The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs continue with four games on Monday, featuring two first-round series resuming and two new series beginning. The Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche, winners of the Presidents` Trophy, aim to extend their series leads to 2-0 against the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars, respectively. In the Eastern Conference, the top-seeded Washington Capitals will host the Montreal Canadiens for the first game of their series. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers will start their journey to the Stanley Cup Final again by playing against the Los Angeles Kings on the road.
In Game 1, Winnipeg came back from behind in the third period to defeat St. Louis 5-3 at home, with Kyle Connor scoring the game-winning goal late in the game. Colorado dominated Dallas in their opening game, winning 5-1 on the road, with Nathan MacKinnon scoring twice and assisting on another goal. The Avalanche are seeking revenge for their previous playoff loss to the Stars.
Alex Ovechkin of Washington, after a remarkable regular season where he scored 44 goals at 39 years old and became the NHL`s all-time leading goal scorer, is looking to lead the Capitals to their first playoff series victory since 2018 when they won the Stanley Cup Final. Ovechkin, who was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2018, is among the top playoff goal scorers in history and has a history of scoring against Montreal in past playoffs.
The Edmonton Oilers, despite facing injuries towards the end of the regular season, will have key players like Leon Draisaitl back in the lineup for Monday`s game. Draisaitl, who returned from injury, had an impressive 52-goal season, earning him the Maurice Richard Trophy. This marks the fourth consecutive playoff series between the Oilers and Kings, with Edmonton winning the previous three.
Best Bets
Leon Draisaitl, Oilers (+155, FanDuel)
Before his recent injury, Draisaitl was in excellent form, scoring 17 goals in 21 games. He has consistently performed well against the Kings in previous playoffs, scoring multiple goals in each of the last three series. Draisaitl is also a key part of Edmonton`s top-ranked power play.
Nick Suzuki, Canadiens (+230, BetMGM)
Suzuki is a primary offensive threat for Montreal, having achieved a 30-goal season for the second year in a row. He has been scoring consistently recently and has found success against the Capitals in the past. Suzuki is expected to be central to Montreal`s offense in this series.
Kevin Fiala, Kings (+210, FanDuel)
Fiala tied for the Kings` team lead in goals this season with a career-high 35. He is currently on a scoring streak and has a good track record against the Oilers, making him a valuable anytime goal scorer bet.
Mason Marchment, Stars (+400, BetMGM)
Marchment equaled his career-high in goals this season with 22. While he didn`t score in the first game against Colorado, he was actively shooting and has previously scored against the Avalanche. With Jason Robertson injured, Dallas will rely more on players like Marchment for offense.
