As the regular season nears its thrilling conclusion, playoff tension is reaching fever pitch across the NHL. With teams jostling for seeding, wild-card spots still up for grabs, and others simply hoping to end their seasons on a high, every fixture tonight holds significance. From division showdowns to potential postseason previews, hockey fans are in for a feast of fast-paced action, gritty drama, and clutch performances.
In the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be desperate to break their losing streak against Toronto and claw level on points, while the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers meet in a clash of fading postseason hopes. Over in the West, the Wild aim to tighten their grip on a playoff place, Calgary cling to their survival chances, and Edmonton look to bounce back as they host the in-form St. Louis Blues. Let’s break down every matchup.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning
Match Info
- Wednesday 9th April 2025 – 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Thursday)
- Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida, USA
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs enter this clash with a slender two-point lead atop the Atlantic Division but are coming off a flat performance against Florida. Despite boasting one of the league’s most potent attacks, Toronto have struggled against fellow playoff-bound sides in recent weeks. John Tavares continues to find the net, but the team’s reliance on individual brilliance is beginning to show cracks. Coach Craig Berube will be looking for a response after questioning his team’s competitiveness, especially with postseason matchups looming.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are chasing redemption—not just for their previous defeats to the Leafs this season, but also to reaffirm their postseason credentials. Snapping a two-game skid with an emphatic win over the Rangers, Tampa showed signs of hitting form at just the right time. Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov were unstoppable in that win, and the power play finally roared to life after a dry spell. Expect intensity from a side playing with playoff urgency on home ice.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Tampa Bay Lightning to win
With confidence restored and key players firing, the Bolts have the momentum and motivation to finally get one over the Leafs. Home ice advantage could prove the difference in a game that feels like a playoff preview.
America Bet Score Prediction
Toronto 2 – 4 Tampa Bay
Toronto have struggled to match high-intensity opponents recently, and if Tampa maintain their recent form, the result could follow the same script.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Brayden Point to score anytime
- Tampa Bay Lightning to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Both teams to score in the first period
- Lightning to score first
- Kucherov 2+ points
- Power-play goal to be scored
- Toronto under 3.5 goals
- Match to include an empty-net goal
- Lightning to win by 2+ goals
Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers
Match Info
- Wednesday 9th April 2025 – 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST (Thursday)
- Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USA
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers have responded to their coaching change with fresh energy, scoring at a faster pace and looking more adventurous offensively. Although eliminated from playoff contention, they’re relishing their spoiler role. Young guns like Tyson Foerster and Matvei Michkov have found form, injecting a sense of optimism around a franchise in rebuild. Defensive lapses still haunt them, especially late in games, but there’s a defiant energy in their play.
New York Rangers
It’s crunch time in Manhattan, and the Rangers are running out of lives. Despite a midseason points streak, inconsistency has plagued them. A porous defence and a stuttering power play have undone much of their early season promise. With fans and players equally frustrated, this is a must-win game for a team whose playoff hopes are hanging by a thread.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
New York Rangers to win
Desperation often brings determination, and the Rangers have far more to lose here. Expect them to lean on experience and deliver when it matters.
America Bet Score Prediction
Philadelphia 3 – 5 New York
Goals should flow with both sides showing defensive frailty, but the Rangers’ urgency should give them the edge in a back-and-forth affair.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Over 6.5 total goals
- Mika Zibanejad to score
- Rangers to win
- Both teams to score
- Flyers to score in second period
- Matvei Michkov to register a point
- Rangers to score on power play
- Match to include a fight (Yes)
- New York to win third period
- Total penalties over 5.5
San Jose Sharks at Minnesota Wild
Match Info
- Wednesday 9th April 2025 – 20:00 EST / 01:00 BST (Thursday)
- Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are winding down a painful season, plagued by a lack of depth and inconsistent goaltending. Rookies like Macklin Celebrini offer a glimpse of a brighter future, but for now, San Jose remain a team routinely outclassed by playoff contenders. Their six-game winless run and defensive vulnerabilities suggest another long night ahead.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild know what’s at stake and are embracing the pressure. With Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek nearing a return, their lineup is about to get scarier. Even without their stars, Boldy and Rossi have kept the engine running. With home ice, a renewed sense of belief, and a desperate Sharks team in town, this is a golden opportunity to solidify a playoff spot.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Minnesota Wild to win
The Wild are on a mission, and this matchup presents them with a gift-wrapped chance to extend their momentum.
America Bet Score Prediction
San Jose 1 – 5 Minnesota
Expect the Wild to assert dominance early, with the Sharks struggling to keep pace across three periods.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Minnesota to win
- Wild -1.5 handicap
- Under 2.5 goals for Sharks
- Marco Rossi to score
- Matt Boldy 2+ points
- Total goals over 5.5
- Minnesota to score in all three periods
- Celebrini to record over 2.5 shots on goal
- Fleury to get the win (if starting)
- Sharks to register under 25 shots on goal
Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks
Match Info
- Wednesday 9th April 2025 – 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST (Thursday)
- Honda Center, Anaheim, California, USA
Calgary Flames
Calgary are on the brink—every game now feels like sudden death. Their comeback against San Jose showed resilience, but inconsistency has been their Achilles’ heel. With Dustin Wolf looking sharp in net and a promising debut looming for top pick Zayne Parekh, the Flames are fighting with heart and hope. Their road form and history against Anaheim both work in their favour.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks surprised Edmonton last time out, thanks largely to a stellar showing from Lukas Dostal. While the win masked a chaotic performance full of turnovers and indiscipline, it highlighted this team’s unpredictability. Young guns like Cutter Gauthier and McTavish are flourishing, and while playoffs are out of reach, they’re proving no opponent can afford to overlook them.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Calgary Flames to win
With everything to play for and recent dominance over Anaheim, the Flames should emerge victorious if they stay focused.
America Bet Score Prediction
Calgary 4 – 2 Anaheim
The Ducks will compete, but Calgary’s urgency and firepower should see them through—especially late on.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Flames to win
- Over 1.5 goals in third period
- Dostal to face 35+ shots
- Calgary to win third period
- McTavish to score
- Flames to score a power-play goal
- Under 4.5 Ducks total goals
- Calgary to win and both teams to score
- Game to feature a comeback win
- Zayne Parekh to register a point (if plays)
St. Louis Blues at Edmonton Oilers
Match Info
- Wednesday 9th April 2025 – 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST (Thursday)
- Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
St. Louis Blues
The Blues finally saw their incredible 12-game winning streak snapped, but remain one of the most in-form teams in the NHL. Led by the slick duo of Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, this team has found its scoring groove and can grind out tough games. Monday’s defeat to Winnipeg was a reality check, but the Blues still have momentum and belief as they head into a massive Western clash.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers limp back to Rogers Place after an underwhelming road trip and with injury concerns stacking up. Missing both McDavid and Draisaitl, the pressure falls on secondary scorers like Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard to deliver. There’s still enough talent to win games, but without their stars, the Oilers are far more vulnerable—especially against high-flying opposition.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
St. Louis Blues to win
In their current form and facing a weakened Oilers roster, the Blues are well-positioned to pull off another statement win.
America Bet Score Prediction
St. Louis 3 – 2 Edmonton
Expect a tight, nervy encounter. The Blues have the edge in cohesion and fitness, which could be decisive.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Blues to win
- Under 6.5 total goals
- Jordan Kyrou to score
- Robert Thomas over 1.5 points
- Edmonton under 3.5 goals
- Blues to score first
- Both teams under 35 shots
- Oilers to win at least one period
- Game decided by one goal
- Match to go to overtime (Yes)
