As the Stanley Cup Playoffs march into full swing, Wednesday’s matchday offers a trio of second-round showdowns brimming with tension, narratives, and no shortage of drama. The stakes couldn’t be higher for all six teams, whether it’s redemption, revenge, or simply the desire to keep the dream alive. The night features three series-defining Game 2 clashes, including a classic Canadian vs American duel in Washington, a deeply personal grudge match in Denver, and a wild-west shootout in Los Angeles.
From rookies tasting playoff pressure to legends chasing one more shot at glory, this evening has it all. Let’s break down each fixture.
Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals
Match Info
- Wednesday 23rd April 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (24th)
- Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C., USA
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens enter Game 2 with heads held high despite falling just short in the opener. They showed grit and composure beyond their years, rallying back from a two-goal deficit to push the game to overtime. Led by the ever-dangerous Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, who both found the net in Game 1, Montreal’s young core demonstrated they won’t be pushed around. Sam Montembeault’s 29-save playoff debut also bodes well, as the goaltender stood tall against a relentless Washington offence. With a squad short on playoff experience but rich in spirit and raw talent, Montreal will be hungry to level the series.
Washington Capitals
Washington’s Game 1 performance was vintage playoff Capitals – explosive out of the gate, disciplined on the power play, and finished by their talisman, Alex Ovechkin. The ageless Russian marked yet another milestone with the overtime winner, adding to his growing legend. The supporting cast, including Anthony Beauvillier and Dylan Strome, were instrumental in maintaining offensive pressure throughout. Despite some lapses in the third period, Logan Thompson’s solid return in net adds a critical piece to Washington’s title puzzle. Coach Spencer Carbery knows his team must find a full 60-minute performance, but the early signs are encouraging.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Washington Capitals to win
The Capitals’ depth and playoff savvy give them the edge, especially on home ice. Their fast start in Game 1 is likely to continue with the Canadiens still finding their playoff legs.
America Bet Score Prediction
Montreal 2 – 4 Washington
Expect a similar scoreline to the opener, with Washington controlling tempo and Montreal fighting back late but ultimately falling short again.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Capitals to win in regulation
- Alex Ovechkin anytime goal scorer
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Cole Caufield to score
- Capitals to score first
- Capitals power play goal
- Logan Thompson over 27.5 saves
- Both teams to score in 3rd period
- Game to go to overtime – No
- Washington to win both the 1st and 2nd period
Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche
Match Info
- Wednesday 23rd April 2025, 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST (24th)
- Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado, USA
Dallas Stars
Dallas proved their playoff mettle by stealing Game 2 in overtime, sending this compelling series back to Denver all square. But this isn’t just about playoff drama — it’s personal. Mikko Rantanen’s return to Denver in a Stars jersey has stirred emotions, even if the Finnish star is still searching for his first points. Dallas will need him to find his rhythm soon, especially in the absence of Jason Robertson. Pete DeBoer’s side has shown they can grind out results, and with a balanced forward group and a structured defensive core, they’ll look to spoil the party in Denver.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche face a crucial test on home ice. With their top lines misfiring, the possible return of captain Gabriel Landeskog could provide an emotional and tactical boost. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood has impressed in his playoff debut, showing composure and sharp reflexes. Coach Jared Bednar hasn’t minced words about underperforming forwards and may shake things up to spark more offence. Colorado must rediscover their scoring touch quickly – especially if they want to avoid heading to Dallas down 2-1 in the series.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Dallas Stars to win
Momentum is on the Stars’ side. If they tighten up defensively and get even modest contributions from Rantanen or their depth forwards, they could silence the home crowd again.
America Bet Score Prediction
Dallas 3 – 2 Colorado
A cagey, tactical affair is likely. Both goaltenders are in form, but Dallas’s ability to edge close games could be the difference.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Stars to win (including OT)
- Game total under 5.5 goals
- Rantanen to record a point
- Landeskog to have 2+ shots
- Blackwood over 28.5 saves
- Stars to win by 1 goal
- Both teams to score in 2nd period
- First goal scored in 1st 10 minutes – No
- Total penalties over 8.5 minutes
- Either team to win in OT
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings
Match Info
- Wednesday 23rd April 2025, 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST (24th)
- Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers may have lost Game 1 in dramatic fashion, but don’t write them off. If history is any guide, they’ve bounced back from opening defeats before – often with emphatic responses. The comeback in Game 1 showed their offensive firepower remains unmatched, even without Evander Kane. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can take over a game at any moment, and the team’s resilience is unquestionable. Defence and goaltending will need to be sharper, but Edmonton knows what it takes to win in this building and will be focused on drawing level.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings came flying out of the gates in Game 1, but nearly blew a three-goal lead. Still, closing the game out shows progress for a team that’s been on the wrong end of many playoff thrillers. Phillip Danault’s game-winner capped a gutsy performance, and Quinton Byfield’s line was active all night. The Kings’ defensive systems worked well early but need to hold firm through the full 60 minutes. If they can rediscover that control from the opening two periods and clean up special teams, they might just edge out the favourites again.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Edmonton Oilers to win
Despite the Game 1 loss, Edmonton’s experience and firepower make them the likelier side to bounce back and tie the series.
America Bet Score Prediction
Edmonton 5 – 3 Los Angeles
Expect another high-scoring affair, but this time the Oilers will finish the job. Their offence is simply too potent to be contained twice in a row.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Oilers to win
- McDavid over 1.5 points
- Over 6.5 total goals
- Draisaitl anytime goal scorer
- Kings to score first
- Oilers total goals over 3.5
- Game to be tied after 2nd period
- Both teams to score in all periods – No
- Total shots on goal over 60.5
- Oilers to win the 3rd period
