2025 Stanley Cup first-round betting guide: Best bets and Conn Smythe predictions

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are set to begin, featuring various predictions and storylines. Contributors from THN.com speculate on potential unlikely heroes, with Gabriel Landeskog, Jonathan Drouin, and Matthew Knies among the frontrunners, while the Toronto Maple Leafs face significant pressure to perform. Key matchups include a highly anticipated series between the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, and Ottawa Senators gaining attention for a potential Cinderella run, as fans eagerly await the outcomes and traditions...

Minnesota Wild defenseman Zeev Buium will make his NHL debut in Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, becoming the first player in Wild history to debut in the postseason. The 19-year-old, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and a Hobey Baker Award finalist, recorded 48 points in 41 games during the 2024-25 season with Denver. Buium is expected to play on the third pairing alongside veteran Zach...

The NHL Playoffs feature a rematch between the Golden Knights and the Minnesota Wild, marking their second postseason encounter, with Vegas previously winning in seven games. Key players include Marc-Andre Fleury, now a backup, and standout goalies Filip Gustavsson and Adin Hill, both of whom had impressive seasons. Additionally, top defensemen Jared Spurgeon and Shea Theodore, along with star forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Jack Eichel, present intriguing matchups as the series begins Sunday night at...

The Montreal Canadiens will return to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2021, facing the Washington Capitals in a first-round series. Despite a 20-point gap in the standings, the Canadiens have shown strong form, going 7-1-2 in their last ten games, while the Capitals struggled, going 4-6-0. In goal, Samuel Montembeault, with a career-best season, will start for Montreal, while the Capitals face potential issues with Logan Thompson's injury, relying on Charlie...

In the WHL playoff semi-finals, several Seattle Kraken prospects showcased their skills. The Lethbridge Hurricanes, led by Caden Price, faced a setback as the Calgary Hitmen won Game 5 in overtime, extending the series to Game 6. Meanwhile, Spokane Chiefs captain Berkly Catton helped his team even the series against the Victoria Royals with a standout performance, while the Portland Winterhawks defeated the Everett Silvertips 4-3, taking a 3-2 series lead as they head into...