NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 04/19/2025

The Blues vs. Jets total presents sneaky value at over 5.5 goals with plus money (+126) despite both teams' defensive reputations.

While the Jets boast elite goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (1.63 GAA at home), they also average a strong 3.35 goals per game on offense, creating a dynamic that could push this total higher than expected.

St. Louis brings an opportunistic offense into this matchup, and Jordan Binnington has only faced the Jets once this season, potentially creating a favorable scenario for Winnipeg's forwards who've had limited exposure to his tendencies.

The playoff atmosphere at Canada Life Centre should produce an energetic, fast-paced game where the Jets capitalize on home ice, especially with the crowd behind them for the 'Whiteout' tradition.

While one expert source suggests defensive strength might keep scoring down, the consensus view and the attractive +126 odds make the over 5.5 a high-value play that contradicts public perception about playoff hockey always being low-scoring.

The Jets finished the regular season as the best team in the league, earning the Presidents' Trophy with dominant home performances all year.

Connor Hellebuyck has been nearly unbeatable at home (27-3-3, 1.63 GAA, .938 SV%), giving Winnipeg a massive advantage in the goaltending department for Game 1.

While St. Louis snuck into the final playoff spot, they'll face a raucous Winnipeg crowd during the traditional playoff 'Whiteout' which creates one of hockey's most intimidating atmospheres.

The Jets' defensive corps led by Neal Pionk and Josh Morrissey should neutralize the Blues' attack, while Kyle Connor and the Jets' forwards should generate enough offense to pull away.

Winnipeg won three of four regular season matchups against St. Louis, and the playoff format should only amplify their strengths at home where they've been consistently dominant all season.

The Avalanche enter the playoffs with momentum while the Stars are stumbling, having lost their final seven games of the regular season.

Dallas will be without top defenseman Miro Heiskanen for Game 1, creating a significant advantage for Colorado's elite offensive weapons.

The Avalanche won two of three regular season matchups against Dallas, including the most recent game on March 16 where they prevailed 4-3 in overtime.

Colorado's trade deadline acquisition of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (2.33 GAA, .913 SV%, 4 shutouts) has significantly upgraded their defense, addressing what was previously their biggest weakness.

While Dallas finished higher in the standings, their recent 3-5-2 slide coupled with Colorado's 5-4-1 finish and strengthened goaltending makes the Avalanche an attractive road underdog in Game 1.

Playoff hockey typically shifts toward tighter defensive structures, and this matchup features two of the league's better defensive teams (Dallas 6th, Colorado 12th in goals against).

Colorado's goaltending has dramatically improved since acquiring Mackenzie Blackwood at the trade deadline, giving them much stronger backend support than earlier in the season.

While the three regular season meetings between these teams went over the total, playoff intensity leads to more conservative approaches and fewer high-danger scoring chances.

Dallas has been surprisingly porous defensively down the stretch (allowing 3.5 goals per game in their final 10), but the playoff reset and heightened focus should revert them closer to their season-long defensive identity.

The absence of Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen might actually contribute to a more conservative gameplan from the Stars, as they'll likely prioritize protecting their net without their top blueliner.