NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Bets Wednesday

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are getting close to the end of the first round. One team was eliminated last night as the New Jersey Devils lost to the Carolina Hurricanes. Three more teams could join them tonight. What unexpected turns will greet bettors on this Wednesday night?

Let us take a closer look.

NHL Playoffs Betting Picks for April 30

Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals Picks

Get a $150 bonus or $1,500 first bet offer for MLB games Wednesday here.

The Montreal Canadiens have kind of watched “the wheels fall off.” Things can change, but it appears Jakub Dobes will start Game 5 in goal. Logan Thompson is in once again for the Washington Capitals. Jaroslav Halak is not coming through that door for Montreal.

So, Montreal is facing elimination. Now, Ottawa has stared at it twice and dodged the end both times. Does this give the Canadiens hope? It probably does. Consider that Montreal was up 2-1 in Game 4 going into the third period. Washington rallied for four goals (two via the empty net). The teams are closer, at least competitively.

Now, Montreal has not been able to stop or even contain Dylan Strome. We suspected Strome would be a handful for the Canadiens. The center has two goals and five assists in four games. Here is the funny thing. Strome only has one point on the man advantage. Some forget that this is now a point-a-game player, having scored 82 points in 82 games during the 2024-25 season.

Can Montreal get out of its way and just play? Washington might have figured out the Canadiens to the point where the Capitals wait for the mistakes to happen. Montreal allows a ton of scoring chances, and Washington has been patient. This leads to plenty of options. For one, Washington -1.5 goals stands at -135 via BetMGM.However, a goal by Alex Ovechkin set up by Dylan Strome is the best scenario to bet on.

Picks: Alex Ovechkin anytime goal +105 via BetMGM

Dylan Strome Over 0.5 assists (-110) via DraftKings

Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Picks

Naturally, closing out a rival is the most challenging yet satisfying feeling. Florida has the chance to do this once again to Tampa Bay on Wednesday night. Florida dug in and defeated Tampa Bay at home on Monday night. Now, can the Panthers finish off the Lightning?

Do not laugh at this. Florida plays better without Aaron Ekblad in the lineup. Ekblad was suspended for two games for hitting Brandon Hagel. The defenseman did score a goal, which helped spearhead another defenseman's (Seth Jones') goal and the win, but the liabilities were very much present.

Then, there is Tampa Bay. Nikita Kucherov was held without a goal for the 14th straight playoff game. He played over 25 minutes in Game 4 and had little to show. Brayden Point was in the same boat as Matthew Tkachuk from the Panthers’ side.

The problem with this series is that less is more. Look at Game 4, where the teams combined for 43 shots on goal. Props are tough in this one, much like the scoring.

Finally, we take the risk that Florida will end this tonight and secure the win in regulation.

Best Bet: Florida Panthers in regulation (+145 via FanDuel)

St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets Props

The Wednesday late game features St. Louis and Winnipeg in a pivotal Game 5. Winnipeg held serve, and St. Louis countered. It is the latter that becomes more interesting. Can the Jets reverse the tide?

Both teams love playing at home. Winnipeg was outscored 12-3 in St. Louis? Does that carry over in any way? No one truly knows the answer to this question. However, the Blues were more competitive in Winnipeg. Game 1 had the Blues ahead after 40 minutes, and Game 2 was tied after 40.

The prop that carries the most risk is goaltender saves again. Connor Hellebuyck under 21.5 saves is +105 on DraftKings. Conventional thinking suggests Jordan Binnington might face close to 30 shots again.

Pick: Connor Hellebuyck Under 21.5 saves (+105 via DraftKings)