NHL playoff selections, odds, how to watch info for Wednesday’s Stanley Cup action
As the puck drops on another crucial night of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the intensity is dialed all the way up. Wednesday, April 23, promises edge-of-your-seat action as teams battle not only for wins but for momentum, pride, and ultimately a chance at the Cup. We break down the night’s matchups, betting odds, storylines, and how fans around the world can tune in.
Three major games dominate Wednesday’s playoff slate:
- Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals – 7:00 PM ET
- Dallas Stars @ Colorado Avalanche – 9:30 PM ET
- Edmonton Oilers @ Los Angeles Kings – 10:00 PM ET
Each matchup brings its own flavor—from high-octane offensive duels to strategic chess matches on ice.
The Canadiens bring youthful energy into the lion’s den, facing a Capitals squad that’s seasoned in playoff wars. Montreal, led by captain Nick Suzuki, is eager to prove their rebuild is ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the Capitals’ top line, with veteran Alex Ovechkin, still packs a punch.
- Nick Suzuki (MTL): Fast, cerebral, and clutch in key moments.
- Alex Ovechkin (WSH): The Russian Machine is still shooting, and still scoring.
- Jake Allen (MTL): Must be sharp to keep Montreal in the game.
- Washington: -140
- Montreal: +120
- Over/Under: 5.5 goals
Can youth triumph over playoff wisdom? Or will the Caps remind us why experience counts?
This Western Conference duel is as tight as they come. The Stars’ disciplined defensive core faces a Colorado team that can blitz opponents with transition speed. The Avs, led by Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon, are built for big moments.
- Cale Makar (COL): Elite mobility and vision from the blue line.
- Jake Oettinger (DAL): The Stars’ hopes rest on his pads.
- Roope Hintz (DAL): A two-way force and power-play weapon.
- Colorado: -125
- Dallas: +105
- Over/Under: 6.0 goals
Few teams are as dangerous as the Oilers on the power play. But the Kings are built for playoff-style hockey: gritty, structured, and relentless. It’s McDavid vs. Kopitar, Draisaitl vs. Danault. A clash of two philosophies.
- Connor McDavid (EDM): Need we say more?
- Leon Draisaitl (EDM): Playoff beast with scoring touch.
- Anze Kopitar (LAK): Still one of the best shutdown centers.
- Edmonton: -110
- Los Angeles: -110
- Over/Under: 6.5 goals
Can the Kings frustrate and contain the Oilers’ elite skill? Or will Edmonton explode on the scoreboard?
Every playoff game is a war of attrition, but these micro matchups could swing the results:
- Faceoffs in the defensive zone: Possession is gold in the playoffs.
- Penalty kill efficiency: Especially in Oilers vs. Kings, where special teams will be decisive.
- Goaltending duels: Allen vs. Kuemper, Oettinger vs. Georgiev, Skinner vs. Talbot—every save matters.
According to the latest odds (FanDuel Sportsbook):
- Colorado Avalanche: +450
- Carolina Hurricanes: +500
- Vegas Golden Knights: +550
- Toronto Maple Leafs: +600
- Edmonton Oilers: +750
Teams like the Panthers, Rangers, and Stars are still in the hunt, with +1000 to +1200 odds.
In the United States:
- TV: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TNT, truTV, TBS
- Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, Max (B/R Sports Add-on)
In Canada:
- TV: Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports
- Streaming: SN NOW, CBC Gem
International Viewers:
Use services like ExpressVPN to access broadcasts (check local laws).
For the first time since 2017, three Canadian teams are in the postseason: Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. While Toronto is considered a serious contender, Montreal and Ottawa are considered underdogs—but as playoff history shows, anything can happen.
This postseason has seen standout goalie performances already—from Connor Hellebuyck’s shutouts to Igor Shesterkin’s theatrics. The old adage rings true: hot goalies steal series.
Young stars like Jack Hughes, Cole Caufield, and Tim Stützle are making their playoff marks. The NHL’s next generation is stepping up under the spotlight.
- First Round Ends: May 4
- Second Round: May 6–19
- Conference Finals: May 22–June 4
- Stanley Cup Final: June 7–23
Mark your calendars—it’s going to be a thrilling ride.
From Twitter to Reddit, fan bases are alive with anticipation. Capitals fans are hyping Ovi’s last run, Stars fans are banking on Oettinger, and Oilers fans want this to finally be the year.
Whether you’re cheering in your jersey from the couch or watching with friends at a local bar, the energy is undeniable.
Every shift, every hit, and every shot in these early playoff games sets the narrative for what’s to come. Momentum in the postseason is a living thing—it grows, fades, and sometimes crashes all at once.
So buckle up, grab your jersey, and clear your evening. The chase for the Stanley Cup is on, and tonight’s games could shape the future of this postseason.
