As the 2024–25 NHL regular season draws to a close, Thursday night serves up a compelling slate of fixtures that blend high-stakes preparation for the playoffs with emotional farewells for clubs and players heading into the off-season. Some teams are battling to fine-tune their form before embarking on a Stanley Cup run, while others are reflecting on missed opportunities and planning for a stronger return next year.
From division champions looking to assert their dominance to long-standing veterans potentially skating in their final NHL appearance, this matchday offers everything a hockey enthusiast could ask for—rivalries, redemption arcs, and rising stars making statements before the summer break. Here’s our full breakdown of the Thursday 17 April 2025 NHL fixtures, complete with insights, predictions, and betting tips to help you make the most of the night.
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins
Match Info
- Thursday 17th April 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Friday)
- PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, USA
Washington Capitals
With a formidable 51-21-9 record and the Eastern Conference’s top seed locked in, the Capitals are focused on rediscovering momentum before the playoffs. Recent form has been shaky; 4 wins in their last 11, but a stabilising 3-1 victory over the Islanders suggests they’re dialling back in. Dylan Strome is finishing the season in career-best fashion, thriving alongside the legendary Alex Ovechkin, who continues to add to his record-breaking goal tally. Nic Dowd’s re-signing also underscores Washington’s confidence in its depth and defensive stability heading into the postseason.
Pittsburgh Penguins
For Pittsburgh, this is a sombre finale. With 33-36-12, they’re missing the playoffs for the third straight season—a stark contrast to the championship days under Mike Sullivan. Despite Tristan Jarry’s solid form and Rickard Rakell’s breakout 35-goal season, inconsistency has plagued the Penguins. The absence of Kris Letang, recovering from heart surgery, adds a poignant tone, especially in what could be one of Sidney Crosby’s final head-to-heads with Ovechkin. Crosby’s 93 points in their rivalry remains iconic, but this chapter closes on a quieter note.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Washington Capitals to win
With the Penguins lacking defensive cohesion and Washington looking to sharpen their edge for playoff hockey, the Capitals should control this matchup.
America Bet Score Prediction
Washington Capitals 4 – 2 Pittsburgh Penguins
Washington’s offensive lines, led by Strome and Ovechkin, will likely overpower Pittsburgh’s inconsistent defence.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Washington Capitals to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Dylan Strome to score anytime
- Alex Ovechkin to score 1+ goals
- Rickard Rakell to have 1+ points
- First period total goals: Over 1.5
- Both teams to score in the 2nd period
- Washington Capitals to win by 2+ goals
- Penguins under 3.5 goals
- Total penalties: Over 9.5 minutes
Philadelphia Flyers at Buffalo Sabres
Match Info
- Thursday 17th April 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Friday)
- KeyBank Center, Buffalo, USA
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers arrive with nothing to lose and even less to gain, having already been eliminated from playoff contention. A rough season under interim coach Brad Shaw concludes with a roster searching for identity. Matvei Michkov’s 24-goal campaign has been a silver lining, and he’ll look to finish strong after going quiet against Columbus. Goalie Samuel Ersson continues to be a bright spot, showing poise despite the team’s structural shortcomings.
Buffalo Sabres
A mirror image of their opponents, Buffalo have also fallen short, extending their playoff drought to 14 years. Tuesday’s shutout loss to Toronto marked their fourth straight defeat. Coach Lindy Ruff has struggled to extract consistency from a youthful side that can generate chances but lacks finishing touch. The Sabres will aim to avoid a season sweep at the hands of Philadelphia, with pride and draft positioning subtly influencing the outcome.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Buffalo Sabres to win
Despite both teams being out of contention, Buffalo will be eager to end on a high at home and avoid a third defeat to the Flyers this season.
America Bet Score Prediction
Philadelphia Flyers 3 – 4 Buffalo Sabres
Expect a loose, open affair with both sides finding the net frequently, but Buffalo edging it in front of their home fans.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Buffalo Sabres to win
- Over 6.5 total goals
- Matvei Michkov to score anytime
- Sabres to score first
- Flyers over 2.5 team goals
- Both teams to score in 1st period
- Total goals odd
- Game to go to overtime – Yes
- Samuel Ersson over 29.5 saves
- Last goal: Buffalo Sabres
Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Rangers
Match Info
- Thursday 17th April 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Friday)
- Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay are entering the playoffs with serious momentum. Fresh off dominant wins over Florida and these very Rangers, the Lightning are firing on all cylinders. The trio of Kucherov, Point, and Guentzel are producing elite numbers, and with home-ice advantage in the bag, confidence is sky high. Coach Jon Cooper’s group is battle-hardened and looks well poised for a deep postseason push.
New York Rangers
The Rangers have had a season to forget. After years of being perennial contenders, they now join a rare club of President’s Trophy winners who missed the playoffs the following season. Despite a spirited win against Florida earlier this week, New York has faltered too often, falling victim to defensive lapses and inconsistent scoring. Their young call-ups will gain valuable ice time, but the team is in full reset mode.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Tampa Bay Lightning to win
The Lightning have been too efficient and too powerful for this version of the Rangers, especially given their recent demolition job at MSG.
America Bet Score Prediction
Tampa Bay Lightning 5 – 2 New York Rangers
Expect a repeat performance, with Tampa’s elite scorers taking control from the opening period.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Tampa Bay Lightning to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Kucherov to record 2+ points
- Jake Guentzel to score anytime
- Rangers under 2.5 goals
- Lightning to win both halves
- First period: Tampa Bay -1 handicap
- Total power play goals: Over 1.5
- Brayden Point to score in 1st period
- Total shots: Tampa Bay over 32.5
New York Islanders at Columbus Blue Jackets
Match Info
- Thursday 17th April 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Friday)
- Nationwide Arena, Columbus, USA
New York Islanders
The Islanders’ season comes to an end with frustration and finality, having missed out on the playoffs following a shootout loss to Philadelphia. With 35-34-12 on the board, the team has remained competitive but lacked the firepower and consistency needed to break through in the Eastern Conference. This finale may also mark the end of an era, as veteran forward Matt Martin is expected to skate in his final NHL game. For a squad that’s often defined by grit and heart, tonight will be a chance to honour that legacy.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus will close out an emotionally charged season that began in tragedy with the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and ends in bittersweet fashion. Despite a valiant late-season run, including five straight wins before elimination, the Blue Jackets fell just short of a wildcard spot. Rookie sensation Adam Fantilli has been a beacon of hope, notching 30 goals and showing maturity beyond his years. Though postseason dreams have ended, there’s reason for optimism heading into the off-season.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Columbus Blue Jackets to win
With form on their side and the momentum of a strong finish, Columbus should be too sharp for a weary Islanders side.
America Bet Score Prediction
New York Islanders 2 – 4 Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets’ attack, spearheaded by Fantilli, will likely capitalise on New York’s lack of urgency in what feels more like a farewell tour.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Columbus Blue Jackets to win
- Adam Fantilli to score anytime
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Islanders under 3.5 goals
- Columbus to win the 3rd period
- Both teams to score in 2nd period
- Last goal: Columbus Blue Jackets
- Total faceoff wins: Columbus over 30.5
- First team to 3 goals: Columbus
- Total hits: Over 40.5
Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs
Match Info
- Thursday 17th April 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Friday)
- Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings find themselves on the outside looking in once again. Even with a three-game win streak, including a statement victory over New Jersey, their fate was sealed before the puck dropped. Under Todd McLellan, Detroit has stabilised and shown sparks of potential. Dylan Larkin’s consistent scoring and DeBrincat’s firepower are positives to build on. But as the curtain falls, this is a chance to end strong against the Atlantic Division leaders.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto are locked in and ready for a high-profile first-round showdown with Ottawa. Clinching top spot in the division, the Leafs are riding a wave of confidence and form, having blanked Buffalo 4-0 last time out. Mitch Marner’s 100-point season and Auston Matthews’ 400th career goal are landmarks that underline the firepower at Toronto’s disposal. Expect a disciplined yet assertive approach tonight as they fine-tune for playoff intensity.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs to win
With home ice secured and a full-strength lineup, the Leafs should comfortably see off Detroit.
America Bet Score Prediction
Detroit Red Wings 2 – 5 Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto’s offence is clicking at just the right time and will likely overpower a Detroit team winding down.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win
- Mitch Marner to record 2+ points
- Auston Matthews to score anytime
- Over 6.5 total goals
- Toronto to lead after 1st period
- Dylan Larkin to record a point
- Both teams to score in 1st period – Yes
- Toronto over 3.5 team goals
- First goal scorer: Toronto Maple Leafs
- Total shots on goal: Over 60.5
Carolina Hurricanes at Ottawa Senators
Match Info
- Thursday 17th April 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Friday)
- Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Canada
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina’s 47-29-5 campaign has earned them a playoff berth against New Jersey, and their regular-season finale will serve as a final tune-up. With several stars rested in their loss to Montreal, the Canes are likely to keep things conservative once more. The spotlight may fall on Skyler Brind’Amour, who made his NHL debut recently, as the coaching staff assesses depth and readiness across the roster.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators, bound for a clash with provincial rivals Toronto in the playoffs, will likely test a near-full-strength lineup, with captain Brady Tkachuk potentially returning after an eight-game injury layoff. Ottawa’s recent form has been mixed, including an overtime loss to Chicago, but offensive threats like Drake Batherson and Thomas Chabot continue to shine. Expect a fiery showing from a team eager to launch into the postseason with confidence.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Ottawa Senators to win
With Tkachuk potentially returning and the team preparing for a heated series with the Leafs, Ottawa should edge a Carolina side managing their minutes.
America Bet Score Prediction
Carolina Hurricanes 2 – 3 Ottawa Senators
Ottawa’s top line should provide just enough firepower against a rotated Hurricanes squad.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Ottawa Senators to win
- Brady Tkachuk to record a point (if confirmed in lineup)
- Under 5.5 total goals
- Drake Batherson to score anytime
- Senators to win by exactly 1 goal
- Total penalties: Over 7.5 minutes
- Game to be decided in regulation – Yes
- Carolina under 3.5 goals
- Both teams to score in 2nd period
- Total blocked shots: Over 25.5
