As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to ignite passions and rivalries across North America, Thursday’s slate of games promises drama, desperation, and defining moments. With Game 2 and Game 3 battles heating up across both conferences, teams are either clinging to series leads or fighting to claw their way back into contention. From in-state showdowns to emerging upsets, tonight’s fixtures span every emotion the playoffs can deliver. Let’s break down each clash, fixture by fixture.
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Match Info
- NHL Eastern Conference First Round
- Thursday 24th April 2025 – 18:30 EST / 23:30 BST
- Amalie Arena, Tampa, USA
Florida Panthers
The defending champions arrived in the postseason with their claws sharpened—and the opening salvo against Tampa proved it. Despite a lukewarm end to the regular season, Florida looked every inch the contender in Game 1, hammering home six goals on just 17 shots. Matthew Tkachuk’s return was nothing short of electric; his three-point performance highlighted just how critical his presence is to the Panthers’ ambitions. Though questions remain about consistency, the Cats have made a strong first impression—and Game 2 offers a real chance to take a stranglehold on this series.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning were jolted in front of their home fans, and with the possibility of trailing 0-2 before the series shifts to Sunrise, Game 2 is must-win territory. Defensive lapses and a leaky penalty kill proved costly on Tuesday, despite limiting Florida’s shot count. Tampa needs more resilience, especially with Anthony Cirelli’s injury casting a shadow over their forward lines. Still, they possess experience, depth, and the knowledge that this series is far from over. Now is the time for stars like Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy to rise.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Florida Panthers to win
With momentum, health, and offensive firepower in their corner, the Panthers look better placed to capitalise on Tampa’s disarray—especially if the Lightning can’t tighten up their PK.
America Bet Score Prediction
Florida 4 – 2 Tampa Bay
Expect a more disciplined Lightning performance, but Florida’s ruthlessness in transition could prove decisive once again.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Florida Panthers to win
- Matthew Tkachuk to score anytime
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Panthers to score first
- Panthers to win by 2+ goals
- Florida over 2.5 team goals
- Tampa Bay under 3.5 team goals
- Tkachuk to score 2+ points
- Game tied at end of first period
- Panthers to win both periods 1 and 3
Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators
Match Info
- NHL Eastern Conference First Round
- Thursday 24th April 2025 – 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Fri)
- Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Canada
Toronto Maple Leafs
Years of postseason pain still weigh heavy in Toronto, but this version of the Maple Leafs looks different—hardened, hungrier, and finding ways to win tight games. With a 2-0 series lead, Toronto is thriving both offensively and defensively. Their power play has been nearly unstoppable, and key players like Auston Matthews are doing the gritty work as well as the glamorous. The Leafs have blocked 50 shots in two games—this is a team buying into the playoff mindset.
Ottawa Senators
The Sens might be trailing, but their spirit remains undimmed. Their Game 2 performance was full of fight, rallying back from a two-goal deficit before falling in overtime. As the series returns to home ice, expect Ottawa to come out flying, fuelled by a raucous crowd. Captain Brady Tkachuk leads a young, fearless core eager to make their mark in their first playoff run since 2017. If they can avoid early lapses and stay out of the box, this series could take a turn.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs to win
Their power play is humming and defensive buy-in is evident—Toronto look like a side ready to break their first-round curse once again.
America Bet Score Prediction
Toronto 3 – 2 Ottawa
Another close one is expected, but the Leafs’ ability to close out games and special teams edge could be the difference.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win
- Game to go to overtime – Yes
- Under 6.5 total goals
- Auston Matthews to score anytime
- Leafs power play goal – Yes
- Toronto to win by 1 goal
- Senators to score under 3.5 goals
- Mitch Marner to assist anytime
- Matthews to block 1+ shots
- Toronto to win the third period
Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild
Match Info
- NHL Western Conference First Round
- Thursday 24th April 2025 – 21:00 EST / 02:00 BST (Fri)
- Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, USA
Vegas Golden Knights
It’s a familiar stage for the Golden Knights, but inconsistency has dogged them through the opening two games. Game 1 looked like vintage Vegas; Game 2 did not. Coach Bruce Cassidy wants his team to focus on the immediate, and puck management will be top of that list. Tomas Hertl is leading the charge offensively, but they need more from the likes of Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson if they’re to regain control in hostile territory.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild look energised and emboldened by their Game 2 win. Kaprizov and Boldy are leading the scoring lines with intent, but perhaps more crucially, Minnesota’s commitment to system hockey is starting to frustrate Vegas. Coach Hynes may tinker with his bottom pairing or depth lines, but the message is clear: stay disciplined and play their brand of hockey. If they do, they could tilt this series in their favour.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Minnesota Wild to win
They’re more balanced at home and have the firepower and structure to edge a tense Game 3.
America Bet Score Prediction
Vegas 2 – 3 Minnesota
Expect a tightly contested affair with the Wild edging it through special teams and late-game composure.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Minnesota Wild to win
- Kaprizov to score anytime
- Boldy over 1.5 points
- Total goals under 6.5
- Both teams to score in first period – Yes
- Wild to score power play goal – Yes
- Game to be tied after two periods – Yes
- Filip Gustavsson over 28.5 saves
- Wild to win the third period
- Ryan Hartman over 0.5 assists
Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues
Match Info
- NHL Western Conference First Round
- Thursday 24th April 2025 – 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST (Fri)
- Enterprise Center, St. Louis, USA
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have soared out of the gates this postseason, led by a potent mix of talent, grit and game-winning confidence. Kyle Connor has been the clutch performer in both victories, while Mark Scheifele continues to play like a man on a mission. Their Presidents’ Trophy-winning campaign looks no fluke, and even when not firing on all cylinders, Winnipeg finds a way to get it done. A Game 3 win would put them in full control of this series.
St. Louis Blues
After a red-hot close to the regular season, the Blues suddenly find themselves in trouble. Though both games have been close, they’ve failed to make the decisive play. Home ice may provide the spark they need, especially with a youthful injection from Jimmy Snuggerud, who’s already making history. But if they’re to claw back into the series, they’ll need more urgency and poise in the final 20 minutes—where both games have slipped away.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Winnipeg Jets to win
Too much quality and too much momentum—expect Winnipeg to power through again and inch toward the sweep.
America Bet Score Prediction
Winnipeg 3 – 1 St. Louis
The Jets’ structure and depth should outlast a spirited but under-pressure Blues side.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Winnipeg Jets to win
- Under 5.5 total goals
- Kyle Connor to score anytime
- Mark Scheifele over 0.5 assists
- Jets to win all periods – No
- Jets to win 2nd period
- Blues under 2.5 team goals
- Game to have empty net goal – Yes
- Total shots on goal under 60.5
- Jets to win the third period
