NHL · 3 months ago

2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Thursday’s Best Bets, Player Props and Predictions

Host · Writer

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs heat up, value can be found in tightly contested matchups and overlooked player props. Whether it’s a moneyline play on a dominant team or finding plus-money value in a veteran breakout, we’ve identified our three best bets for Thursday’s action.

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Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals

The Carolina Hurricanes were in complete control during their Game 1 victory, and we expect more of the same in Game 2. Despite falling behind 1-0 early, Carolina ultimately dictated the pace, dominating five-on-five play with 35 scoring chances and 18 high-danger opportunities, while posting an elite 74.5% expected goals-for rate.

The Washington Capitals, by contrast, managed just 10 five-on-five shots and a single goal despite nine high-danger chances—a clear indication that their passive approach isn’t cutting it. The Hurricanes have generated double-digit high-danger chances in four of their last six playoff games, showcasing the offensive consistency needed to justify this price.

The market still hasn’t fully adjusted to Carolina’s dominance, making the moneyline a sharp value for Game 2.

Best Bet: Hurricanes Moneyline (-146)

CAR at WSH Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates

Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights

Despite their defensive lapses, the Edmonton Oilers have produced elite numbers in the playoffs. In Game 1, they dismantled the Vegas Golden Knights through the final 40 minutes, finishing with a 32-13 edge in scoring chances, 13-3 in high-danger chances, and a 73.5% expected goals share.

Vegas, on the other hand, has struggled with consistency. After being outplayed in their final game vs. Minnesota with a 28.9% expected goals rate, they followed up with another sluggish performance in the series opener.

While the Oilers have the firepower to tilt the ice, Vegas will be desperate to avoid going down 0-2. That sets up for a tight Game 2 that could require overtime to settle. At +350, the value is there for a 60-minute draw.

Best Bet: 60-Minute Tie (+350)

EDM at VGK Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates

Thursday’s Top NHL Prop

While the Hurricanes have gotten solid contributions from their stars, Taylor Hall is due to make his mark on the scoresheet. Hall, a former Hart Trophy winner, may no longer be the focal point, but his impact is still measurable, primarily through analytics.

So far this postseason, Hall has contributed to five goals and owns a 65.8% expected goals-for rate, with 66.7% scoring chance share and 69.4% high-danger chance share. He’s underperformed his expected goal contributions, sitting three goals below his xG total of 8.0—a strong indicator of potential regression in his favor.

Backed by elite possession metrics and a growing role, Hall offers sneaky value to tally a point at plus-money.

Top Prop: Taylor Hall Over 0.5 Points (+116)