Ultimate NHL Playoff Betting 2025 Guide: Best Picks, Bold Predictions & Shocking Underdogs

The road to the Stanley Cup is paved with rivalries, redemption stories, and razor-thin margins. As the puck drops on the 2025 NHL Playoffs, every series promises drama—and every bet tells a story.

The bracket is set. Montreal grabbed the final wild card spot. Sixteen teams are now locked in for a shot at hockey's ultimate prize. This comprehensive first-round preview features updated odds, key matchups, historical context, and bold predictions.

This guide not only breaks down each series but also offers smart betting angles and a feel for which teams could go the distance. Whether you're a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, NHL Playoff Betting 2025 is where strategy meets passion.

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Eastern Conference Matchups

(A1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators
Historical context: Toronto is 4–0 all-time in playoff series against Ottawa.
Key matchup: Auston Matthews vs. Tim Stützle
Odds: Toronto -300, Ottawa +240
Best bet: Ottawa +1.5 puck line in individual games
Prop: Matthews to score 5+ goals in series (+140)

(A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (A3) Florida Panthers
Historical context: Tampa has won 2 of 3 recent series; Florida won in 2023
Key matchup: Vasilevskiy vs. Bobrovsky
Odds: Tampa -130, Florida +110
Best bet: Over 5.5 games in series (-150)
Prop: 2+ OT games in series (+225)

(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens
Historical context: Rematch of the 2010 upset by Montreal
Key matchup: Ovechkin vs. Suzuki
Odds: Washington -180, Montreal +210
Best bet: Capitals to win 4–1 or 4–2 (+350 to +400)
Prop: Ovechkin 3+ power-play goals (+275)

(M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M3) New Jersey Devils
Historical context: Carolina has won 4 of 5 playoff series vs. NJ
Key matchup: Sebastian Aho vs. Jack Hughes
Odds: Carolina -160, New Jersey +135
Best bet: Over 5.5 total goals in series games (-120)
Prop: Hughes to lead series in points (+150)

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Western Conference Matchups

(C1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues
Historical context: Winnipeg took the Presidents’ Trophy
Key matchup: Hellebuyck vs. Binnington
Odds: Winnipeg -270, St. Louis +220
Best bet: Jets -1.5 on series line (+110)
Prop: Hellebuyck shutout in any game (+180)

(C2) Dallas Stars vs. (C3) Colorado Avalanche
Historical context: Dallas beat Colorado in 2020; Avs won the Cup in 2022
Key matchup: Robertson vs. Makar
Odds: Dallas -105, Colorado -115
Best bet: Series goes 7 games (+200)
Prop: Any game to reach double OT (+350)

(P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild
Historical context: Vegas won in 7 games in 2021
Key matchup: Eichel vs. Kaprizov
Odds: Vegas -140, Minnesota +120
Best bet: Vegas to win series 4–2 (+450)
Prop: Kaprizov to score in 3+ games (+200)

(P2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (P3) Edmonton Oilers
Historical context: Edmonton won last two playoff series
Key matchup: Doughty vs. McDavid
Odds: Edmonton -145, LA +125
Best bet: McDavid to lead all first-round scorers (+300)
Prop: 2+ multi-point games from Draisaitl (+175)

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X-Factors & Players to Watch

• Jake Oettinger (Dallas): Calm, composed, and clutch.
• Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg): Vezina frontrunner with .924 SV%.
• Jack Hughes (New Jersey): Speed and hands—must-watch for prop bettors.
• Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota): Wild’s playoff hopes ride on his shoulders.

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Value Picks in NHL Playoff Betting 2025

✅ Dallas Stars to win the Cup (+550)
Well-rounded, battle-tested, and bolstered by Mikko Rantanen’s acquisition.

🎯 Carolina Hurricanes to win the Cup (+1000)
Top-tier puck possession, elite defense, and new depth via Alexander Nikishin.

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Potential Surprise Teams

• Ottawa Senators: Could shock Toronto early in the series.
• New Jersey Devils: Built for speed; can catch Carolina flat-footed.
• LA Kings: Familiar with McDavid and ready for revenge.

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NHL Playoff Betting 2025: Final Prediction

🏆 Stanley Cup Final: Dallas Stars vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Dallas' defensive structure and goaltending edge give them the nod.

Champion: Dallas Stars in 6