As the Stanley Cup Playoffs roll on, Tuesday 22nd April 2025 delivers a quartet of compelling fixtures that promise high-intensity hockey and drama at every turn. Whether it’s the heated rivalry of the Battle of Ontario, the Floridian feud reignited, or the resilience of underdogs facing title contenders, every game on this slate carries significant stakes. With injuries, form, and discipline playing major roles, bettors and fans alike will be keeping a close eye on the outcomes as Game 2 unfolds across both conferences.
Let’s dive into each match-up and break down what to expect on this pivotal playoff night.
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
Match Info
- Tuesday 22nd April 2025, 18:00 EST / 23:00 BST
- PNC Arena, Raleigh, USA
New Jersey Devils
The Devils arrive in Raleigh battered and bruised, desperate to claw back into this series. Already without key figures like Jack Hughes and Jonas Siegenthaler, they suffered further blows in Game 1 with Brenden Dillon ruled out and Cody Glass narrowly escaping the same fate. Despite a late rally and a solitary goal from Nico Hischier, New Jersey were thoroughly outgunned, especially during the second period where they struggled to match Carolina’s pace and physicality. Head coach Sheldon Keefe has stressed the need for execution and grit, but it’s clear the Devils face an uphill climb—especially with their defensive depth so compromised.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes, by contrast, looked poised and lethal from the first drop of the puck in Game 1. Jalen Chatfield’s early strike set the tone before Logan Stankoven’s brace all but sealed the deal. With a relentless forecheck and superior shot volume (45-24), Carolina’s dominance at 5-on-5 was evident. Their disciplined and unified performance suggests a team in full control, and with Andrei Svechnikov adding the exclamation point late, head coach Rod Brind’Amour will look to his full roster to maintain that same level of collective effort.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Carolina Hurricanes to win
Carolina’s depth, structure, and high-energy style give them the edge, particularly against an undermanned New Jersey side already on the back foot.
America Bet Score Prediction
New Jersey 1 – 4 Carolina
Expect another assertive performance from the Hurricanes, with their speed and puck movement proving too much for a depleted Devils roster.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (Puck Line)
- Under 5.5 Total Goals
- Logan Stankoven Anytime Goalscorer
- Carolina to Score First
- Carolina to Win Both Periods
- Nico Hischier Over 2.5 Shots
- Total Shots on Goal – Over 60
- Carolina Team Total Over 3.5 Goals
- First Period Winner – Carolina
- Jalen Chatfield to Record a Point
Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
Match Info
- Tuesday 22nd April 2025, 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST (23 April)
- Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Ottawa Senators
Game 1 revealed the Senators’ Achilles’ heel: poor discipline. Penalty trouble cost them dearly as they conceded three power-play goals in a 6-2 rout. While Ottawa showed moments of promise, including a quick response goal and early physicality, their lack of postseason experience was telling. With goaltender Linus Ullmark underperforming and captain Brady Tkachuk calling for accountability, Game 2 presents a do-or-die moment. Coach Travis Green knows that without major behavioural corrections, the series could slip away quickly.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Confident and composed, the Maple Leafs showcased their playoff maturity in Game 1. Mitch Marner led from the front with a goal and two assists, while Anthony Stolarz impressed in net with 31 saves in his first playoff start. Toronto were clinical on special teams and demonstrated the depth and discipline that’s often eluded them in past postseasons. Head coach Craig Berube will want to see the same blend of control and killer instinct as they look to double their series lead on home ice.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs to win
With their power play firing and their goalie in form, Toronto should capitalise again—especially if Ottawa fail to adjust their approach.
America Bet Score Prediction
Ottawa 2 – 5 Toronto
Expect another offensive showcase from Toronto, while Ottawa may scrape a couple through on transition plays or late efforts.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Toronto Maple Leafs to Win in Regulation
- Mitch Marner Anytime Goalscorer
- Total Goals – Over 6.5
- Anthony Stolarz Over 28.5 Saves
- Toronto Power Play Goal – Yes
- Brady Tkachuk Over 3.5 Shots
- First Period Goals – Over 2.5
- Toronto to Score in Every Period
- Linus Ullmark Over 3.5 Goals Against
- John Tavares to Record 2+ Points
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Match Info
- Tuesday 22nd April 2025, 20:30 EST / 01:30 BST (23 April)
- Amalie Arena, Tampa, USA
Florida Panthers
The reigning champions enter Game 1 with plenty to prove—and even more to overcome. Despite early-season promise, their recent form (7-10-1) and injury concerns have raised doubts. With Aaron Ekblad suspended and Matthew Tkachuk’s availability uncertain, the Panthers must lean on depth players to bridge the gap. Aleksander Barkov remains central to Florida’s hopes, but Paul Maurice’s squad must rediscover their defensive solidity and offensive rhythm quickly if they want to silence the Bolts on their own turf.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Few teams are as playoff-tested as the Lightning, and they come into this series buzzing with belief. Led by Nikita Kucherov’s sensational 121-point campaign and anchored by Andrei Vasilevskiy in net, Tampa Bay are lethal in transition and nearly unbeatable at home. With Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel in top form, the Lightning are stacked across the board. Having swept Florida in the regular season and boasting the league’s best offence, the Bolts will look to deliver a statement win in Game 1.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Tampa Bay Lightning to win
Too much firepower, too much experience, and too much home-ice dominance make Tampa the clear favourite.
America Bet Score Prediction
Florida 2 – 5 Tampa Bay
Tampa’s scoring depth should overpower a weakened Florida side, though Barkov might salvage a goal or two.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Tampa Bay Lightning to Win
- Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 Points
- Total Goals – Over 6.5
- Brayden Point Anytime Goalscorer
- Tampa Bay First Period Winner
- Vasilevskiy to Record a Win
- Panthers Under 2.5 Goals
- Jake Guentzel Anytime Assist
- Lightning Over 3.5 Team Goals
- Game to Have a Goal in First 5 Minutes
Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
Match Info
- Tuesday 22nd April 2025, 23:00 EST / 04:00 BST (23 April)
- T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA
Minnesota Wild
Despite falling 4-2 in the opener, the Wild showed resilience and promise in Game 1. Matt Boldy’s brace and a strong showing in the faceoff circle were positives, but costly penalties and missed breakaway opportunities kept them from mounting a true comeback. Filip Gustavsson was solid in net and may be called upon to be even better in Game 2. Head coach John Hynes praised his squad’s fight and physicality, and Minnesota will hope their underdog mindset spurs a split in Vegas before the series heads home.
Vegas Golden Knights
Clinical and consistent, the Golden Knights demonstrated why they’re one of the top teams in the West. Brett Howden’s buzzer-beating empty netter punctuated a composed and opportunistic display. With power play efficiency (2-for-2) and strong defensive discipline, Vegas look every bit the favourite. Their historical dominance over Minnesota (10 wins in last 12) is a psychological edge they’ll look to maintain, especially as they aim to protect home ice and push the Wild to the brink.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Vegas Golden Knights to win
Vegas have the momentum, the matchups, and the history. Expect them to handle Minnesota’s push and take a 2-0 series lead.
America Bet Score Prediction
Minnesota 2 – 4 Vegas
The Wild will scrap and keep it close, but Vegas’s structure and finishing touch should ultimately prevail.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Vegas Golden Knights to Win
- Under 6.5 Total Goals
- Matt Boldy Anytime Goalscorer
- Vegas to Win the Third Period
- Total Faceoffs – Over 60
- Vegas to Score First
- Gustavsson Over 28.5 Saves
- Jack Eichel to Record a Point
- First Period Result – Draw
- Wild +1.5 (Puck Line)
