As the Stanley Cup Playoffs roll into Friday night, the drama continues to build across the league. With pivotal Game 3s on the slate, tonight’s fixtures could swing the momentum of entire series. Teams trailing 2-0 find themselves on the brink, knowing that a third straight defeat may be a step too far to recover. Meanwhile, those holding the advantage are keen to press home their dominance and edge closer to a place in the next round. With storylines brimming—from struggling superstars to goalies standing on their heads—expect tension, intensity, and playoff hockey at its finest.
Washington Capitals at Montreal Canadiens
Match Info
- Stanley Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference First Round
- Friday 25th April 2025 – 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (26 April)
- Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada
Washington Capitals
The Capitals enter Game 3 with the wind in their sails after taking a commanding 2-0 lead. They’ve looked composed, clinical, and increasingly dangerous with every shift. Logan Thompson’s resurgence between the pipes has provided a solid last line of defence, particularly under the barrage faced late in Game 2. Washington’s offence has been led by the in-form Connor McMichael, who tallied twice last game, while Dylan Strome’s pivotal strike kept the Canadiens at arm’s length. Coach Spencer Carbery will be eager to maintain their rhythm and kill off any hopes of a comeback early.
Montreal Canadiens
Returning to home ice offers a glimmer of hope for a Canadiens side that’s shown flashes but failed to deliver consistently. Nick Suzuki’s leadership remains a key beacon, and despite being outplayed, Montreal’s third-period push in Game 2 demonstrated resilience. However, big questions loom over Patrik Laine’s ice time and impact, especially after being benched for the final period last time out. Coach Martin St. Louis has admitted to narrowing his rotation, suggesting he’s looking for players who can rise to the playoff pace. They’ll need to find another gear—and quickly—if they’re to claw back into this series.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Washington Capitals to win
With momentum on their side and a goaltender in form, Washington looks poised to edge Game 3, especially if Montreal continues to struggle for offensive cohesion.
America Bet Score Prediction
Washington 3 – 2 Montreal
Expect a tighter contest at the Bell Centre, but the Capitals’ superior finishing and structure may just tilt the scales once more.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Washington Capitals to win
- Under 5.5 total goals
- Connor McMichael to score anytime
- Logan Thompson over 28.5 saves
- First period draw
- Montreal Canadiens under 2.5 goals
- Washington Capitals to win by exactly 1 goal
- Game to go to overtime – No
- Washington to score first
- Both teams to score in the 2nd period
Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils
Match Info
- Stanley Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference First Round
- Friday 25th April 2025 – 20:00 EST / 01:00 BST (26 April)
- Prudential Center, Newark, USA
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina’s reputation as playoff warriors is being reaffirmed once again. With a 2-0 series lead and a historical success rate backing them, the Hurricanes are grinding teams down with relentless pace and clinical special teams play. Jordan Martinook and Shayne Gostisbehere were the game-changers in Game 2, turning a deficit into a lead in rapid fashion. Add to that an airtight penalty kill and a proven playoff backbone, and it’s clear this team is well-drilled for the big occasion. Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s formula continues to pay dividends.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils showed signs of life in Game 2, coming out strong and nabbing the early goal. Jesper Bratt’s strike sparked hope, and their overall effort was far more gritty than in the series opener. But without success on special teams and with defensive injuries mounting—particularly with Brenden Dillon and Luke Hughes absent from practice—the margin for error is slim. However, with recent history on their side from their 2023 comeback against the Rangers, this is not unfamiliar territory. Game 3 is do-or-die, and New Jersey must summon belief and execution.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Carolina Hurricanes to win
With superior special teams and greater playoff poise, the Hurricanes should find a way to push their advantage even further in Newark.
America Bet Score Prediction
Carolina 4 – 2 New Jersey
Expect another fast start from the Devils, but Carolina’s depth and discipline could break them down late in the game.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Carolina Hurricanes to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Carolina to score first
- Jordan Martinook to register a point
- Carolina power play goal – Yes
- Devils under 3.5 goals
- Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 puck line
- First goal scored in first 10 minutes – Yes
- Total shots on goal over 58.5
- Game to end in regulation – Yes
Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers
Match Info
- Stanley Cup Playoffs – Western Conference First Round
- Friday 25th April 2025 – 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST (26 April)
- Rogers Place, Edmonton, Canada
Los Angeles Kings
With a 2-0 series lead and their special teams firing on all cylinders, the Kings look like a complete playoff unit. They’ve scored five power play goals in just two games, exposing Edmonton’s penalty kill with ruthless efficiency. Andrei Kuzmenko has emerged as a difference-maker, while veterans like Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar are dictating the pace. Coach Jim Hiller’s squad also boasts the distinction of keeping Connor McDavid off the scoresheet in Game 2—no small feat. If they can bottle that defensive intensity for the road, they could put this series beyond reach.
Edmonton Oilers
The pressure is on in Edmonton. Down 0-2 and leaking goals at an alarming rate, the Oilers must respond. Their power play has yet to ignite, and defensive lapses have left goalie Stuart Skinner exposed. Leon Draisaitl remains a lone beacon of production, but others—namely McDavid—must rise to the occasion. With a history of comebacks in recent years, the Oilers know this is salvageable. But Game 3 has become a must-win if they’re to avoid a catastrophic exit in the opening round.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Edmonton Oilers to win
With desperation setting in and home ice behind them, expect the Oilers to throw everything into this clash. A tighter game and a bounce-back performance could be on the cards.
America Bet Score Prediction
Los Angeles 3 – 4 Edmonton
A high-octane encounter could see the Oilers edge a narrow win in a game filled with special teams drama and scoring swings.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Edmonton Oilers to win
- Both teams to score 3+ goals
- Leon Draisaitl to score anytime
- Over 6.5 total goals
- Connor McDavid over 1.5 points
- LA Kings power play goal – Yes
- First period over 1.5 goals
- Total penalties over 7.5
- Stuart Skinner over 30.5 saves
- Game decided by 1 goal – Yes
