Written by Graeme on Friday, April 25th, 2025
Follow @BetNHL
I can’t believe I’m saying this – but man, this is the year I think the Leafs are finally going to win the cup.
I said it yesterday but what they did in the regular season seems to be working for them in the playoffs. Worse metrics etc compared to their opposition, but still managing to squeak out the win. There’s something special about that. Granted it is much easier opposition but there’s just something about this Leafs team this year that feels different.
My concern about the Jets and their goaltending came to fruition as they got absolutely blasted yesterday. That was fun. But the biggest surprise has to be the Wild. The Knights had excellent defensive and goaltending metrics during the regular season, and that has just gone to hell.
A sneaky little nice win for the Panthers yesterday who now head home with a 2-0 lead.
Three games today.
Canadiens vs Capitals Game 3 Betting Tips:
Scott: It was another close game in game 2. The Caps scored and empty net goal or it would have been another one goal game. The Caps are playing physical against the smaller Habs team.
I want the Habs to win and move onto the next round but it’s going to take some work. They have been in each game and now they will have their faithful maniacs in the stands cheering them on they need to win this game. Going home is what they need.
No Bet
Graeme: This is one where my immediate instinct is to bet the Habs. Feels like they have ran the Caps close both games, been unfortunate, and now have home ice to really step up – and hey, maybe some decisions even go their way.
And honestly that is something to pay attention – there was a fair bit of buzz about the Caps and the cross-checking after Game 2. Often refs react to that sort of thing so it could be penalties galore for the Caps tonight.
The metrics for the playoffs – unfortunately, they don’t agree with me. Caps b etter CF by a wide margin and slightly better FF. But obviously scoring less, and xG stats are pretty poor too. HDCF is brutal as well – their offense just isn’t as good as the Caps – plain and simple.
So it’s not one that the data backs up. However I am going to go with the Canadiens here because like I said – home ice, referees could favour them a bit more etc – and there ARE some positives.
This is more a gut pick than anything else.
Habs win incl OT
Ontario: 2.01 Odds at TonyBet
Canada: 2.01 Odds at TonyBet
USA: +100 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 2.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2025/04/25 8:52:36 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Devils vs Hurricanes Game 3 Betting Tips:
Scott: The Devils scored 1st but the Canes answered twice in the 2nd and added an empty net late in the 3rd and won 3-1.
Andersen has looked great and kept New Jersey scoreless for the final 56 minutes. The Devils, despite being shorthanded, played an incredible game.
With their effort in the last game and now playing at home I do expect a big game from the Devils but I just haven’t seen anything to help me pick them.
Canes in regulation
Ontario: 2.01 Odds at TonyBet
Canada: 2.01 Odds at TonyBet
USA: -105 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 2.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2025/04/25 8:52:36 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: I’m going to pass on this one due to the switch to Devils at home. They weren’t anything special at home this year, but the Canes were below .500 on the road and that’s a concern.
Actually the more I look at it – despite the Hurricanes elite goaltending these playoffs, the xG metrics are off the charts. If the Devils are going to score, this is the spot – and the Canes have a much worse GA/60 on the road.
Over 5.5 – c’mon Devils offense you can do it
Ontario: 2.05 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 2.05 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: +100 Odds at Intertops.
Everyone Else: 2.05 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2025/04/25 8:52:36 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Oilers vs Kings Game 3 Betting Tips:
The Kings were one of the best home teams during the regular season. So now that the series is going to Edmonton for the next 2 games the Oilers have no choice but to win both and somehow find a way to win in LA.
I just want to see the Oilers show some life before I tip them again.
No Bet
Graeme: Yeah I am with Scott – this is a critical game for the Oilers and I just don’t have the confidence in them. The way that last game went especially and with Skinner in net. Just not someone one can trust – but we HAVE seen him pull it out of his ass before, and that variance is scary. No Bet
Canes to Win in regulation. That series was over two weeks ago.
Oilers are in deep kukka due to their poor defensive numbers. Where are the Oilers that went on winning streaks by totally shutting down teams for weeks on end? LA has a tough defensive technique so Oilers offense will have to score 7+ goals every game to win. The Oilers secondary scoring has disappeared. An LA sweep is possible, it looks ugly if the Oilers can’t put up a far better effort all around. No bet, the whole thing looks wonky.
The Canadiens have delivered great hockey this season, I hope they get at least one win at home, but I can’t spot where to make a bet, so no bet.
I agree with everything above… i am however betting 1more, LA team total above 2.5 @ -120… i dont see /Pickard or EDM holding them back… over 2.5 last 8 games. As the guys mentioned… the xGF and actuals are insane for LA, LOL
I have a fun bet for those willing to think outside the box.
The LA / LA double is currently paying
188-1 on most Canadian books when combined; LA Kings and LA Clippers to win it all in their respective sports.( 8-1 and 20-1)
Seems like the books aren’t giving either team the credit they deserve, especially not the Kings. I know I’ll be chucking $20
On it for some long term entertainment.
That would be one incredible payout… dont follow bBall much but the Celtics man… i dont know??? Them and OKC… but the Celtics mainly… LOL
Devils – Carolina
The series between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes is shaping up to be a clash in which the defense plays a dominant role. After the first two games, which ended in Hurricanes victories, it is clear that the Carolina players are building their advantage on solid defense and the excellent performance of Fredrik Andersen.
In the first game of the series, the Hurricanes demonstrated their strength in an uncompromising way. The Hurricanes completely dominated the Devils in terms of shot attempts, systematically overloading the opponent’s defense.
Despite the change of venue, I expect a similar game that which took place in Carolina. I think we will see a match in which we will not witness a lot of goals.
Tie In Regular Time