NHL 29/04/25 Post-Match Review: Stars Stumble, Underdogs Bite, and Ice Runs Red
It was a night of shifting narratives, broken sticks, and playoff electricity as Game 5s across the NHL delivered no shortage of spectacle. From a stinging shutout in Toronto to a double-overtime epic in Carolina, the action on 29 April 2025 reminded fans and bettors alike why playoff hockey is unmatched for tension and drama.
Let’s take a closer look at the fallout from all four crucial games.
Ottawa Senators 4 – 0 Toronto Maple Leafs
Series tied 3-3
What was meant to be a coronation at Scotiabank Arena turned into a catastrophe.
Toronto once again failed to close out a playoff series, shut out 4-0 by a fearless Ottawa Senators side that smelled blood and pounced with precision. Auston Matthews’ shattered stick on the bench became the enduring symbol of the night: frustration, futility, and familiar heartbreak. His power-play turnover led to a short-handed goal that opened the floodgates for Ottawa, who scored twice more before adding an empty-net dagger.
Despite a franchise-best road record this season, the Maple Leafs now face another must-win away day in Kanata. Meanwhile, the Senators’ young core—led by Ridly Greig and Brady Tkachuk—continues to mature under pressure, thriving in elimination settings.
America Bet Betting Recap:
Our prediction of a Maple Leafs win missed the mark, but those who backed Ottawa to score first, or Senators +1.5, would’ve cashed in nicely. The under 5.5 goals bet also came good in this one-sided clash.
New Jersey Devils 4 – 5 Carolina Hurricanes (2OT)
Carolina wins series 4-1
In the game of the night, Carolina overcame a disastrous start and pulled off a remarkable comeback to send the Devils packing.
Down 3-0 after the first period, the Hurricanes stormed back with three goals in less than four minutes in the second. Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho led the charge, with Aho eventually netting the double-overtime winner on a four-minute power play after Dawson Mercer’s costly high stick.
Jacob Markstrom made a heroic 49 saves for New Jersey, but even his effort wasn’t enough to deny Carolina, who now advance to the second round for a fifth straight year. The Devils, despite a valiant effort and strong special teams play, were simply overwhelmed by the Hurricanes’ relentless pressure.
America Bet Betting Recap:
We predicted a Carolina win, and it paid off—even if the scoreline went over expectations. Those who backed Aho to score or took a Carolina win in overtime received strong returns.
Minnesota Wild 2 – 3 Vegas Golden Knights (OT)
Vegas leads series 3-2
Another overtime win for the defending champs, and another heartbreak for the Minnesota Wild.
For the second game running, the Wild were outlasted in sudden death, this time courtesy of Brett Howden, who fired home a slick one-timer after a perfect backhand feed from Tanner Pearson. Vegas had led twice through William Karlsson and Mark Stone, only for Minnesota to claw back both times thanks to Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.
A late disallowed goal by Ryan Hartman due to offside only added to the frustration, and now Minnesota must regroup for Game 6 on home ice.
America Bet Betting Recap:
Our predicted Vegas win and overtime outcome both came true. Bettors who backed Howden anytime goal or took the “match to be decided by 1 goal” tip also profited.
Edmonton Oilers 3 – 1 Los Angeles Kings
Oilers lead series 3-2
In what has become an all-too-familiar tale, the Kings once again crumbled in the third period against Edmonton.
Mattias Janmark was the hero, burying a rebound to break a 1-1 deadlock before Ryan Nugent-Hopkins iced it with an empty-netter. Edmonton’s relentless forecheck and shot dominance overwhelmed the Kings, who were kept afloat only by Darcy Kuemper’s 43 saves.
Despite leading early through Andrei Kuzmenko’s power-play goal, LA failed to capitalise and now face elimination on the road. The Oilers, meanwhile, are riding the momentum of three straight wins and a franchise record for comeback victories in a single post-season.
America Bet Betting Recap:
Our prediction of a Kings win didn’t land, but bettors who backed under 5.5 goals, Janmark to score, or Edmonton to win by 2 goals will be smiling.
What Comes Next?
As several series shift towards decisive Game 6s, the drama only intensifies. Toronto’s ghosts loom large, Minnesota must win to force a Game 7, and LA is staring down a familiar early exit.
From a betting perspective, 29 April served as a reminder of the value in backing overtime, underdogs, and situational momentum. Our expert picks at America Bet were on point in several areas—particularly the Carolina win, overtime in Vegas, and total goals under in Toronto—helping our readers stay one step ahead.
For full match previews, future predictions, and daily NHL betting tips, be sure to check out the dedicated hockey section at America Bet.
