NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 04/26/2025

The Florida Panthers hold a commanding 2-0 series lead and now get to shift to home ice where they posted an impressive 27-12-2 record during the regular season.

Sergei Bobrovsky has been nearly impenetrable in net with a 1.00 GAA and .951 save percentage through the first two games, completely frustrating Tampa's attack.

The Panthers' defensive structure has stifled the Lightning, allowing just two total goals in the series while controlling the neutral zone and executing an excellent penalty kill.

Recent history heavily favors Florida, who have won 12 of the last 16 meetings with Tampa Bay, including 15 of their last 18 games on home ice.

Despite expert backing for Tampa to potentially bounce back, the Panthers' dominance in this matchup and current playoff form make them the stronger play, especially with their forechecking game clicking on all cylinders.

After eight goals were scored in Game 1 of the series, Game 2 saw just two goals as Florida's defensive structure took complete control.

Sergei Bobrovsky brings a stellar 1.00 goals against average and .951 save percentage into this pivotal Game 3, suggesting Tampa will continue to struggle finding the back of the net.

The under has hit in eight of Florida's last 11 games overall, showing a clear trend toward tight, defensive contests when the Panthers are involved.

More specifically, the under has cashed in four of the last six meetings between these teams, and in four of Florida's last five home games against Tampa Bay.

With Florida's forechecking and neutral zone play limiting Tampa's offensive chances, we should expect another low-scoring, playoff-style battle that stays under the total.

Toronto has shown tremendous poise and execution in taking a commanding 3-0 series lead, with a chance to close out the series in Ottawa tonight.

The Maple Leafs' special teams have been the difference-maker, converting on five of nine power play opportunities while dominating the faceoff circle throughout the series.

Ottawa has struggled offensively despite playing better in Games 2 and 3, managing just two goals in each contest which simply isn't enough firepower to overcome Toronto's balanced attack.

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz has been outstanding for Toronto, winning his last 11 starts with a GAA barely over 1.50, giving the Maple Leafs a significant edge between the pipes.

This appears to be the most complete Toronto team in decades, and with momentum firmly on their side, they should be able to complete the sweep against a frustrated Senators squad that's running out of answers.

The Colorado Avalanche return home looking to reclaim momentum after dropping the last two games of the series, including an overtime heartbreaker in Game 3.

Despite the recent setbacks, Colorado's goaltending has remained solid with Mackenzie Blackwood posting a 2.03 GAA and .923 save percentage through three games, allowing just seven goals total.

The Avalanche's power play is due for a breakthrough after going 0-for-6 in Game 3, and playing in front of the home crowd should provide the spark needed to convert those opportunities.

Dallas has struggled with consistency despite winning the last two games, having lost eight of their last 10 overall and going just 2-6 in their last eight against Western Conference opponents.

Jake Oettinger has been shaky in net for Dallas, allowing five goals in Game 1 and three in Game 2 before settling down in Game 3, suggesting Colorado's offense can find its rhythm again at home.