As the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to heat up, Thursday 1st May 2025 brings another crucial slate of Game 6 matchups that could see multiple teams either progress or be sent packing. With series momentum swinging wildly across both conferences, tonight’s fixtures offer everything from potential Game 7 setups to long-standing rivalries reaching boiling point. All eyes are on franchises with historical baggage, emergent underdogs, and playoff stalwarts looking to assert dominance. Let’s dive into a compelling night of hockey action, breaking down each match with insight, predictions, and betting opportunities.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators
Match Info
- Eastern Conference First Round, Game 6
- Thursday 1st May 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (2 May)
- Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Canada
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs enter Game 6 carrying the weight of a tortured playoff legacy. Despite seizing a commanding 3-0 series lead, Toronto now finds itself on the defensive after dropping two consecutive games, including a lifeless 4-0 shutout at home. The club’s core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares must summon a spark in a high-pressure environment that historically hasn’t been kind to them. With only one series-clinching win in their last 14 opportunities, Toronto’s ability to deliver under pressure remains in serious doubt. Coach Craig Berube has hinted at possible line changes, but cohesion and composure may be more pressing concerns. The Leafs’ power play has been efficient, but costly turnovers and short-handed goals conceded have undone their efforts.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators have executed a remarkable turnaround, turning a 3-0 series deficit into a genuine chance to force Game 7. Tuesday’s 4-0 triumph in Toronto was more than just a win — it was a statement. Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle have emerged as pivotal figures, notching multiple points and dictating the game’s pace. Goaltender Linus Ullmark, whose postseason credentials were questioned after early struggles, has responded magnificently with a shutout and stellar form. Ottawa’s ability to claw their way back has injected belief and intensity into their camp. History beckons, as they look to become just the fifth team ever to overturn a 3-0 playoff deficit.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Ottawa Senators to win
Momentum is squarely with the Senators, who look sharper, hungrier, and more composed. Toronto’s historical playoff fragility and the psychological pressure of another collapse could prove their undoing.
America Bet Score Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs 2 – 3 Ottawa Senators
Expect a tight encounter, but the Senators’ confidence and Ullmark’s resurgence could make the crucial difference.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Senators to win
- Senators to win by exactly 1 goal
- Brady Tkachuk to score anytime
- Total goals over 5.5
- Both teams to score in the third period
- Ullmark over 28.5 saves
- Mitch Marner to record an assist
- First period total goals under 1.5
- Game to go to overtime – No
- Senators to score first
Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild
Match Info
- Western Conference First Round, Game 6
- Thursday 1st May 2025, 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST (2 May)
- Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, USA
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas has displayed championship mettle across this series, now standing one win away from advancing. With two straight overtime victories, the Golden Knights have relied on grit and experience — traits that defined their 2023 Stanley Cup run. Coach Bruce Cassidy has lauded the team’s mental toughness, citing a locker room filled with battle-tested winners. Tomas Hertl continues to lead the offence, and their depth is evident, with contributions spread across the roster. However, Adin Hill’s goaltending remains a concern, as his numbers have been less than stellar.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild refuse to go quietly. Marcus Foligno’s gritty leadership underscores a team that’s relished adversity all year. Despite trailing 3-2 in the series, Minnesota has outscored Vegas and remains well within striking distance. Kirill Kaprizov has been nothing short of electric, and Filip Gustavsson’s goaltending has provided a solid foundation. Their challenge lies in closing out close games — something they’ve struggled with in overtime — and making sure their top lines outmuscle Vegas in key moments. The Wild must harness their home ice and fan energy to force a decisive Game 7.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Minnesota Wild to win
Backed by their home crowd and with the scoring advantage, Minnesota should have enough to edge out a tight contest.
America Bet Score Prediction
Vegas Golden Knights 2 – 3 Minnesota Wild
A back-and-forth game that ends in regulation, with Minnesota showing more urgency and depth scoring.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Wild to win
- Total goals over 5.5
- Kirill Kaprizov to score
- Tomas Hertl to record a point
- Gustavsson over 29.5 saves
- Both teams to score in the second period
- First goal to be scored by Minnesota
- Game to be decided in regulation
- Wild +1.5 handicap
- Wild to win and over 5.5 total goals
Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche
Match Info
- Western Conference First Round, Game 6
- Thursday 1st May 2025, 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST (2 May)
- Ball Arena, Denver, USA
Dallas Stars
Dallas has surprised many by gaining a 3-2 series lead without dominating in-game time. Efficient, opportunistic scoring and a resilient mindset have been their trademarks. Former Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen’s presence has provided a unique emotional edge, and his goal in Game 5 gave him overdue postseason momentum. Coach Peter DeBoer’s system has managed to suppress Colorado’s power play, and goalie Jake Oettinger has rebounded after early hiccups. Dallas has the chance to close out a long-time rival and advance in hostile territory.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are facing a premature end to a season of high expectations. Despite outshooting and often outplaying Dallas, their inefficiency in front of goal has proven costly. With their power play underperforming, Colorado has relied heavily on shot volume, but the finishing touch has gone missing. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood must regain his composure after a disastrous Game 5. If Colorado are to avoid elimination, they’ll need their star forwards to find another gear and take advantage of every scoring chance.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Dallas Stars to win
Dallas has executed a near-perfect game plan thus far. With Colorado rattled and their goaltending uncertain, the Stars have the tools to seal it.
America Bet Score Prediction
Dallas Stars 4 – 2 Colorado Avalanche
Expect a fast-paced game, but Dallas’ efficiency and goaltending should see them through.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Stars to win
- Rantanen to score anytime
- Dallas over 3.5 total goals
- Game total over 5.5 goals
- Oettinger over 27.5 saves
- Both teams to score in the first period
- Stars to lead after 2 periods
- Stars to win with -1.5 handicap
- First goal to be scored by Dallas
- Game NOT to go to overtime
Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers
Match Info
- Western Conference First Round, Game 6
- Thursday 1st May 2025, 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST (2 May)
- Rogers Place, Edmonton, Canada
Los Angeles Kings
Backs against the wall, the Kings arrive in Edmonton needing a monumental performance to avoid another early playoff exit at the hands of the Oilers. Despite finishing the regular season with home-ice advantage, LA has faltered, particularly in Edmonton where they’ve looked outclassed. Goalie Darcy Kuemper was outstanding in Game 5, but he was let down by his teammates, who were outshot and outskated. Coach Jim Hiller faces a tall order in rallying a squad that’s struggled to match Edmonton’s intensity and third-period dominance. If the Kings are to mount a comeback, they’ll need an offensive surge and better puck control.
Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton is a team on fire. With three straight wins, including a dominant Game 5 performance, the Oilers are poised to dispatch the Kings for the fourth year running. Leon Draisaitl’s playoff heroics continue to astound — his point streak now threatening NHL records. The team’s aggressive, fast-paced play, coupled with strong goaltending and a deadly power play, has overwhelmed Los Angeles. Coach Kris Knoblauch has his squad locked in, and Rogers Place will be electric as the Oilers look to close the series in style.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Edmonton Oilers to win
The Oilers are flying, and the Kings simply don’t have the firepower or structure to stop them.
America Bet Score Prediction
Los Angeles Kings 2 – 5 Edmonton Oilers
Expect a high-octane game, but Edmonton should dominate possession and capitalise on their chances.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Oilers to win
- Draisaitl to score and assist
- Oilers over 4.5 goals
- Kings under 2.5 goals
- Edmonton to score in every period
- Oilers to win both halves
- Connor McDavid over 1.5 assists
- Oilers to win and over 6.5 goals
- Kings to have under 27.5 shots on goal
- Oilers to win with -2.5 handicap
