NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 05/08/2025

The Capitals should benefit from home ice advantage as they look to even the series after dropping Game 1.

Washington's offensive firepower was evident in the first round where they scored 18 goals, and players like Alexei Protas and Dylan Strome should create quality scoring chances.

The Capitals' defensive unit led by John Carlson and Jakob Chychrun has the ability to create turnovers and limit Carolina's offensive opportunities.

Goaltender Logan Thompson has shown he can make crucial saves in high-pressure playoff situations.

With plus-money odds, the Capitals provide excellent value as a home underdog looking to avoid going down 2-0 in the series.

Both teams demonstrated strong defensive play in Game 1, and we should expect similar structure in this critical Game 2 matchup.

The Hurricanes allowed just two goals in Game 1 (only one in regulation), with their defensive unit led by Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin effectively limiting quality scoring chances.

Washington's defensive corps featuring John Carlson, Jakob Chychrun, and Matt Roy has shown they can force turnovers in both the neutral and defensive zones.

Both goaltenders—Frederik Andersen for Carolina and Logan Thompson for Washington—are playing at a high level in the playoffs.

The pressure of playoff hockey typically leads to tighter checking and fewer offensive risks, particularly in a pivotal Game 2 scenario.

The Oilers offense is firing on all cylinders, leading the playoffs with 4.43 goals per game and riding a five-game winning streak where they've consistently outshot opponents.

Despite Vegas generating only 17 shots in Game 1, they typically average 30 shots per game this postseason and have an effective power play that should create more scoring chances in Game 2.

Edmonton's goaltending remains a potential vulnerability with both Calvin Pickard and Stuart Skinner posting save percentages below .900 in the playoffs.

The Oilers' aggressive offensive style creates high-danger chances both ways, making this a prime matchup for a high-scoring affair.

After Game 1 featured 6 total goals, we can expect an even more open contest as Vegas looks to even the series before heading to Edmonton.

Edmonton enters this contest riding an impressive five-game winning streak compared to Vegas splitting their last six games.

The Oilers' offense has been electric in the playoffs, leading all teams with 4.43 goals per game and scoring nine goals in their last three road contests.

Edmonton's special teams advantage is significant here, converting over 23% of their power play opportunities against a Vegas team ranking 26th in the league in penalty kills.

The Golden Knights have struggled defensively at home recently, surrendering 11 goals in their last three games at T-Mobile Arena.

Game 1 already demonstrated Edmonton's ability to control play, outshooting Vegas 28-17 and showing they can maintain defensive discipline when needed.