The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are starting to take shape, with a trio of Game 3 showdowns on tap for tonight. The Battle of Florida will play their second game of the series, while the Leafs and Sens, Golden Knights and Wild, and the Jets and Blues all face off for the third time this postseason. The dream of a 2025 Stanley Cup run will get one step closer to coming true for some of these fan bases, while others will slip further out of contention. These exhilarating games give us the perfect opportunity to make free NHL picks and predictions, and the NHL odds expect close games all night long.
Panthers vs Lightning Odds
The Florida Panthers stole a game one victory after poor play from Andrei Vasilevskiy, but the NHL odds expect the Lightning to even up the series in game two. The total goals lean towards over 5.5, but a pair of strong goaltenders makes the under a great choice at appealing odds.
| Florida Panthers | Tampa Bay Lightning | |
| Moneyline | +100 | -135 |
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-250) | -1.5 (+171) |
| Total | Over 5.5 Goals (-125) | Under 5.5 Goals (-112) |
Panthers vs Lightning Predictions
The Florida Panthers are the defending Stanley Cup champions, and they sent a message with a dominant win in Game 1. The 6-2 scoreline wasn’t an accurate reflection of how the game went, but there’s no denying the visitors deserved to deliver the first blow of the series. Vaseilevsky allowed 6 goals on 16 shots, and that simply will not happen again. He is still one of the best goaltenders on the planet, and led the Lightning to back-to-back Cups just a few years ago. He will slam the door on Matthew Tkachuk and the Panthers forwards to even up the series. While the -140 moneyline odds on the Tampa Bay Lightning are tempting, the better play is on under 5.5 goals in what will turn out to be a defensive battle.
Prediction: Under 5.5 Goals -112
Maple Leafs vs Senators Odds
The Toronto Maple Leafs will consider themselves lucky to own a 2-0 series lead so far, and it is no surprise to see them as underdogs in game three. The Senators will be desperate to avoid a 0-3 hole as they head home, and this is a pivotal game for the trajectory of this series.
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Ottawa Senators | |
| Moneyline | -110 | -125 |
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-300) | -1.5 (+200) |
| Total | Over 5.5 Goals (-125) | Under 5.5 Goals (-112) |
Maple Leafs vs Senators Predictions
The Toronto Maple Leafs are halfway to beating their first-round demons this year and are poised for the deep playoff run their fanbase has been craving. The Senators will say they aren’t satisfied with how this season has gone, but a playoff berth is already a massive improvement over the last decade of poor results. Max Domi was the overtime hero in game two, and it goes to show that the Leafs aren’t the top-heavy team they once were. They have the balanced scoring they need to challenge a team like the Senators, and their improved play on the defensive end of the ice cannot be ignored. The Senators may be outshooting Toronto, but the Leafs’ ability to prevent dangerous scoring chances in front of Anthony Stolarz has not wavered. Toronto will take a stranglehold on this series with a massive victory in the nation’s capital.
Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline -110
Golden Knights vs Wild Odds
The Wild and Golden Knights are deadlocked heading into game three, and the NHL odds give the Golden Knights an advantage on the road.
| Vegas Golden Knights | Minnesota Wild | |
| Moneyline | -165 | +120 |
| Puck Line | -1.5 (+154) | +1.5 (-220) |
| Total | Over 5.5 Goals (-125) | Under 5.5 Goals (-112) |
Wild vs Golden Knights Predictions
The Wild clawed back a valuable road victory against the Golden Knights in game two, smashing them 5-2. Kirill Kaprizov doesn’t look hampered by his injury early this season, and his three points were crucial to the Wild’s game two victory. The Golden Knights have the championship experience needed to battle back from adversity, but this is a pesky Wild team that will not go away easily. The goals have been flowing to open up the series, but it will be a much tighter game in Minnesota. The +120 odds on the Wild moneyline are a great pick, but this one could need an extra period or two when it is tied late in the third period. The puck line at -220 is the way to go.
Prediction: Minnesota Wild Puck Line (+1.5) -220
Jets vs Blues Odds
Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets will look to slam the door on the Blues as they have the opportunity to build a 3-0 series lead tonight in St. Louis.
| Winnipeg Jets | St.Louis Blues | |
| Moneyline | -130 | -105 |
| Puck Line | -1.5 (+200) | +1.5 (-300) |
| Total | Over 5.5 Goals (+120) | Under 5.5 Goals (-167) |
Jets vs Blues Predictions
The Jets have a real difference maker with Connor Hellebuyck in goal, and they will continue to dominate the Blues physically this series. Home ice advantage will certainly play a role, but the Blues simply aren’t built for a deep playoff run like the Jets. Winnipeg is better on offense, defense, and in goal, and everything points towards a sweep in this series.
Prediction: Winnipeg Jets Moneyline -130
How to Make NHL Playoffs 2025 Picks?
Sportzino stands out as the top destination for your 2025 NHL Playoffs picks. With the opportunity to make free predictions on every single playoff game this season, it’s the go-to platform for NHL fans from across the globe. Whether you’re picking moneylines, exploring player props, predicting on totals, or riding the puck line, Sportzino gives you everything you need to make informed and exciting predictions throughout the NHL postseason.
