As the regular season winds down, Thursday’s slate of NHL action serves up a tantalising mix of high-stakes clashes, playoff implications, and historic milestones. Whether it’s coaches chasing legacy wins, teams scrambling for final wild-card spots, or bitter rivalries being renewed, this matchday promises drama, intensity, and betting opportunities galore.
From Buffalo’s blistering late surge to Winnipeg and Dallas locking horns for divisional supremacy, each fixture presents a unique narrative. With seasoned stars stepping up and younger talent making their mark, here’s our comprehensive breakdown of all 10 games on 10 April 2025 — including match information, key team insights, predictions, and top betting picks.
Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets
Match Info
🕖 Thursday 10th April 2025 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST
🏟️ Nationwide Arena, Columbus, USA
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres are peaking at the wrong time — or the right one, depending on how you view pride. Despite officially being eliminated from playoff contention, Buffalo have gone 11-4-0 since March 10 and are on a five-game winning streak. Veterans like Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson are lighting it up, with both pushing career-best scoring form. Behind the bench, Lindy Ruff is on the brink of his 900th NHL coaching win, yet he remains laser-focused on team performance rather than personal accolades. Their recent 3-0 victory over the Hurricanes is a testament to their balance of grit and discipline.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Still mathematically alive in the playoff race, Columbus enters this game knowing a regulation loss would end their hopes. Snapping a three-game skid with a convincing win over Ottawa has rekindled some belief. Kirill Marchenko has emerged as a reliable game-changer, with career-best stats this season, while Sean Monahan’s veteran presence continues to stabilise their offensive structure. With the margin for error non-existent, expect an aggressive and urgent display.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Buffalo Sabres to win
Buffalo are red-hot and playing with freedom, whereas Columbus face the burden of expectations. That edge in mentality and form tips the scale.
America Bet Score Prediction
Buffalo 4 – 2 Columbus
Expect Buffalo’s offence to exploit Columbus’ defensive lapses while maintaining the control that has defined their late-season form.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Buffalo Sabres Moneyline
- Over 5.5 Total Goals
- Alex Tuch Anytime Goal Scorer
- Tage Thompson to Score 2+ Goals
- Kirill Marchenko Over 2.5 Shots on Goal
- First Period – Buffalo to Lead
- Total Goals – Even
- Sabres to Score First
- Columbus Blue Jackets Under 2.5 Goals
- Game to End in Regulation – Buffalo Win
Detroit Red Wings at Florida Panthers
Match Info
🕖 Thursday 10th April 2025 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST
🏟️ Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, USA
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings find themselves on the precipice, clinging to slim playoff hopes while battling inconsistency. Their recent form — a dismal 6-12-1 since late February — reflects a team struggling to convert promising starts into sustained performances. Despite this, offensive talent like Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond continues to shine, with Raymond posting career-best assist and point totals. The Wings’ Achilles’ heel remains their inability to maintain leads and convert dominance into scoreboard pressure, as evidenced by their recent loss to Montreal where early control evaporated into a sobering 4-1 defeat.
Florida Panthers
Florida have locked up a playoff spot but are still sharpening their claws ahead of the postseason. A much-needed 3-1 victory over Toronto ended a five-game slide and brought renewed focus to Paul Maurice’s men. Captain Aleksander Barkov’s return bolsters their two-way game, although injuries to Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk temper the optimism slightly. With Maurice poised to overtake Barry Trotz in all-time wins, and Reinhart and Fiala leading the scoring charge, the Panthers are hunting momentum and milestones alike.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Florida Panthers to win
With playoff security and a fresher outlook after breaking their slump, Florida should prove too composed for a Red Wings side desperately short on consistency.
America Bet Score Prediction
Detroit 2 – 5 Florida
Expect Florida’s depth scoring to overwhelm Detroit’s faltering defence, especially late in the game as urgency turns to risk-taking for the Wings.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Florida Panthers -1.5 Puck Line
- Over 6.5 Total Goals
- Sam Reinhart Anytime Goal Scorer
- Lucas Raymond Over 1.5 Points
- First Period – Florida to Lead
- Detroit Red Wings Under 2.5 Goals
- Florida to Win Both Periods 2 and 3
- Sam Reinhart to Record 2+ Points
- Total Goals – Odd
- Florida Panthers Moneyline & Over 5.5 Combo
Chicago Blackhawks at Boston Bruins
Match Info
🕖 Thursday 10th April 2025 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST
🏟️ TD Garden, Boston, USA
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are limping toward the finish line, with 13 losses in their last 15 games and little to salvage from a frustrating season. Their latest performance — a 5-0 defeat to Pittsburgh — laid bare the team’s structural and psychological frailties. Despite Connor Bedard’s star power and Oliver Moore’s emergence, Chicago’s defensive disorganisation continues to cripple any offensive spark. Following a post-game team meeting, there may be a short-term response, but long-term problems remain, especially away from home where they’ve dropped seven straight.
Boston Bruins
Boston might be out of playoff contention, but their recent performances hint at a team refusing to quit. The Bruins demolished New Jersey 7-2, snapping out of a ten-game funk and showing signs of cohesion. David Pastrnak’s leadership and scoring consistency — becoming the first Czech player with three consecutive 100-point seasons — remains a bright spot. Young guns like Fabian Lysell and Michael Callahan are injecting energy into the squad, and Thursday represents an ideal opportunity to build morale in front of home fans.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Boston Bruins to win
Boston’s recent resurgence, combined with Chicago’s travel woes and porous defence, makes the Bruins firm favourites.
America Bet Score Prediction
Chicago 1 – 4 Boston
The Blackhawks’ offensive struggles meet Boston’s revitalised top line. Expect the Bruins to control possession and strike early.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Boston Bruins -1.5 Puck Line
- Under 5.5 Total Goals
- David Pastrnak Anytime Goal Scorer
- Boston to Score First
- Connor Bedard Under 2.5 Shots
- First Period – Boston Win
- Bruins to Win & Under 6.5 Total Goals
- Michael Callahan to Record a Point
- Boston Team Total Over 3.5 Goals
- Game to End in Regulation – Boston Win
Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals
Match Info
🕢 Thursday 10th April 2025 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST
🏟️ Capital One Arena, Washington, USA
Carolina Hurricanes
Despite having already clinched a playoff spot, Carolina arrive in Washington carrying the weight of a three-game losing streak and a noticeable dip in offensive output. They’ve managed just four goals in that stretch and were blanked 3-0 by Buffalo on Tuesday. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour will be looking for his team to regain their structure and intensity, especially against a potential playoff opponent. Jalen Chatfield’s physical presence, Andrei Svechnikov’s return, and Jordan Staal’s veteran leadership all provide building blocks, but the Hurricanes must rediscover their offensive identity — and quickly — with the postseason looming.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals are still riding the wave of Alex Ovechkin’s historic 895th goal, but the euphoria has clouded what’s been an otherwise shaky patch of form — just two wins in their last seven. Coach Spencer Carbery now faces the task of refocusing a distracted squad. The Capitals have looked disjointed since their emphatic loss to the Islanders and will need more than just sentimentality to overcome Carolina’s defensive prowess. With the top seed in the division still a possibility, there’s plenty on the line for a team that can’t afford complacency.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Washington Capitals to win
Washington’s need to rebound combined with home advantage and Carolina’s recent offensive woes tips the balance in favour of the hosts.
America Bet Score Prediction
Carolina 2 – 3 Washington
Expect a tight game with playoff-like tension. The Capitals may just edge it late through opportunistic scoring.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Washington Capitals Moneyline
- Under 5.5 Total Goals
- Ovechkin to Score Anytime
- Carolina Hurricanes First Period Under 1.5 Goals
- Game to Be Decided by 1 Goal
- First Goal – Washington
- Total Shots on Goal – Under 60
- Sam Reinhart Over 0.5 Assists
- Capitals to Win 3-Way (Regulation Only)
- Both Teams to Score in 2nd Period – Yes
New York Rangers at New York Islanders
Match Info
🕢 Thursday 10th April 2025 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST
🏟️ UBS Arena, Elmont (New York), USA
New York Rangers
Once hopefuls in the playoff picture, the Rangers are now on the verge of elimination. A late-season slump — just three wins in their last 11 — has seen their chances spiral. Their 8-5 collapse against the Flyers on Wednesday was emblematic of their issues: lapses in concentration, defensive breakdowns, and an inability to protect leads. Despite Mika Zibanejad’s best efforts, the team is leaking goals at an alarming rate, and their once-promising season could end unceremoniously if they don’t turn things around — and fast.
New York Islanders
The Islanders aren’t faring much better, but they at least showed some offensive spark in their 7-6 OT thriller against Nashville — even if it ended in heartbreak. The pattern of late-game collapses has become all too familiar, with the Islanders surrendering a multi-goal third-period lead for the third time this season. They do, however, still control their own fate to a degree, thanks to having a game in hand over rivals. The key will be composure and closing out games — something they’ve failed to do too often this year.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
New York Islanders to win
With slightly more defensive reliability and a touch more stability, the Isles should edge a high-scoring, desperation-fuelled clash.
America Bet Score Prediction
Rangers 3 – 5 Islanders
This one could be chaos. Both teams are prone to defensive lapses, but the Islanders’ home crowd and urgency give them the edge.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Over 6.5 Total Goals
- Islanders to Win & Over 5.5 Goals
- Bo Horvat Anytime Goal Scorer
- Zibanejad Over 1.5 Points
- Total Goals – Odd
- Islanders to Score in Every Period
- Rangers First Period Win – No
- Both Teams to Score in 3rd Period – Yes
- Total Penalty Minutes – Over 12.5
- Islanders Team Total Over 3.5 Goals
Winnipeg Jets at Dallas Stars
Match Info
🕗 Thursday 10th April 2025 20:00 EST / 01:00 BST
🏟️ American Airlines Center, Dallas, USA
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets continue to fly high, notching 110 points on the season and sitting atop the Central Division. They’ve shown they can grind out gritty wins, like Monday’s 3-1 triumph over the red-hot St. Louis Blues, where their defensive structure suffocated one of the league’s most dangerous attacks. Winnipeg’s ability to limit high-quality chances and play a disciplined, physical game has been a hallmark of their success this season. Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers spearhead the offence, while Connor Hellebuyck remains a stabilising force in net. Despite a few key injuries — including Vilardi, Kupari and Pionk — they remain a legitimate Cup threat with plenty to prove in Dallas.
Dallas Stars
The Stars come into this one stinging from a brutal 6-5 overtime collapse to Vancouver, where they surrendered three goals in the final minute — a historic meltdown that left the locker room in stunned silence. Dallas have now blown third-period leads in three straight games, and confidence is clearly wavering. However, with 106 points and home-ice advantage still a possibility, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Tyler Seguin is close to returning, but Miro Heiskanen’s absence looms large on the blue line. If Dallas are to restore belief and challenge for the division, this is a must-win. Expect an emotionally charged performance from a team with its back against the wall.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Winnipeg Jets to win
The Jets are simply playing more complete, mistake-free hockey. Dallas are spiralling at the worst possible time, and Winnipeg know how to capitalise.
America Bet Score Prediction
Winnipeg 3 – 2 Dallas (OT)
A closely contested battle between two top sides, but Winnipeg’s composure in the late stages gives them the edge in a possible overtime decider.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Winnipeg Jets Moneyline
- Under 5.5 Total Goals
- Kyle Connor Anytime Goal Scorer
- Game to Go to Overtime – Yes
- Dallas Stars to Score First – No
- Both Teams to Score in the 3rd Period – Yes
- Jets Team Total Over 2.5 Goals
- First Period Draw
- Total Shots – Over 65
- Exact Score After 60 Minutes – 2-2
Vancouver Canucks at Colorado Avalanche
Match Info
🕘 Thursday 10th April 2025 21:00 EST / 02:00 BST
🏟️ Ball Arena, Denver, USA
Vancouver Canucks
Still clinging to the slimmest of playoff hopes, the Canucks come into this clash with belief after a jaw-dropping comeback win over Dallas. Down three goals with a minute left, Vancouver shocked the league with two goals from Pius Suter and a game-winner from Kiefer Sherwood in OT — perhaps the most resilient three minutes of hockey this season. Suter, Boeser, and Hughes continue to drive the offence, and their power play has caught fire just in time. But they’ll need a near-perfect run and help from elsewhere to sneak into the postseason. Still, they’re not going quietly.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avs clinched their fourth straight 100-point season with a shootout win over Vegas and are locked in for at least third place in the Central. That said, second place is still mathematically possible — and they’ll need to sweep their remaining games to have any hope. Nathan MacKinnon continues his Art Ross chase, with Cale Makar and Martin Necas right behind him on the scoring chart. Injuries to Ross Colton and captain Gabe Landeskog’s potential return loom large in the background, but the Avalanche remain one of the league’s deepest and most explosive outfits.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Colorado Avalanche to win
Vancouver’s fairytale comeback was spectacular, but Colorado’s structure, firepower, and home-ice advantage make them a daunting opponent for a tired Canucks team.
America Bet Score Prediction
Vancouver 2 – 4 Colorado
Expect Colorado to wear Vancouver down across three periods, with their speed and offensive variety proving too much in the end.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Colorado Avalanche Moneyline
- Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goal Scorer
- Over 5.5 Total Goals
- Vancouver Canucks First Period Total – Under 1.5
- Quinn Hughes Over 0.5 Assists
- Colorado to Score in Every Period – Yes
- Avalanche Team Total Over 3.5
- Both Teams to Score in 2nd Period – Yes
- MacKinnon to Score 2+ Points
- Colorado to Win and Both Teams to Score – Yes
Nashville Predators at Utah Hockey Club
Match Info
🕘 Thursday 10th April 2025 21:00 EST / 02:00 BST
🏟️ Delta Center, Salt Lake City, USA
Nashville Predators
While the Predators are already eliminated from playoff contention, Tuesday’s rollercoaster 7-6 overtime win against the Islanders showed there’s still plenty of pride — and chaos — left in their game. Nashville erased a two-goal deficit in the final minutes, sparked by Steven Stamkos and capped by Fedor Svechkov’s OT winner. Though defensively leaky, the Predators remain competitive and physical, driven by Filip Forsberg’s consistent production and some strong showings from their younger skaters. Expect them to come out loose, with nothing to lose and plenty to prove.
Utah Hockey Club
Utah delivered its most dominant performance of the season against Seattle, firing seven past the Kraken in a landmark victory for the franchise’s inaugural campaign. Despite being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, morale is high after their record-setting night. Clayton Keller continues to be their talisman, nearing a personal points milestone, while goaltender Karel Vejmelka remains a steady presence between the pipes. With home-ice pride and a surging power play clicking at the right time, Utah are showing signs of what their future might look like — and it’s promising.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Utah Hockey Club to win
Nashville are riding a high, but Utah have looked more cohesive and explosive over their recent outings — especially at home.
America Bet Score Prediction
Nashville 3 – 5 Utah
Both teams will trade goals, but Utah’s top six forwards and red-hot power play should carry them across the line.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Utah Moneyline
- Over 6.5 Total Goals
- Clayton Keller Anytime Goal Scorer
- Filip Forsberg to Score and Record an Assist
- Utah Over 3.5 Goals
- Both Teams to Score in 1st Period – Yes
- Keller Over 1.5 Points
- Game to Feature a Short-Handed Goal – Yes
- Predators to Lead First but Lose
- Karel Vejmelka Over 28.5 Saves
Anaheim Ducks at Los Angeles Kings
Match Info
🕙 Thursday 10th April 2025 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST
🏟️ Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, USA
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks continue their role as spoilers, and their dramatic 4-3 overtime win over Calgary on Wednesday shows they’ve not given up. Rookie sensation Cutter Gauthier is stealing headlines, with consecutive two-goal games and a rapidly rising stock. While Anaheim will miss the playoffs for the seventh straight year, there’s buzz around the team’s young core and their growing offensive confidence. That said, back-to-back games may stretch their depth, especially against a playoff-hardened rival like the Kings.
Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles are set for the postseason, but still have business to handle — namely locking down second place in the Pacific and avoiding a first-round road start against Edmonton. Kevin Fiala has found his groove at the perfect moment, reaching the 30-goal milestone again. Health remains a lingering concern, particularly with Drew Doughty being managed cautiously, but coach Jim Hiller has the squad playing controlled, disciplined hockey. With Anaheim on the second night of a back-to-back, this is a prime chance for the Kings to impose their structure and secure momentum heading into the playoffs.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Los Angeles Kings to win
Anaheim’s energy may fade after a tough win the night before, and the Kings’ superior depth and playoff readiness should carry the night.
America Bet Score Prediction
Anaheim 2 – 4 Los Angeles
Expect LA to assert themselves with a steady performance, stifling Anaheim’s offence while capitalising on power play chances.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Los Angeles Kings Moneyline
- Under 6.5 Total Goals
- Kevin Fiala Anytime Goal Scorer
- Cutter Gauthier to Score – Yes
- Kings to Win 3-Way (Regulation Only)
- Anaheim First Period Total – Under 1.5
- Both Teams to Score – Yes
- Kings Over 2.5 Goals
- First Goal – Los Angeles
- Game to Have a Goal in Final 5 Minutes – Yes
Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights
Match Info
🕙 Thursday 10th April 2025 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST
🏟️ T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA
Seattle Kraken
Seattle’s playoff dreams may have ended, but the team has shown flashes of quality throughout the season — just not often enough. Their dismal 7-1 loss to Utah on Tuesday was their worst of the campaign, marred by poor discipline and goaltending woes. With back-to-back games wearing them down, the Kraken must refocus quickly if they’re to avoid another drubbing. Jared McCann remains a threat, but he can’t do it all alone. Seattle’s defence and special teams must be tighter against an elite Vegas side.
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas have locked up home ice for the first playoff round and now have their eyes on the Pacific Division crown. Even with key absences — including Jack Eichel and Alex Pietrangelo — the Golden Knights have shown impressive depth, securing five points from a six-point road swing. Bruce Cassidy’s side knows how to win tight games, and with the division title still in sight, expect a focused, professional effort. Their 6-2 win over Seattle earlier in the season serves as a reminder of what they’re capable of when firing on all cylinders.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Vegas Golden Knights to win
Vegas are rolling and have more at stake. Seattle’s recent defensive collapse only heightens the likelihood of another one-sided contest.
America Bet Score Prediction
Seattle 1 – 5 Vegas
With their eyes on the division and Seattle struggling, Vegas should control this one from the outset.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Vegas -1.5 Puck Line
- Over 5.5 Total Goals
- Mark Stone Anytime Goal Scorer
- First Period – Vegas to Lead
- Seattle Under 2.5 Goals
- Golden Knights to Score in Every Period
- Power Play Goal – Vegas Yes
- Vegas Over 3.5 Goals
- Game to End in Regulation – Vegas Win
- Jared McCann Over 2.5 Shots on Goal
