NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 05/15/2025

Carolina has grabbed this series by the throat with consecutive victories and appears ready to eliminate Washington on the road tonight.

The Hurricanes' offense has caught fire at the right time, scoring nine goals over their last two games with Taylor Hall and Seth Jarvis leading an attack that's creating quality chances through aggressive zone entries and crisp passing.

Defensively, Carolina has been suffocating, allowing just six goals across the entire series and only two in the last two games, showcasing the elite defensive work of Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns.

Frederik Andersen continues to provide championship-caliber goaltending for the Hurricanes, which gives them the edge in what should be a tight elimination game.

With momentum firmly on their side, Carolina's balanced approach should overcome any home-ice advantage Washington might enjoy in this potential series-clincher.

This series has been defined by defensive play, with Carolina allowing just six total goals across four games while Washington has struggled to generate consistent offense.

The Hurricanes' defensive unit led by Slavin, Burns, and Walker has been exceptional at forcing turnovers and limiting quality scoring chances throughout the series.

Frederik Andersen has been a wall in net for Carolina, allowing just two goals in the last two games and looking completely dialed in at the most important time of year.

Washington's defensive group featuring Chychrun and Carlson will need to play their best game with elimination looming, likely resulting in tighter checking and fewer risks taken offensively.

With the series potentially ending tonight, expect both teams to emphasize defensive responsibility over run-and-gun play, making the under a strong value.

The Stars have seized control of their series against Winnipeg, winning consecutive games and looking poised to close things out on the road tonight.

Dallas has been efficient offensively throughout this series, netting 11 goals across four games with their top forwards Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund creating high-quality chances through quick puck movement.

Defensively, the Stars have been even more impressive, allowing just nine goals in the series and only three in the last two contests, which speaks to the shutdown abilities of Thomas Harley and Miro Heiskanen on the blue line.

Jake Oettinger has been rock-solid between the pipes for Dallas, giving them the goaltending edge they need to finish this series on the road.

The Stars' balanced approach should give them the edge against a Jets team that must be feeling the pressure of elimination at home.

Both the Stars and Jets have strong defensive foundations that should lead to a tight, low-scoring affair in this elimination game.

Dallas has allowed just three goals in the past two games, with their blue line corps of Thomas Harley, Miro Heiskanen, and Esa Lindell forcing turnovers and limiting high-danger chances.

Jake Oettinger has been outstanding in net for the Stars, while on the other end, Connor Hellebuyck gives the Jets a Vezina-caliber goaltender who elevates his game when facing elimination.

The Jets defense, anchored by Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk, should tighten up significantly with their season on the line, potentially limiting Dallas' offensive opportunities.

Elimination games in the NHL playoffs tend to be cautious affairs with teams prioritizing defensive responsibility, making the under a solid play in this matchup.