2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Thursday’s Best Bets, Player Props and Predictions
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up with pivotal Game 2 and Game 3 matchups across the league. We’re diving into three of today’s best betting opportunities, focusing on critical stats, momentum shifts, and where sharp money might be headed. Here’s where we see value on the board for Thursday night.
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✅ Lightning Moneyline (-125) vs Panthers
Why We Like It:
The Tampa Bay Lightning is in a must-win spot heading into Game 2 after a frustrating offensive outing in Game 1. The Lightning managed just one goal on 20 scoring chances, including eight high-danger looks, far below their norm. In the four games prior, they averaged 13.3 high-danger chances and 3.0 goals per game.
The Florida Panthers, on the other hand, are coming off a Game 1 win that looks more like an anomaly than a trend. The Panthers had surrendered 11.0 high-danger chances per game across their last three regular-season games and only managed 12 even-strength goals in their previous nine contests.
The Edge:
Game 1’s result flatters Florida. Tampa Bay’s underlying numbers suggest a rebound is coming, making the Lightning moneyline a substantial value.
TOR at OTT Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
✅ Senators Moneyline (-125) vs Maple Leafs
Why We Like It:
Despite trailing 0-2 in the series, the Ottawa Senators have dominated the run of play against Toronto. They out-chanced the Toronto Maple Leafs in both games:
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Game 1: 22 chances to 12, including 6 to 5 in high-danger
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Game 2: 23 chances to 17, with 9 to 8 high-danger
Toronto has been overperforming, notching five goals at 5-on-5 and nine total, exceeding their expected totals by two and four goals, respectively.
The Edge:
With the series shifting to Ottawa and the Senators consistently generating better scoring opportunities, the Senators’ moneyline is underpriced, especially considering public money will likely favor Toronto.
WPG at STL Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
✅ Jordan Binnington to Save First 15+ Shots (+330) vs Jets
Why We Like It:
The St. Louis Blues return home down 0-2 to the Winnipeg Jets, and it’s prime time for Jordan Binnington to deliver in a high-leverage spot. Known for excelling under pressure, Binnington is a prime regression candidate after stopping just 87.4% of shots in the first two games, well below his 94.9% postseason mark from his last playoff run.
The Jets might struggle to generate early offense in St. Louis, where the Blues’ structure and home crowd provide a defensive cushion.
The Edge:
Back Binnington to stand tall early. His track record, paired with the situational setup, makes saving the first 15+ shots (+330) a valuable longshot.
FLA at TB Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
Thursday NHL Best Bets Checklist
✅ Lightning Moneyline (-125)
✅ Senators Moneyline (-125)
✅ Jordan Binnington to Save First 15+ Shots (+330)
Odds Subject to Change. Check Here for the Most Up-to-date NHL Odds
Lock in these bets, and let’s cash in on another profitable NHL night! 🏒💰
