NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 04/20/2025

The Devils vs. Hurricanes over 5.5 goals at +115 stands out as today's top value play despite both teams stumbling into the playoffs.

While Carolina went 1-6-1 in their final eight and New Jersey finished 1-4-0 in their last five, offensive firepower remains intact for both squads.

The Dimers model gives this over a 48.6% probability of hitting with a 2.1% edge at the current price, making it their standout free play.

Historical playoff matchups between these teams have typically featured competitive, goal-scoring affairs, with Carolina taking last year's series in five games.

The plus-money value gives bettors an opportunity to capitalize on two teams that may come out aggressive in Game 1 after disappointing regular season conclusions.

Toronto enters the playoffs with elite goaltending, as Anthony Stolarz led the NHL with a .926 save percentage and Craig Berube has installed a tighter defensive structure.

The Maple Leafs have stayed under in eight of their last ten games while limiting opponents to just 1.5 goals per night during that stretch.

Ottawa's road scoring drops significantly (2.54 goals per game away vs. 3.37 at home), which is crucial as they travel to Toronto for this opener.

These teams have gone under in three of their last five meetings, and their three regular season matchups this year saw just three total goals from Toronto.

With Toronto's defensive momentum and Ottawa's road scoring struggles, this under looks like a solid play even with both teams showing offensive capability.

Toronto comes in red-hot, winning nine of their last ten games, while Ottawa has shown improvement but lacks the playoff experience of their provincial rivals.

The Maple Leafs' goaltending has been exceptional down the stretch with three shutouts in their last ten games, only twice allowing more than two goals during that span.

While Ottawa took the regular season series, playoff hockey typically favors teams with elite scoring talent, which Toronto possesses in abundance with their top-end forwards.

Craig Berube has transformed Toronto into a more defensively responsible team that's built better for playoff success than previous iterations.

At home where they've been solid all season (3.15 goals per game), the Leafs should set the tone early with both skill and the physical play Berube has instilled.

Vegas enters the playoffs firing on all cylinders, with their high-powered offense (3.34 goals per game) ready to establish dominance at home.

The Golden Knights' defensive corps featuring Shea Theodore, Alex Pietrangelo, and Noah Hanifin should limit Minnesota's modest offense (2.74 goals per game) and create transition opportunities.

Minnesota's defensive ability (2.88 goals against per game) will be tested by Vegas' superior offensive weapons including Jack Eichel and Mark Stone who can exploit matchups throughout the game.

Vegas' home-ice advantage gives them an extra boost in what looks to be a favorable stylistic matchup against a Wild team they match up well against defensively.

At +120, the puck line offers significant value considering Vegas's ability to pull away in games where they establish an early lead with their balanced attack.