NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 04/21/2025

The Capitals hold a significant home-ice advantage with a stellar 26-9-6 record in their building this season, providing a major edge in this playoff opener.

Montreal limped into the postseason, dropping three straight games before a must-win against Carolina, suggesting they may not be prepared for playoff intensity.

The Canadiens' road record is concerning at just 17-19-5, while Washington's veteran-heavy lineup brings crucial playoff experience that Montreal largely lacks.

Washington's potent home offense averages 3.73 goals per game in their building, creating a difficult matchup for a Montreal team that's seen its offensive production slow recently.

The pressure of playoff hockey tends to amplify home-ice advantage, especially against a team like Montreal that lacks the battle-tested playoff experience Washington possesses.

Washington's home scoring prowess is the key factor here, as they've averaged a remarkable 3.73 goals per game in their building throughout the season.

The Capitals have demonstrated this offensive potential recently by going over the total in three of their last five games heading into the playoffs.

Montreal's defense has shown vulnerabilities on the road, while their offense has managed to maintain a respectable 2.93 goals per game away from home.

The playoff atmosphere in Washington should elevate the intensity and pace, potentially creating more scoring opportunities for both sides.

Though Montreal has trended toward unders lately, the Capitals' home offensive firepower should be enough to push this game over the 5.5 total.

Game 1 between the Jets and Blues was a high-scoring 5-3 affair, but the analytics suggest Game 2 will take a different direction tonight.

Winnipeg's elite defense allowed just 17 shots in the opener and led the NHL with only 2.32 goals allowed per game during the regular season.

Connor Hellebuyck is primed for a bounceback performance after posting an uncharacteristic .824 save percentage in Game 1, well below his season mark of .926 (2nd in NHL).

The Blues, lacking Winnipeg's offensive firepower, will likely adjust their game plan to focus on defensive structure after surrendering 5 goals in the opener.

St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery should implement a more conservative approach, making this an ideal spot to back the under after an outlier high-scoring Game 1.

The Oilers enter this playoff matchup with strong road form, winning four of their last six away games while demonstrating excellent offensive production.

Edmonton's special teams advantage looms large - they're converting over 23% of their power play opportunities against a Kings team that's been defensively vulnerable lately.

Los Angeles has surrendered 10 goals across their last three home games, which doesn't bode well against an Oilers attack that netted nine goals in their last three road contests.

Edmonton's defensive play has been equally impressive, allowing just four goals total in their last three road games, suggesting they can contain a Los Angeles offense that's been inconsistent.

The Kings' 17% power play conversion rate won't likely find much success against an Oilers penalty kill that's tightened up in recent outings.