NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 04/25/2025

Washington has taken command of this series with a 2-0 lead, and Montreal has shown minimal offensive production with just three goals across both games. The Capitals' goaltending has stabilized after a late-season slump.

The Canadiens have only led for a total of 2:21 across the first two games, highlighting their struggle to control play against a more experienced Washington team led by the league's all-time leading goal scorer.

Montreal's inexperience in high-pressure playoff situations is proving to be a significant disadvantage against a Capitals team that knows how to manage these games and close out opponents.

While the venue changes to Montreal, the Capitals have been solid on the road, averaging 3.29 goals per game away from home during the regular season. This offensive consistency should continue against the Canadiens.

The -120 price offers decent value on a team that's in firm control of the series and has demonstrated superior play in nearly every facet of the game through the first two contests.

The first two games of this series have been decidedly low-scoring affairs, with Game 1 seeing just five total goals (one in overtime) and Game 2 producing only four goals, with one being an empty-netter.

The under has hit in 3 of the last 4 meetings between these teams, establishing a clear pattern that aligns with the defensive structure both teams have employed in this series.

Washington's goaltending has been excellent lately, limiting Montreal to just three total goals in the series. The Canadiens' offensive struggles should continue as Washington's defensive system has effectively neutralized their attack.

Even with the shift to Montreal, the projected scoring rates don't suggest an offensive explosion, as the Capitals average 3.29 goals on the road while Montreal puts up 3.05 at home – numbers that still favor the under at 5.5.

Three goals has been enough to secure victory in this series so far, and with both teams emphasizing defensive responsibility in the playoffs, we should continue to see tight, low-scoring hockey.

The Devils are a solid home play against a Hurricanes team that has historically struggled on the road in the playoffs. Carolina is a dismal 5-13 in their last 18 road playoff games, showing a clear pattern of faltering away from home ice.

Despite Carolina's 2-0 series lead, the venue shift to Newark could be pivotal as the Hurricanes posted just a 16-21-4 road record during the regular season compared to their dominant 31-9-1 home mark.

New Jersey only trailed by one goal for most of Game 2, with Markstrom stopping 25 of 27 shots and looking solid in net. The Devils should benefit from last change at home to create better matchups against Carolina's defensive structure.

While New Jersey has only scored three goals in the series, they've demonstrated they can get leads against the Hurricanes. They led early in Game 2, and playing in front of their home crowd could provide the offensive spark they've been missing.

The value at +140 represents a solid return on a home team looking to get back into the series, and expert analysis suggests this line offers good value based on Carolina's road playoff woes.

The Kings are hitting their offensive stride at the perfect time, scoring at least five goals in five of their last six games while converting a remarkable 50% of their power play chances in their last two outings.

Los Angeles has found success on the road lately, winning four of their last five away games, which provides confidence against an Oilers team that has dropped three of their last four contests.

Edmonton's special teams have faltered at the worst time, failing to convert any of their five power play opportunities in the first two games of this series. The Kings' penalty kill ranks eighth in the league, giving them another edge in this matchup.

The Oilers' defense has looked vulnerable, surrendering 10 goals across their last three home games. With the Kings' offense firing on all cylinders, Edmonton will likely struggle to contain Los Angeles' attack.

Los Angeles has demonstrated better overall form recently with stronger offensive production (4.33 goals per game in their last three) compared to Edmonton's 3.33, suggesting they have the momentum advantage heading into this pivotal game.

Both teams have been trending over lately, with the Kings playing over the total in three of their last four games and the Oilers going over in their last two contests.

Los Angeles has been an offensive juggernaut recently, averaging 4.33 goals per game in their last three outings while converting 46% of their power play opportunities – a significant advantage against Edmonton's recent 58% penalty kill rate.

The Oilers have maintained solid offensive production at 3.33 goals per game in their last three games despite struggling on the power play. At home, Edmonton typically finds ways to generate offense even when special teams aren't clicking.

Recent head-to-head history supports this play, with the Kings and Oilers playing over the total in two of their last three meetings, suggesting these teams tend to produce high-scoring affairs when facing each other.

The combined defensive struggles of both teams (each allowing 12 total goals in recent stretches) creates a perfect storm for an over, as neither team has shown they can consistently shut down opposing offenses.