Three critical playoff games line the NHL Friday card. Here, I'll list several NHL best bets across a couple high-level tilts.
Tonight's predictions feature two picks for Canadiens vs. Capitals in the early window, followed by another selection in Kings vs. Oilers later.
NHL picks Friday include an over/under prop, an anytime goal scorer pick and a moneyline prediction.
Check out all three hockey predictions below for Friday, April 25!
NHL Best Bets
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our NHL betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
| 7 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NHL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Capitals vs. Canadiens
By Prop Model
The blocks prop for Sandin looks like a strong wager based on the current data.
The line of 2.5 compares favorably based on our NHL projections. The prop projects to hit 80.1% of the time based on the assumptions, and that represents a 15.6% edge.
NHL prop model is derived from our proprietary player projections model and a range of outcomes for each NHL stat category.
Pick: Rasmus Sandin Under 2.5 Blocked Shots
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Capitals vs. Canadiens
By Nick Martin
Since the 2015-16 NHL postseason teams that are attempting to avoid going down 3-0 in the series are 26-19, and betting on each of those teams would yield a +14.8% ROI, so the Canadiens are in a good situational spot in this game.
In terms of sides, my lean would be with the scrappy Canadiens in this matchup, but from strictly a numbers perspective, +100 is not that appealing to bet into my speculation that Montreal finds a way to make it a series tonight.
My favorite play is backing Caufield to score a goal. He’s one of the most talented goalscorers in the league and has been getting quality opportunities playing on a line that has been dominant in this series. They should benefit from more favorable matchups playing on home ice in this matchup, and at +175, I believe we are getting a good price to back Caufield tallying his second of the series.
Pick: Cole Caufield Anytime Goalscorer
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Kings vs. Oilers
The Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers will meet on Friday night for Game 3 of the opening-round series. Los Angeles stunned the Oilers in each of the first two games to take a 2-0 series lead. Edmonton desperately needs to defend its home ice tonight and tighten this series.
28-year-old Adrian Kempe is off to a hot start in the series with three goals and four assists. Connor McDavid leads the Oilers with one goal and three assists.
I would be shocked If the Oilers did not bounce back at home tonight. This season, the Kings had drastic splits: They went 31–10 SU at home compared to 17-24 SU on the road.
Edmonton played their best hockey on their home ice and will deliver a desperate effort in this must-win spot tonight
Pick: Oilers ML -130
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