As the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs continue, four first-round series have the potential to conclude on Thursday, adding to the three teams already advancing to the second round. The day features three crucial Game 6 matchups in the Western Conference and one in the Eastern Conference.
In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Maple Leafs look to wrap up their series and potentially set up a second-round showdown with the reigning champion Florida Panthers when they visit the Ottawa Senators. Toronto was the only playoff team to establish a 3-0 lead in their opening-round series but has since suffered back-to-back losses to Ottawa, being outscored 8-3. Meanwhile, other East teams like the Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals have already secured their spots in the next round.
Out West, the Vegas Golden Knights aim to move on as they hit the road to face the Minnesota Wild. The 2023 Stanley Cup champions initially trailed 2-1 in the series but have bounced back with consecutive overtime victories. Brett Howden sealed their Game 5 win on Tuesday, scoring his third goal of the matchup just over four minutes into the extra frame.
The Colorado Avalanche hope to stave off elimination and force a decisive seventh game when they host the Dallas Stars. Colorado evened the series with a dominant 4-0 home shutout in Game 4 but were then routed 6-2 in Dallas on Monday. Wyatt Johnston played a key role for the Stars in that victory, netting his first two goals of the postseason and adding an assist, putting Dallas just one win away from advancing.
Finally, the defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers are seeking their fourth consecutive win as they welcome the Los Angeles Kings to Rogers Place. After losing the first two games in Los Angeles and allowing six goals in each, the Oilers made a change in net, inserting Calvin Pickard for Stuart Skinner. This move appears to have stabilized their defense, as Edmonton has won three straight, allowing a total of just eight goals during that stretch.
Best Player Props for Thursday
Following a successful night where several top picks delivered, here are some players offering value to consider for prop bets in Thursday`s playoff games.
Kirill Kaprizov Anytime Goal Scorer
Kaprizov has been a primary offensive threat for the Wild, contributing significantly to their goal total through five games against the Golden Knights. The 28-year-old forward is tied for the playoff lead in goals with five, showcasing his scoring prowess in this matchup, including two multi-goal games and a goal in Game 5.
Anze Kopitar 1+ Assist
Age has not diminished Kopitar`s playmaking ability. The 37-year-old Slovenian center is tied for third across the league in playoff assists with seven, already matching his total from the previous two postseasons combined. This marks the second-highest single-postseason assist total of his career, highlighting his consistent contribution to the Kings` offense. He has recorded an assist in four of the five games played in this series.
Connor McDavid Anytime Goal Scorer
While Connor McDavid has excelled as a playmaker in this series, currently tied for the playoff lead with eight assists, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner is always a significant threat to score himself. McDavid found the back of the net in two of the first three games against Los Angeles. With a career playoff goal-scoring rate that places him among the all-time greats, betting on the three-time Hart Trophy winner to score is always a viable option, even if he hasn`t in the last couple of games.
Best Longshot Prop
Matthew Knies Anytime Goal Scorer
Matthew Knies significantly increased his scoring output this season compared to his rookie year, finishing with 29 goals and ranking fourth on the Maple Leafs, including two hat tricks. The 22-year-old forward has continued this production in the playoffs, currently tied for the team lead with three goals in the series against the Senators. As Toronto looks to rebound from a shutout loss and avoid a Game 7, Knies presents an intriguing longshot possibility to get on the scoresheet.
