As the Stanley Cup playoffs reach another boiling point, Tuesday’s slate of fixtures promises to deliver drama, tension, and no shortage of talking points. Several teams are teetering on the brink of progression or elimination, while others find themselves locked in fiercely contested series that could swing either way. From the Maple Leafs’ continued quest to banish their playoff demons to the Oilers’ remarkable resilience against the Kings, fans are set for an exhilarating evening of high-stakes hockey. Let’s dive into all the match previews for this crucial night on the ice.
Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
Match Info
- Eastern Conference First-Round, Game 5
- Tuesday 29th April 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST
- Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Ottawa Senators
The Senators have shown extraordinary grit, refusing to bow to the pressure of playoff inexperience. Their Game 4 overtime heroics, with Jake Sanderson’s composed finish, underlined their growing belief. Ottawa’s youthful core is thriving under the spotlight, gaining invaluable experience that is translating into big moments when it matters most. Their resilience was epitomised by David Perron’s crucial third-period goal, highlighting that this team is learning fast and hungry for more. As they head to Toronto, the Senators will be eager to push the series to a dramatic climax.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto’s haunted history of playoff collapses once again looms large after a painful overtime loss in Game 4. Despite dominating large stretches and showing remarkable fight to overcome two-goal deficits, the Maple Leafs are battling not just the Senators but their own psychological scars. Auston Matthews’ absence from practice raises slight concerns, though he’s expected to play, while John Tavares’ quick recovery is a welcome relief. Coach Craig Berube remains bullish about their performance, but the pressure to deliver a series-clinching victory at home is enormous.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs to win
Despite their troubles closing out series, Toronto’s superior depth, experience, and home-ice advantage should see them steady the ship and clinch a vital win.
America Bet Score Prediction
Ottawa Senators 2 – 4 Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs’ offensive firepower should finally tilt the balance, although expect the Senators to make them earn it.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Auston Matthews to score anytime
- Mitch Marner over 1.5 points
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win in regulation
- Ottawa Senators first to score
- Game to go to overtime – No
- John Tavares anytime goal scorer
- Jake Sanderson over 0.5 points
- Toronto to win both first and third periods
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
Match Info
- Eastern Conference First-Round, Game 5
- Tuesday 29th April 2025, 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST
- PNC Arena, Raleigh, USA
New Jersey Devils
The Devils find themselves facing an uphill battle, down 3-1 in the series and grappling with a battered defence. Missing key blue-liners like Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon has left them exposed, and their once-lethal power play has sputtered to a halt at the worst possible time. Despite those challenges, New Jersey has shown they can compete, pushing Game 3 into overtime and staying within striking distance in Game 4. Their margin for error, however, has now completely vanished.
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina look every bit the seasoned playoff outfit, led by a rejuvenated Andrei Svechnikov who has exploded back into form with a four-goal series so far. His hat-trick in Game 4 was a timely reminder of his ability to turn games single-handedly. Even the loss of starting netminder Frederik Andersen has not derailed their momentum, with Pyotr Kochetkov stepping up when needed. A fifth straight trip to the second round beckons if they can maintain their defensive solidity and opportunistic finishing.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Carolina Hurricanes to win
The Hurricanes’ depth, composure, and home advantage make them strong favourites to close out the series.
America Bet Score Prediction
New Jersey Devils 1 – 4 Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina’s discipline and clinical attack should overwhelm a depleted Devils side.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Carolina Hurricanes to win
- Carolina -1.5 handicap
- Under 5.5 total goals
- Andrei Svechnikov anytime goal scorer
- First period to end with Carolina leading
- Devils under 2.5 total goals
- Pyotr Kochetkov over 25.5 saves
- Jesper Bratt over 2.5 shots on goal
- Carolina Hurricanes to score first
- Exact score: Carolina 4-1
Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights
Match Info
- Western Conference First-Round, Game 5
- Tuesday 29th April 2025, 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST
- T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA
Minnesota Wild
Minnesota have defied expectations with their resilience in this series, but a crushing overtime defeat in Game 4 has undoubtedly taken a psychological toll. Despite their underdog status, the Wild have played with a fearless edge, pushing the reigning champions to their limits. They’ll need to rediscover that edge quickly, knowing that pulling off a road victory in Vegas is no easy feat. Their inability to clear the puck under pressure has been a recurring issue that must be addressed if they are to take a series lead.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights are right back in familiar territory, thriving on home ice and buoyed by an energising Game 4 win. Ivan Barbashev’s opportunistic goal highlighted Vegas’s ability to capitalise on mistakes, while Shea Theodore’s first playoff goal this season underscored their defensive contributions offensively. With a 29-9-3 regular season home record, Vegas will be confident of edging ahead in a now best-of-three series.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Vegas Golden Knights to win
Vegas’s home-ice prowess and knack for seizing crucial moments make them likely to take the series lead.
America Bet Score Prediction
Minnesota Wild 2 – 3 Vegas Golden Knights
Expect a close, hard-fought contest, but Vegas should edge it with their playoff nous.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Vegas Golden Knights to win
- Under 6.5 total goals
- Game to be decided by 1 goal margin
- Ivan Barbashev anytime goal scorer
- Vegas Golden Knights to score first
- Minnesota Wild under 2.5 total goals
- Shea Theodore over 0.5 points
- Joel Eriksson Ek over 0.5 goals
- Exact score: Vegas 3-2
- Match to go to overtime – Yes
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings
Match Info
- Western Conference First-Round, Game 5
- Tuesday 29th April 2025, 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST
- Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, USA
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are building a reputation as the comeback kings in this series, storming back from multiple two-goal deficits to keep their campaign alive. Connor McDavid and company have found a knack for late-game heroics, notably dominating the third period with an 11-5 goal advantage across the series. However, sluggish starts remain a concern, and they must strive for a complete 60-minute performance if they are to wrestle control of the series away from the Kings.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are left wondering what could have been after letting a 3-1 lead slip in Game 4. Their regular season fortress advantage is a source of hope, but their inability to see out games is a glaring issue. Los Angeles must summon all their grit and experience to halt Edmonton’s surging momentum, particularly tightening up defensively in the closing stages where they have faltered too often.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Los Angeles Kings to win
Given their imperious home record and the stinging memory of letting one slip away, expect the Kings to deliver a fired-up response.
America Bet Score Prediction
Edmonton Oilers 3 – 4 Los Angeles Kings
A thriller looks likely once again, but the Kings’ desperation to avoid another collapse should give them the extra push.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Los Angeles Kings to win
- Over 6.5 total goals
- First goal scored by the Kings
- Connor McDavid anytime assist
- Kings to win first period
- Oilers to score in every period – No
- Leon Draisaitl over 1.5 points
- Game to be tied at end of second period
- Adrian Kempe anytime goal scorer
- Los Angeles Kings to win by exactly 1 goal
