggests the under streak is about to snap.

The Devils boast the third-best road power play in the NHL, converting at an impressive 28.3% clip. Even with notable injuries to Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey's offense has remained productive, scoring eight goals in their last two games. Their special teams advantage could be crucial, as they'll face a Rangers penalty kill that's solid (ranking sixth in the league) but not impenetrable.

On the flip side, the Rangers' offense has caught fire recently, tallying 11 goals in their last two contests. While some might discount this production since it came against weaker opponents, their offensive talent is undeniable. The Rangers need points as they continue their playoff push, which should lead to an aggressive offensive approach from the opening faceoff.

The Devils' goaltending situation presents another factor favoring the over. Jacob Markstrom has struggled recently with a concerning .863 save percentage and 3.47 goals-against average in March. Against a motivated Rangers squad, Markstrom's recent form suggests he'll have difficulty keeping pucks out of the net.

The betting trends also support this play, as the Rangers have gone over the total in their last four games, while the Devils have hit the over in three of their last five. With both offenses clicking and at least one goaltender showing vulnerability, expect a back-and-forth affair that produces at least six goals. This Northeast Division rivalry game has all the ingredients for an entertaining, high-scoring battle.

The Los Angeles Kings host the Edmonton Oilers today in what shapes up as a critical Western Conference playoff preview. These Pacific Division rivals have split their first two meetings this season, but circumstances strongly favor the Kings in this third matchup. Most significantly, Edmonton will be without their two superstars, as Connor McDavid remains sidelined with a lower body injury and Leon Draisaitl is now out with an undisclosed ailment after briefly returning to action.

The absence of McDavid and Draisaitl cannot be overstated – these two account for a massive portion of Edmonton's offensive production. Without them, the Oilers' scoring depth is severely compromised against a Kings team known for its defensive structure. Los Angeles has allowed just 1.92 goals per game on home ice this season, making them one of the stingiest home defensive teams in the league.

Schedule dynamics also favor the Kings. Edmonton enters this contest playing their third consecutive road game and fourth in their last five contests. Meanwhile, Los Angeles will be enjoying home ice for the seventh time in their last nine games. This home-heavy stretch has treated the Kings well, as they've won three straight and five of their last six at Crypto.com Arena. The combination of home ice advantage and the Oilers' grueling road schedule creates a significant edge for the Kings.

Los Angeles has been finding their stride at the perfect time, demonstrating they can win with their defense-first approach. Their recent three-game winning streak has coincided with improved offensive production, but their identity remains built around limiting opponents' scoring chances. Against an Edmonton team missing its primary offensive catalysts, this style becomes even more effective.

With playoff positioning at stake, this game has major implications for potential first-round matchups. The Kings understand the importance of establishing dominance against a team they're likely to face when the postseason begins. Look for Los Angeles to capitalize on their significant advantages – home ice, rest, and facing a depleted opponent – to secure a regulation win without needing overtime or a shootout. The Kings' balanced attack should provide enough offense to overcome an Edmonton team suddenly searching for scoring.

The Winnipeg Jets visit Utah Hockey Club today as strong favorites, and there's ample reason to believe they'll deliver. Winnipeg has been among the NHL's elite this season, while Utah continues to find their footing in their inaugural campaign after relocating from Arizona. The contrast between these teams becomes clear when examining their statistical profiles – Winnipeg averages 3.42 goals per game (among the league's best) while allowing just 2.32 (the NHL's stingiest defense).

Connor Hellebuyck has been the backbone of Winnipeg's success, establishing himself as the frontrunner for the Vezina Trophy with his stellar play between the pipes. His presence gives the Jets a significant advantage against a Utah team averaging just 2.80 goals per game (bottom third in the league). Utah will likely struggle to solve Hellebuyck, who has been particularly dominant recently, helping Winnipeg allow just seven goals in their last five games.

The Jets' defensive corps, anchored by Josh Morrissey, Dylan DeMelo, and Neal Pionk, has developed into one of the league's most effective units. They excel at limiting high-danger scoring chances and clearing rebounds, making life easier for Hellebuyck. Against Utah's middling offensive attack, this defensive structure should frustrate the home team throughout the evening.

Offensively, the Jets have numerous weapons capable of exploiting Utah's defensive vulnerabilities. Kyle Connor and Cole Perfetti lead a deep forward group that can score in various ways – off the rush, on the power play, or through sustained offensive zone pressure. Utah's defense, allowing 3.03 goals per game, lacks the personnel to consistently contain Winnipeg's multifaceted attack.

While Utah has shown flashes of competitiveness in their inaugural season, the talent gap between these teams is substantial. Winnipeg is battling for playoff positioning and can't afford to take any opponent lightly at this stage of the season. Expect a focused, professional performance from the Jets as they impose their will on both ends of the ice. Their combination of elite goaltending, structured defense, and opportunistic scoring should prove too much for Utah to handle, making the Jets moneyline a strong play despite the road venue.

The Boston Bruins host the Carolina Hurricanes tonight in what promises to be a tight, playoff-style contest between two Eastern Conference contenders. While Carolina enters as the favorite after recent strong play, the puck line value lies with Boston +1.5 goals. The Bruins have struggled lately, but they've demonstrated resilience all season and should keep this game within a goal regardless of the final outcome.

Boston's home-ice advantage cannot be overlooked in this matchup. TD Garden remains one of the NHL's most intimidating venues, providing the Bruins with a significant emotional boost. Despite their recent inconsistent play, Boston has remained competitive in most contests, rarely getting blown out. Even in defeat, the Bruins have typically lost by narrow margins, making the +1.5 puck line an attractive proposition.

The Bruins' defense and goaltending, while showing recent cracks, still form the backbone of their identity. Jeremy Swayman remains one of the league's top netminders when on his game, capable of stealing points even when his team is outplayed. Carolina may have the offensive edge, but Boston's defensive structure can neutralize the Hurricanes' attack for long stretches, keeping the scoring margin tight.

Recent trends support this play as well. While Boston has allowed 46 goals in their last 10 games (a concerning figure), they've demonstrated an ability to generate offense when needed. The Bruins' scoring struggles (averaging just 2.59 goals per game) suggest a low-scoring affair, which typically favors the team getting the puck line cushion. In tight, defensive contests, that 1.5-goal buffer becomes increasingly valuable.

This matchup features two teams likely to meet in the playoffs, adding another layer of intensity to the proceedings. Boston understands the importance of making a statement against a potential postseason opponent, particularly after their recent struggles. Expect a motivated, disciplined performance from the Bruins as they look to right the ship against a quality opponent. While Carolina may ultimately prevail, Boston should keep this game close enough to cover the +1.5 spread, making this one of the most appealing plays on today's NHL slate.

The Seattle Kraken visit the San Jose Sharks tonight in what projects to be a high-scoring affair between Pacific Division rivals. While the Sharks sit at the bottom of the NHL standings and the Kraken are out of playoff contention, history suggests we'll see plenty of goals at SAP Center. The previous three meetings between these teams this season have produced a staggering 27 total goals – an average of 9 goals per game that dwarfs tonight's 6.0 total.

San Jose's defensive woes make them the perfect opponent for an over bet. The Sharks have surrendered 25 goals in their last five games alone, with the over hitting in four of those contests. Their defensive corps is further weakened by injuries to defensemen Jan Rutta and Jimmy Schuldt. Rookie goaltender Georgi Romanov is expected to get the start despite his inexperience at the NHL level, creating a favorable scenario for Seattle's attackers.

The Kraken's goaltending situation has stabilized with Joey Daccord's recent improvement and Philipp Grubauer coming off his best month of the season. However, this game's context suggests a more open, offensive approach from both sides. With nothing meaningful at stake in the standings, both teams can play with freedom rather than the tight-checking style typical of late-season games with playoff implications.

Seattle demonstrated their offensive potential in their previous matchup against San Jose, securing a convincing 6-2 victory. The Kraken outshot the Sharks 33-28 in that contest and should find similar success against a Sharks team allowing the most shots on goal per game in the NHL. Seattle's offense isn't elite by any measure, but they can certainly capitalize against the league's worst defensive team.

The psychological aspect can't be overlooked – these are two teams playing out the string with nothing to lose. This typically leads to a more entertaining, offense-first approach where players focus on creating scoring chances rather than preventing them. With a combined 27 goals in their previous three meetings and the Sharks' continued defensive struggles, expect another high-scoring game that comfortably clears the 6.0 goal total.