The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs get underway with a bang this Sunday, as three electrifying matchups headline the first day of postseason action. From storied rivalries to recent playoff rematches, the stage is set for high drama, fierce competition, and no shortage of betting intrigue. With teams looking to make a deep run, and some players entering the playoffs for the first time, each matchup offers unique narratives and betting angles.
Whether you’re backing the home favourites or sniffing out the underdog upset, we’ve broken down each fixture below with match info, team analysis, score predictions, and betting tips to guide your wagers.
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
Match Info
🕒 Sunday 20th April 2025 15:00 EST / 20:00 BST
📍PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
New Jersey Devils
New Jersey enters the postseason with a renewed sense of purpose, reaching the playoffs for the second time in three seasons under new head coach Sheldon Keefe. Despite losing dynamic playmaker Jack Hughes to injury in March, the Devils have shown resilience, with Jesper Bratt carrying the offensive load. Bratt posted a career-high 88 points, while captain Nico Hischier and Timo Meier continue to provide much-needed veteran presence. The return of Dougie Hamilton to the blueline offers a timely boost, and Jacob Markstrom, though slightly off-form after returning from injury, brings playoff-calibre goaltending experience. The Devils may not be firing on all cylinders, but they have the tools to keep games competitive—especially if they tighten up defensively.
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina may have limped to the finish line with a 1-6-1 record in their final eight games, but they remain one of the most formidable teams on home ice, tying for the league lead with 31 wins at PNC Arena. Their playoff spot has been secure for some time, and they’ve used the late season to rest and reset. With top scorers Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis once again delivering offensively, and new additions like Taylor Hall looking to prove their worth, the Canes have depth and pedigree. Coach Rod Brind’Amour knows how to get the best out of his squad in the postseason, and the memory of last year’s second-round exit still lingers. Expect a high-tempo, physical showing from the home side, looking to start their run strong.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Carolina Hurricanes to win
The Hurricanes’ dominance at home, combined with New Jersey’s key absences, makes Carolina the safe pick here. They’ve got the experience, firepower, and motivation to take control of the series early.
America Bet Score Prediction
New Jersey 2 – 4 Carolina
Expect the Devils to put up a fight, but Carolina’s offence should ultimately wear them down, especially in front of a raucous home crowd.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Carolina Hurricanes to win (Moneyline)
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Sebastian Aho anytime goalscorer
- Jesper Bratt to register a point
- Carolina to score first
- Carolina -1.5 (Puck Line)
- Taylor Hall over 0.5 points
- Both teams to score in the 1st period
- Hurricanes to win the 2nd period
- Markstrom over 28.5 saves
Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
Match Info
🕖 Sunday 20th April 2025 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (21st April)
📍Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Ottawa Senators
It’s been a long time coming, but Ottawa is finally back in the playoffs—and it’s against none other than their fiercest rivals. The Senators swept Toronto in the regular season, and now they have the chance to do it when it matters most. With Brady Tkachuk healthy again and eager for his first taste of playoff action, the Senators bring a gritty, hard-nosed style of hockey. Their power play is potent, and they’ve got postseason-calibre goaltending in Linus Ullmark. After years of rebuilding and frustration, this is a team with nothing to lose and everything to prove. Expect them to come out with passion and intensity.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are playoff veterans at this point, yet the narrative remains the same: can they finally make a deep run? Toronto enters the postseason on a five-game winning streak and boasts an elite offensive trio in Marner, Nylander, and Matthews. However, injuries on defence linger—Jake McCabe is back, but Oliver Ekman-Larsson is questionable. The goaltending situation is intriguing too, with Anthony Stolarz potentially getting the nod after a standout regular season. Special teams will be crucial, and Toronto’s ninth-ranked power play could be a major difference-maker. With home ice and momentum on their side, the Leafs are favourites—but they’ll need to keep their discipline against a fired-up Ottawa squad.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs to win
Despite being swept in the regular season, Toronto’s superior depth and recent form suggest they’ll draw first blood in the series.
America Bet Score Prediction
Ottawa 3 – 5 Toronto
Expect fireworks in this Battle of Ontario opener, with both sides pushing hard offensively. Toronto’s star power should give them the edge.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win (Moneyline)
- Over 6.5 total goals
- William Nylander anytime goalscorer
- Brady Tkachuk to score a goal
- Both teams to score in the 2nd period
- Mitch Marner over 1.5 points
- Ullmark over 30.5 saves
- Toronto to win the 1st period
- Game to have a goal in the first 5 minutes
- Toronto to win and both teams to score
Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
Match Info
🕙 Sunday 20th April 2025 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST (21st April)
📍T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Minnesota Wild
Minnesota punched their ticket to the playoffs in dramatic fashion and now face the daunting task of toppling the Pacific Division champs. The Wild were forced to navigate key injuries all season, but the return of Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek gives them hope. Matt Boldy has emerged as their offensive talisman, while Brock Faber has been a rock on defence. This team is battle-tested and resilient, but they’ll need to be at their very best to contain Vegas. The Wild have shown flashes of brilliance but will be under immense pressure to strike early in the series.
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas enters the playoffs with high expectations after a 50-win regular season and a dominant 3-0 head-to-head showing against Minnesota. Their 2023 Cup win is still fresh in memory, and the likes of Jack Eichel and Adin Hill are again central figures. Eichel’s career-best campaign and Hill’s consistency between the pipes provide a formidable foundation. The Golden Knights have won nine of their last 11 against the Wild, and home ice gives them a significant psychological edge. Coach Bruce Cassidy will demand the hunger and urgency that defined their 2023 run. If they bring that, Vegas will be a very tough out.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Vegas Golden Knights to win
Vegas has owned this matchup in recent memory and with key players in top form, they should control Game 1.
America Bet Score Prediction
Minnesota 2 – 4 Vegas
The Wild will hang in, but Vegas’ offensive depth and strong goaltending should see them through comfortably.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Vegas Golden Knights to win (Moneyline)
- Under 6.5 total goals
- Jack Eichel anytime goalscorer
- Matt Boldy over 0.5 points
- Vegas to win the 3rd period
- Adin Hill under 2.5 goals conceded
- Minnesota to score exactly 2 goals
- Kaprizov to have 3+ shots on goal
- Both teams to score in the 2nd period
- Vegas -1.5 (Puck Line)
