- The 2024-25 NHL season is winding down with simply days remaining within the common season
- Our professional picks tonight embrace Lightning vs Crimson Wings and Devils vs Penguins
- Learn beneath for one of the best NHL picks tonight, April 11, 2025
The NHL playoff race is heating up with solely a handful of video games remaining within the common season. Tonight’s slate options a number of matchups with main postseason implications as groups make their last push.
I’ve recognized two of my favourite NHL picks for this five-game Friday slate on April 11. I’m driving with a veteran-laden Lightning group battling for playoff place, plus taking the sport complete in an Japanese Convention matchup recognized to provide fireworks.
Let’s break down one of the best bets for Friday’s motion.
Lightning vs Crimson Wings Prediction
The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Detroit Crimson Wings tonight at Amalie Area in a pivotal Atlantic Division conflict. The Bolts have already punched their playoff ticket and are battling for optimum seeding, at the moment sitting simply two factors behind Toronto for the division crown.
Tampa Bay enters as heavy dwelling favorites, and for good motive. The Lightning have dominated the season collection, and the Wings’ playoff hopes have all however evaporated with their latest slide. Detroit is available in desperately needing a win after dropping their final two contests, however their highway struggles make this an uphill battle.
The numbers inform a transparent story on this matchup. Tampa’s assault, led by Nikita Kucherov, has been lighting the lamp with regularity, averaging 4 targets per sport over their final 10. In the meantime, Detroit’s offense has sputtered, rating twenty fourth within the league with simply 2.78 targets per sport.
The Lightning’s home-ice benefit can’t be neglected right here. They’ve established Amalie Area as a fortress this season, and Detroit’s highway efficiency has been lackluster at greatest. Tampa has additionally carried out exceptionally effectively as favorites this yr, sporting a robust 39-19 file when laying chalk.
With Detroit formally eradicated and reportedly “hitting a wall” in latest weeks, motivation turns into a severe issue. The Crimson Wings are enjoying out the string whereas Tampa nonetheless has lots to battle for of their push for optimum playoff positioning.
This matchup units up completely for a multi-goal Lightning victory, making the puckline the sensible play.
- Decide: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+145)
Devils vs Penguins Prediction
The New Jersey Devils host the Pittsburgh Penguins in a Metropolitan Division conflict that includes two groups in very totally different positions. The Devils (41-30-7) have clinched a playoff berth and are primarily locked into the third spot within the Metro, whereas the Pens (32-35-12) have been eradicated from rivalry.
Latest tendencies level to a high-scoring affair on this one. The final time these groups met on March 15, Pittsburgh exploded for a 7-3 victory that noticed the groups mix for 10 targets. The Penguins have been a goldmine for over bettors all season, with 62% of their video games (49 of 79) crusing previous the standard 5.5-goal complete.
Each groups have defensive points that ought to result in loads of scoring alternatives. Pittsburgh ranks third-worst within the NHL in targets allowed, surrendering a whopping 3.53 per sport. On the opposite facet, the Devils are coming off a defensive nightmare in opposition to Boston, getting blasted for seven targets in a humiliating defeat.
The goaltending scenario additional helps a high-scoring contest. Tristan Jarry, Pittsburgh’s doubtless starter, carries a less-than-impressive 3.16 GAA this season and a 3.21 GAA in his profession in opposition to New Jersey. In the meantime, Jacob Markstrom is coming off what some described as one of many worst NHL goalie performances of the yr in opposition to Boston.
With the Penguins having nothing to lose and the Devils seeking to regain momentum earlier than the playoffs, count on each groups to open issues up offensively. My projection mannequin predicts 6.3 complete targets, making the over a stable worth.
- Decide: Over 6 Targets (-110)
Different NHL Motion Tonight
Whereas our focus is on these two matchups, a number of different intriguing video games are on tonight’s slate with main playoff implications. The Wild and Flames face off in a vital Western Convention battle that would decide Minnesota’s postseason destiny, whereas the Capitals look to solidify their place atop the Metropolitan Division in opposition to the Blackhawks.
With the common season winding down, these last video games will decide seeding and matchups for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Groups like Tampa Bay are combating for optimum positioning, whereas eradicated squads like Detroit and Pittsburgh are evaluating expertise for subsequent season.
Whether or not you’re backing the Bolts to cruise previous the Wings or anticipating a goal-fest between the Devils and Pens, tonight’s NHL odds provides loads of worth for bettors seeking to money in earlier than the postseason begins.
Signal Up for SBD’s Publication Now
Did you need the most recent sports activities betting information, evaluation, picks, betting tendencies, and related knowledge straight to your inbox? If that’s the case, you’ll need to subscribe to SBD’s publication now!
