The puck drops on a thrilling night of Stanley Cup Playoff action this Saturday, 19th April, as fans gear up for high-stakes clashes that promise intensity, grit, and moments of brilliance. With key players missing, others returning from injury, and old rivalries reignited, this round of fixtures offers a gripping mix of narratives that will excite both fans and bettors alike.
From Jordan Binnington’s playoff pedigree to Connor Hellebuyck’s record-setting campaign, and from Mikko Rantanen’s return to his former club to Gabriel Landeskog’s long-awaited comeback, this matchday is bursting with storylines that demand your attention.
St. Louis Blues at Winnipeg Jets
Match Info
- NHL: Round 1, Game 1
- Saturday 19th April 2025, 18:00 EST / 23:00 BST
- Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
St. Louis Blues
The Blues head into this postseason opener leaning heavily on a backbone of playoff experience. While Jordan Binnington may not boast the sparkling numbers of his opposite number, his reputation as a proven playoff performer cannot be dismissed—especially considering his pivotal role in their 2019 Stanley Cup triumph. With veteran presence across the defensive core, including Colton Parayko and nearly 4,000 games of collective NHL experience, the Blues will be banking on structure and savvy to slow the Jets’ offensive machine. Up front, the likes of Brayden Schenn and Robert Thomas must shoulder the scoring burden to give St. Louis a fighting chance in Winnipeg.
Winnipeg Jets
Connor Hellebuyck is the centrepiece of a Jets team poised to make a serious push this postseason. Coming off a historic campaign, where he led the NHL in shutouts and posted a league-best goals-against average, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner looks locked in and ready. Winnipeg’s balance at both ends of the ice, plus home-ice advantage in Game 1, gives them a vital edge. Their form against St. Louis—highlighted by a 3-1 victory earlier this month—adds weight to their case, as does Hellebuyck’s outstanding head-to-head record against the Blues.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Winnipeg Jets to win
The Jets’ combination of elite goaltending, recent form, and home advantage gives them a strong upper hand. While the Blues’ experience can’t be ignored, Winnipeg have all the momentum.
America Bet Score Prediction
St. Louis Blues 2 – 4 Winnipeg Jets
Expect St. Louis to challenge early, but Winnipeg’s offensive pressure and Hellebuyck’s reliability in goal should see them pull away late.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Winnipeg Jets to win in regulation
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Connor Hellebuyck to record 30+ saves
- Kyle Connor to score anytime
- Jordan Binnington over 28.5 saves
- Winnipeg Jets -1.5 handicap
- Robert Thomas to score 1+ point
- First period result: Draw
- Total goals in 2nd period: Over 1.5
- Exact score: Winnipeg 4-2
Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars
Match Info
- NHL: Round 1, Game 1
- Saturday 19th April 2025, 20:30 EST / 01:30 BST (20 April)
- American Airlines Center, Dallas, USA
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado enter the series as one of the most intriguing teams of the postseason. Having made bold mid-season moves—swapping goaltenders and overhauling their forward depth—the Avalanche appear to be peaking at the right time. The return of captain Gabriel Landeskog, after a near three-year absence, injects both emotion and leadership into the dressing room. Offensively, the chemistry of Nathan MacKinnon and the newly acquired Martin Necas is expected to shoulder the burden in the absence of Mikko Rantanen, whose trade ironically sees him lining up for the opposition.
Dallas Stars
The Stars may have finished above Colorado in the standings, but injuries have come at the worst possible moment. With leading scorer Jason Robertson sidelined and defensive anchor Miro Heiskanen out, Dallas must rely on their depth and adaptability. Their end-of-season slump (0-5-2) is a worrying sign, but veteran leadership and playoff pedigree could help them bounce back. Mikko Rantanen’s presence against his former team adds a layer of intrigue, especially as he looks to prove his worth with his new side in what will surely be a highly emotional matchup.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Colorado Avalanche to win
The Avs’ fresher form, depth from recent acquisitions, and the emotional lift from Landeskog’s return may just give them the edge against a depleted Stars outfit.
America Bet Score Prediction
Colorado Avalanche 3 – 2 Dallas Stars (OT)
Expect a tight, tactical game. With both sides adjusting to missing personnel, Colorado’s new-look attack could deliver in extra time.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Colorado Avalanche to win (including OT)
- Game to go to overtime
- Nathan MacKinnon to score anytime
- Total goals under 5.5
- First goal: Colorado Avalanche
- Mikko Rantanen to record a point
- Gabriel Landeskog to record 1+ point
- Colorado to win 3rd period
- Total shots on goal: Over 60
- Correct score: Colorado 3-2
