The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday, April 19. The first round includes eight matchups with teams from across the league. Each series features different styles of play, past results, and betting value. WagerHome has full odds, betting tools, and sportsbook solutions at WagerHome.com.
Favorites like Carolina, Colorado, and Toronto will try to hold serve. Underdogs like Ottawa, Los Angeles, and St. Louis are hoping to pull off early surprises. With eight series on the board, here’s a look at each matchup and what bettors need to know.
Maple Leafs (-175) vs Senators (+140)
Toronto won the division but dropped all three games to Ottawa this year. The Leafs have only made the second round once since 2004. Ottawa has momentum and little pressure.
Toronto’s offense is led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Ottawa leans on Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle. This series could go the distance.
Pick: Maple Leafs in 7
Panthers (-120) vs Lightning (+100)
This is the Battle of Florida. The Lightning have home-ice, but the Panthers are slight favorites. Florida is trying to defend its 2024 Stanley Cup title.
The teams split four games this season. Tampa Bay’s playoff experience could matter. This is expected to be a long series, with Game 7 at +200.
Pick: Lightning in 7
Hurricanes (-300) vs Devils (+240)
Carolina is the biggest favorite of the first round. The Hurricanes split the season series with New Jersey. But the Devils are missing top scorer Jack Hughes.
Carolina has strong depth and solid defense. The Devils will need big efforts from Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt to compete. Carolina should advance with ease.
Pick: Hurricanes in 5
Capitals (-260) vs Canadiens (+210)
Washington will play Montreal. The Capitals are -260 favorites. It is a major long shot for the Canadiens to win this series.
The Capitals were the top seed in the East. Expect Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome to lead the way. Washington should move on regardless of the matchup.
Pick: Capitals in 5
Avalanche (-120) vs Stars (+100)
This is the tightest series in the West. Colorado has the better odds, but Dallas has home-ice advantage. Both teams finished near the top of the standings.
The Avs and Stars split their regular-season games. Dallas needs strong goaltending from Jake Oettinger. Colorado will rely on Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
Pick: Avalanche in 7
Jets (-200) vs Blues (+170)
Winnipeg had the best regular-season record in the NHL. The Jets beat St. Louis three out of four times this season. They are heavy favorites to move on.
The Blues need top play from Jordan Kyrou and Jordan Binnington to have a shot. Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck has played at an MVP level. Expect the Jets to control most games.
Pick: Jets in 5
Golden Knights (-240) vs Wild (+190)
Vegas won the Pacific Division and gets a matchup with Minnesota. The Golden Knights lost in the Western Final last year. Now they are one of the favorites again.
The Wild will need big performances from Kirill Kaprizov. Vegas has strong depth with Jack Eichel and Mark Stone leading the way. The Wild have not advanced past the first round since 2015.
Pick: Golden Knights in 6
Oilers (-135) vs Kings (+115)
Edmonton enters as a small favorite but faces a tough challenge in Los Angeles. These teams have met in the first round each of the last three years. Edmonton has won all three times.
The Kings took three of four in the regular season. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead the Oilers, but the team has struggled defensively. This is another series likely to go the distance.
Pick: Kings in 7
PPH Betting Prediction
There are close matchups and wide lines in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Hurricanes, Jets, and Golden Knights are heavy favorites to advance. The Leafs, Panthers, and Oilers will need to hold off tough opponents in tight series.
Betting series lines and total games played offers good value this round. Check out WagerHome.com to get access to live odds, set your own sportsbook, and manage player action all in one spot.
Pick: Best Value – Kings +115 and Lightning +100 series prices
