NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 04/24/2025

The Lightning enter Game 2 looking to bounce back after a disappointing 6-2 loss in the series opener to the Panthers.

Tampa Bay was particularly poor on special teams in Game 1, allowing Florida to go a perfect 3-for-3 on the power play while converting just 1 of their 3 chances.

Andrei Vasilevskiy, who posted a career-best 2.18 GAA during the regular season, struggled in the opener with just 11 saves on 17 shots.

The Bolts should benefit from the energy of the home crowd at Amalie Arena, where they were strong during the regular season.

Expect a much-improved, disciplined effort from the Lightning as they look to even the series before heading to Florida.

The Maple Leafs have dominated this series by taking early control, jumping out to 2-0 leads in the first period of both Games 1 and 2.

Toronto's stars have stepped up consistently with Nylander, Marner, Tavares, and Matthews each recording at least one point in both games.

The goaltending battle has heavily favored the Leafs, with Anthony Stolarz posting an impressive 1.95 GAA and .934 save percentage compared to Linus Ullmark's struggling 4.39 GAA and .800 save percentage.

Ottawa has shown fight by forcing overtime in Game 2, but their slow starts have put them in a hole they can't climb out of.

The Leafs are determined to prove this isn't 'the same old Toronto' and should come out strong to push for a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Despite the first two games of this series going over, Game 3 sets up well for a lower-scoring affair as the series shifts to Minnesota.

The Wild have been remarkably efficient offensively with just 37 total shots producing 7 goals across the first two games – an unsustainable 18.9% shooting percentage.

Vegas ranked 5th in the NHL with 3.59 goals per game at home this season but that number drops to 3.10 when playing on the road.

Both teams have been disciplined through the first two games with only 4 total penalties committed, limiting power play opportunities.

The defensive units for both teams should tighten up in this pivotal Game 3, with goaltenders Adin Hill and Filip Gustavsson poised for strong performances.

Despite being down 0-2 in the series, the Blues have been competitive in both games with late third-period goals by Kyle Connor being the difference.

St. Louis closed the regular season with 13 consecutive wins on home ice and posted a strong 24-14-3 home record overall during the 2024-25 campaign.

The Blues will be happy to return home after playing 5 of their last 6 games on the road, where they struggled with 5 straight losses.

With their backs against the wall in a must-win situation, expect St. Louis to play with increased urgency and aggression in front of their home crowd.

Jordan Binnington should provide solid goaltending for the Blues to give them a chance to get back in this series.