NHL Predictions Today: Two Expert Picks for Wednesday (Apr. 23)
By Brady Trettenero in NHL Hockey
Published:
- Check out our NHL picks for the three-game Wednesday playoff slate
- I’m backing the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, with Gabe Landeskog expected to return
- See NHL predictions today and picks for the three-game slate on April 23 below
The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs continue this Wednesday with three enticing matchups on the schedule. The action kicks off with Habs vs Caps Game 2, followed by Stars vs Avalanche Game 3. The nightcap features the Oilers visiting the Kings in Game 2.
After digging through all three playoff matchups, I’ve spotted two solid betting spots for tonight’s action. One of my predictions involves the Colorado Avalanche, who might finally be getting their captain back in the lineup.
Let’s dig into where the value sits in these playoff games.
NHL Predictions Today (Apr. 23)
NHL Prediction: Avalanche -1.5 (+110) vs Stars
First up, I’m backing the Colorado Avalanche to cover the puck line as -1.5 favorites against the Dallas Stars in Game 3.
With the series tied 1-1, Colorado returns home to Ball Arena where they’ve been absolutely dominant this season. The Avalanche posted an impressive 26-12-3 record on home ice during the regular season, and they’ve been particularly dominant since the Four Nations break.
The biggest news for Colorado is the potential return of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who was activated from injured reserve ahead of Game 2. While he was a late scratch on Monday, all signs point to him making his long-awaited return tonight in front of the home crowd. This would be Landeskog’s first NHL game since June 26, 2022, when Colorado defeated Tampa Bay to capture the Stanley Cup.
The Swedish star has battled knee injuries for the past three years and has had two surgeries along the way, but his return would provide an enormous emotional boost for the Avalanche and their fans.
Another huge plus for Colorado is goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, who’s been a wall since joining the Avalanche in December. Blackwood stood on his head in Game 1, turning away 23 shots in a 5-1 win, with the only goal coming on a deflection during a power play.
The thin air in Denver is another edge for the Avalanche. Visiting teams often hit a wall in the third period due to the altitude. That’s bad news for a Dallas squad coming off an overtime battle on Monday.
Dallas will also be shorthanded tonight, missing both Jason Robertson and Nils Lundkvist. Robertson’s absence hurts big time, as he was second on the team in scoring with 80 points during the regular season.
With Colorado’s home-ice dominance, the possible return of their captain, Blackwood standing tall in net, and Dallas missing key guys, I’m expecting the Avs to take Game 3 by at least a couple goals.
SPORTSBOOK
NHL Pick: Kevin Fiala Anytime Goal Scorer (+180)
For my second play, I’m riding Kevin Fiala to light the lamp in Game 2 between the Kings and Oilers.
Fiala was absolutely on fire in Game 1, notching a power-play goal and a power-play helper in the Kings’ wild 6-5 win. He also fired six shots on goal, tops among all Kings skaters, showing he’s hunting for scoring chances.
Looking at Fiala’s playoff stats so far:
- 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points
- 6 shots on goal (team high)
- 5:09 of power play time
- 13:55 of even strength time
- 16.7% shooting percentage
His scoring efficiency is impressive, having already converted one of his six shots, which demonstrates that he’s finding quality scoring chances. Despite playing only 13:55 at even strength, Fiala was all over the ice and is making the most of his opportunities.
When it comes to facing Edmonton this season, Fiala has been money. In five games against the Oilers, he’s bagged three goals on 23 shots. He also found the back of the net in both of the Kings’ previous two matchups with Edmonton—a 5-0 beatdown on April 14 and a 3-0 shutout on April 5.
The Oilers’ defense has been leaky all year, ranking 14th in goals against, surrendering 235 goals total (roughly 2.9 per game). They showed those same holes in Game 1, letting the Kings put six past them.
Even though Fiala is technically on the second line, he’s a major piece of the Kings’ attack. He gets plenty of power-play time, which is how he scored in Game 1. His chemistry with linemates like Byfield (who also had a goal and assist) and Kopitar/Kempe means the scoring chances will keep coming his way.
With +180 odds, there’s great value in betting on Fiala to find the net again tonight.
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Lead NHL & NCAAF Editor
Brady is the lead NHL and College Football editor at Sports Betting Dime, where he specializes in betting odds and data-driven analysis. Brady has over 10 years experience working in sports media, with work published by outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports, Yahoo! Sports and Fox Sports.
