The NHL hits the regular season finish line on Thursday night. With the playoffs and matchups set, the seven-game slate features some compelling storylines and potential betting options.
Thursday night will feature plenty of questions on who will get rested and who will play among the playoff teams. After that, some players have milestones to chase, and then there is just the chaos of a typical final regular-season night.
What will happen next?
NHL Betting Picks for April 17, 2025
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Top Picks
The Pittsburgh Penguins had a subpar effort by their standards on Sunday against the Boston Bruins. Pittsburgh often struggles against teams like Boston, which is a significant reason why the Penguins will likely miss the postseason once again.
Speculation is building that Charlie Lindgren will start on Thursday against Pittsburgh’s Tristan Jarry. It is highly recommended to check back often to see who is playing for Washington, in particular. In light of the Jason Robertson injury on Wednesday night, some playoff teams are going to think twice about playing their top players.
Usually, this is an excellent spot for the home team. Pittsburgh has the added motivation to beat its rival. Also, Sidney Crosby is one point from another 90-point season. Crosby and the Penguins will want to flex their offensive muscles against what will likely be a less-than-full-strength Capitals team.
Pick: Sidney Crosby over 1.5 points at +210 via DraftKings
What About The Columbus Blue Jackets?
The Columbus Blue Jackets were one of the last bubble teams to be eliminated. Columbus enjoyed a nice run before Montreal won on Wednesday night against Carolina. However, the Blue Jackets’ final regular-season game comes against the New York Islanders.
Yes, Columbus may have found their goaltender of the future in Jet Greaves. Greaves has gone 6-2-2 on the season with two shutouts in the past week. The Blue Jackets are a significantly better team at home, with a record of 25-10-5. Columbus has won five straight games, and four of those by 3+ goals.
While both teams have little to play for but pride, Columbus wants to get to win number 40. It has been a trying season for the Blue Jackets for many reasons. A cover here would be fitting for what has been an excellent season ATS at home for the Blue Jackets. Lay those goals.
Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets -1.5 goals +180 via BetMGM
The Trouble With Fan Appreciation Nights
The trouble with fan appreciation nights is that home teams and coaching staffs of playoff teams have to figure out which players to start and which to rest. Fan outrage is being balanced with potential injury risk. No one will be pleased, and bettors are no exception.
Calgary vs. Los Angeles may be the worst game to try and gauge. The Kings have been a top team at home all season (31-5-4). Both teams are on winning streaks. Calgary has won three straight while Los Angeles has four wins in a row despite resting a handful of players.
Again, goals could be on the menu in a game like this. The question becomes who plays again.
Calgary is scoring more goals lately and came back from a 3-1 deficit the other night to upend Vegas 6-5. The Flames could score a couple more times versus a Kings team more interested in their meeting with Edmonton. Some sportsbooks have this number as far out as -130 already. Act quickly, and good luck.
Final Bet: Calgary Flames Over 2.5 goals -118 via FanDuel
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