With just eight teams remaining in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the action intensifies on Tuesday 6th May as two blockbuster second-round series get underway. The Eastern Conference showcases a battle between the division’s elite as the Carolina Hurricanes visit the Washington Capitals, while out west, it’s a revenge-fuelled grudge match between the Edmonton Oilers and the reigning Pacific Division champions, the Vegas Golden Knights.
Each series carries heavy playoff pedigree, with storylines loaded with past heartbreaks, returning stars, and the kind of pressure that defines champions. From Alexander Ovechkin’s relentless pursuit of one more Cup run to Connor McDavid’s mission to finally get his hands on the prize, Tuesday’s matchday is must-watch material for any hockey fan or betting enthusiast.
Let’s break down both matchups with full previews, predictions, and betting tips.
Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals
Match Info
- Competition: Stanley Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference Second Round, Game 1
- Date/Time: Tuesday 6th May 2025, 19:00 EST / Wednesday 7th May 2025, 00:00 BST
- Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C., USA
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes come into this series riding a wave of momentum after dispatching the New Jersey Devils in five thrilling games. Their Game 5 double-overtime victory was a masterclass in resilience and squad depth, with 11 different players finding the back of the net during the first round. Sebastian Aho continues to be the cornerstone of Carolina’s attack, notching up eight points (3 goals, 5 assists) in the opening round. Historically, Aho has thrived against the Capitals with 30 points in 31 games, and he’ll be central to Carolina’s hopes of securing early control of the series.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour has instilled a team-first mentality in this group that doesn’t crack under pressure. With Frederik Andersen expected to return in goal, the Canes are well-equipped to challenge a Washington side known for its playoff pedigree. If Carolina can keep their scoring depth rolling and stay tight defensively, they could steal Game 1 on the road.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals enter this series with confidence after comfortably dispatching the Canadiens in five games. With veteran firepower and playoff experience, Washington remains a formidable force. Alex Ovechkin remains the heartbeat of the team, continuing to defy age with four goals in the opening round. His record against Carolina is staggering—107 points in 93 games—which will no doubt strike fear into the visiting blue line.
Logan Thompson, Washington’s midseason acquisition from Vegas, is set to return between the pipes after missing the end of the regular season. Though he has a poor personal history against Carolina, his regular-season record of 31-6-6 and a 2.49 GAA suggests he’s capable of performing when it matters. Coach Spencer Carbery knows every shift counts in the postseason, and his squad seems well-prepared for the physical and mental intensity ahead.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Washington Capitals to win
Washington’s offensive firepower, home-ice advantage, and superior goaltending depth give them the edge in Game 1. With Ovechkin historically dominant against Carolina and the Capitals looking fresher after a shorter first-round series, they should be able to take the opener.
America Bet Score Prediction
Carolina Hurricanes 3 – 4 Washington Capitals
Expect a tight contest with both teams trading chances, but the Capitals’ finishing and experience in high-stakes games should tilt the scoreline slightly in their favour.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Washington Capitals to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Alex Ovechkin anytime goalscorer
- Sebastian Aho to score or assist
- Washington Capitals first to score
- Both teams to score in the first period
- Washington Capitals -1.5 (puck line)
- Total shots on goal – Over 62.5
- Logan Thompson over 28.5 saves
- Game to go to overtime – No
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights
Match Info
- Competition: Stanley Cup Playoffs – Western Conference Second Round, Game 1
- Date/Time: Tuesday 6th May 2025, 21:30 EST / Wednesday 7th May 2025, 02:30 BST
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are back with a point to prove. Their comeback against the Kings in the first round showed grit and hunger, and now they look to exorcise past demons against a Golden Knights side that bounced them from the playoffs in 2023. Led by superstar duo Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton remains one of the most explosive teams in the league. McDavid, the reigning Conn Smythe winner, continues to dazzle with his blend of pace, precision, and playoff poise.
Coach Kris Knoblauch has helped the Oilers develop a more balanced identity, and if their defensive units can hold up under Vegas pressure, they’ll have every chance to claim the opener. Revenge is on their minds, and Edmonton has never looked more determined.
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas aren’t just a good team—they’re a battle-hardened one. After a tense six-game series against the Minnesota Wild, the Golden Knights are back on home ice and ready for war. Their defensive solidity, ranked third in the league for goals allowed per game, will be crucial in slowing down Edmonton’s speedsters. With Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl leading the attack and Adin Hill manning the crease, the Golden Knights have the personnel to win any type of game.
They’ve beaten the Oilers in the playoffs before, and the memory of that 2023 run should inspire belief. Vegas is a machine built for playoff hockey: disciplined, hard-hitting, and composed in key moments.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Edmonton Oilers to win
The Oilers’ motivation for revenge and the dynamic threat posed by McDavid and Draisaitl may prove too much for Vegas in Game 1. If they get ahead early, it could be hard for the Golden Knights to reel them back in.
America Bet Score Prediction
Edmonton Oilers 4 – 2 Vegas Golden Knights
Expect a fast start from Edmonton and a strong pushback from Vegas, but the Oilers’ offensive ceiling and power play could be the difference in the final score.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Edmonton Oilers to win
- Connor McDavid over 1.5 points
- Over 6.5 total goals
- Leon Draisaitl anytime goalscorer
- First period total goals – Over 1.5
- Edmonton to score first
- Vegas to have more penalty minutes
- Jack Eichel over 0.5 assists
- Total shots on goal – Over 66.5
- Game to feature a power-play goal – Yes
