The Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing and Monday, 28th April 2025, promises a thrilling set of encounters as several teams fight to seize momentum in their first-round series. With high stakes, fierce rivalries, and series-defining moments on the line, each match will test the depth, resilience, and composure of these elite squads. The Tampa Bay Lightning will look to build on their surge against the reigning champions Florida Panthers, while the Colorado Avalanche, bolstered by the return of their inspirational captain, face off against the Dallas Stars in what has become a fiercely contested Western Conference battle. Expect intense, high-octane hockey across the board as teams seek crucial victories.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers
Match Info
- Eastern Conference First-Round Playoffs
- Monday 28th April 2025 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (29th April)
- Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida, USA
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning have reignited their playoff campaign just when it mattered most. After looking lacklustre in the first two games, they roared back in Game 3 with an emphatic 5-1 win on Florida ice. It was not just the scoreline that impressed but the way the Lightning seized momentum by overcoming a deficit and refusing to wilt under the home pressure. Key players like Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel sparked to life, showcasing the kind of offensive prowess that has defined Tampa Bay’s deep playoff runs in years past. With Kucherov orchestrating the attack and Guentzel finishing clinically, the Lightning now have the belief and firepower to turn this series into a genuine battle.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers, reigning Stanley Cup champions, still hold a 2-1 series lead, but Game 3 was a wake-up call. Their fast start fizzled out after the first period, and a lack of sharpness allowed the Lightning to overrun them. Nevertheless, this is a team built for adversity. Sam Reinhart remains a potent offensive weapon, while Aleksander Barkov’s leadership and creativity ensure the Panthers cannot be written off after a single setback. Coach Paul Maurice will demand more puck movement and offensive urgency as Florida look to protect home ice and reassert their dominance.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Tampa Bay Lightning to win
Tampa Bay’s newfound energy and momentum could prove decisive. With key players hitting form and the mental boost from winning away from home, they look primed to level the series.
America Bet Score Prediction
Tampa Bay Lightning 4 – 2 Florida Panthers
The Lightning’s rejuvenated offence could outpace Florida again, with a strong defensive effort helping to contain the Panthers’ dangerous scorers.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Tampa Bay Lightning to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Nikita Kucherov to record 2+ points
- Jake Guentzel anytime goal scorer
- Nick Paul to score anytime
- Matthew Tkachuk over 2.5 shots on goal
- Both teams to score 2+ goals
- Tampa Bay Lightning to score first
- Florida Panthers over 1.5 total goals
- Tampa Bay Lightning to win by 2+ goals
Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars
Match Info
- Western Conference First-Round Playoffs
- Monday 28th April 2025 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST (29th April)
- American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have found a huge emotional and tactical lift in the return of Gabriel Landeskog, whose long-awaited comeback has energised the locker room and the ice alike. Landeskog’s goal and assist in Game 4 were symbolic of Colorado’s spirit, resilience, and quality. The Avalanche utterly dominated the Stars, outshooting them almost two to one and overwhelming them with wave after wave of attacks. With their captain back leading from the front, Colorado’s offence, led by the likes of Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, looks sharper and more dangerous than ever. Their aggressive, relentless style will be a major weapon as they seek to steal a vital road win.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars will need to regroup quickly after being dismantled in Game 4. While their back-to-back overtime wins earlier in the series proved they have the grit and quality to prevail in tight contests, their inability to withstand Colorado’s onslaught in Denver exposed worrying defensive frailties. Jake Oettinger will be desperate to bounce back in goal after being pulled, while stars like Tyler Seguin and Jason Robertson must ignite the offence. Dallas’ impressive home record during the regular season could be a crucial factor, but they must find a way to neutralise Colorado’s speed and creativity to reclaim the series lead.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Colorado Avalanche to win
The Avalanche have the momentum, depth, and emotional edge heading into this pivotal Game 5. With Landeskog back and firing, they look tough to stop.
America Bet Score Prediction
Colorado Avalanche 3 – 1 Dallas Stars
Expect Colorado to control the tempo, frustrate Dallas, and grind out another convincing victory through disciplined defence and opportunistic scoring.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Colorado Avalanche to win
- Under 5.5 total goals
- Gabriel Landeskog to score anytime
- Nathan MacKinnon over 1.5 points
- Colorado Avalanche to win 1st period
- Dallas Stars under 2.5 total goals
- Mikko Rantanen anytime assist
- Both teams under 30 shots on goal
- Colorado Avalanche to score exactly 3 goals
- Colorado Avalanche to win by 2+ goals
