Tuesday marks the start of two significant second-round series in the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, showcasing some of the league`s top talent. Alex Ovechkin leads the Washington Capitals against their Metropolitan Division rivals, the Carolina Hurricanes, while Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Vegas Golden Knights, rivals from the Pacific Division.
Alex Ovechkin, recently named the NHL`s all-time leading goal scorer, was instrumental in the top-seeded Capitals` first-round elimination of the Montreal Canadiens. This marks Washington`s first playoff series win since their 2018 Stanley Cup Final victory over the Golden Knights. Washington and Carolina, who defeated the New Jersey Devils in six games, split their regular-season series, with home teams winning each game. Their only prior playoff encounter was in 2019, where Carolina prevailed in seven games.
Connor McDavid, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner from last postseason where Edmonton nearly won the championship, recorded 11 points as the Oilers eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in the first round for the fourth straight year. Vegas advanced by overcoming the Minnesota Wild in six games, winning the final three contests, including two in overtime. The Oilers and Golden Knights split their four-game regular-season series in 2024-25. Their only previous playoff meeting was in 2023, won by Vegas.
Prop Betting Picks for Tuesday
Here are some player prop bets worth considering for Tuesday`s playoff games:
- Alex Ovechkin, Capitals – Anytime Goal Scorer (+135, FanDuel)
Ovechkin has been in strong goal-scoring form, finding the net in 10 of his last 14 games dating back to the regular season. The NHL`s all-time goal leader scored in three of Washington`s five first-round games. He also scored twice in three games against Carolina in 2024-25 and four times in their 2019 playoff series. - Leon Draisaitl, Oilers – Anytime Goal Scorer (+130, DraftKings)
Draisaitl hit the 50-goal mark this season for the fourth time in his career. He scored in three of Edmonton`s first four games against the Kings. Historically, Draisaitl has performed well against Vegas, scoring twice in four games this past season and six times in their 2023 playoff series. - Evan Bouchard, Oilers – 1+ Assist (+110, DraftKings)
Bouchard is known for his playmaking, with 48 assists in 59 career playoff games, including three in the first game of the series against the Kings. Despite a recent five-game assist drought, it`s likely the defenseman will contribute offensively soon, especially given his offensive capabilities. - Connor McDavid, Oilers – 2+ Assists (+190, DraftKings)
McDavid, a multiple Art Ross Trophy winner, is a prolific playmaker with 89 assists in 80 career playoff games, including 28 multi-assist performances in his last 67. He had three games with two or more assists against Los Angeles in the first round and recorded at least two assists twice against Vegas in their 2023 playoff series. He set an NHL record with 34 assists in 25 playoff games last year.
