- The 2024-25 NHL season is winding down with just days remaining in the regular season
- Our expert picks tonight include Lightning vs Red Wings and Devils vs Penguins
- Read below for the best NHL picks tonight, April 11, 2025
The NHL playoff race is heating up with only a handful of games remaining in the regular season. Tonight’s slate features several matchups with major postseason implications as teams make their final push.
I’ve identified two of my favorite NHL picks for this five-game Friday slate on April 11. I’m riding with a veteran-laden Lightning team battling for playoff position, plus taking the game total in an Eastern Conference matchup known to produce fireworks.
Let’s break down the best bets for Friday’s action.
Lightning vs Red Wings Prediction
The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Detroit Red Wings tonight at Amalie Arena in a pivotal Atlantic Division clash. The Bolts have already punched their playoff ticket and are battling for optimal seeding, currently sitting just two points behind Toronto for the division crown.
Tampa Bay enters as heavy home favorites, and for good reason. The Lightning have dominated the season series, and the Wings’ playoff hopes have all but evaporated with their recent slide. Detroit comes in desperately needing a win after dropping their last two contests, but their road struggles make this an uphill battle.
The numbers tell a clear story in this matchup. Tampa’s attack, led by Nikita Kucherov, has been lighting the lamp with regularity, averaging four goals per game over their last 10. Meanwhile, Detroit’s offense has sputtered, ranking 24th in the league with just 2.78 goals per game.
The Lightning’s home-ice advantage can’t be overlooked here. They’ve established Amalie Arena as a fortress this season, and Detroit’s road performance has been lackluster at best. Tampa has also performed exceptionally well as favorites this year, sporting a strong 39-19 record when laying chalk.
With Detroit officially eliminated and reportedly “hitting a wall” in recent weeks, motivation becomes a serious factor. The Red Wings are playing out the string while Tampa still has plenty to fight for in their push for optimal playoff positioning.
This matchup sets up perfectly for a multi-goal Lightning victory, making the puckline the smart play.
- Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+145)
Devils vs Penguins Prediction
The New Jersey Devils host the Pittsburgh Penguins in a Metropolitan Division clash featuring two teams in very different positions. The Devils (41-30-7) have clinched a playoff berth and are essentially locked into the third spot in the Metro, while the Pens (32-35-12) have been eliminated from contention.
Recent trends point to a high-scoring affair in this one. The last time these teams met on March 15, Pittsburgh exploded for a 7-3 victory that saw the teams combine for 10 goals. The Penguins have been a goldmine for over bettors all season, with 62% of their games (49 of 79) sailing past the typical 5.5-goal total.
Both teams have defensive issues that should lead to plenty of scoring opportunities. Pittsburgh ranks third-worst in the NHL in goals allowed, surrendering a whopping 3.53 per game. On the other side, the Devils are coming off a defensive nightmare against Boston, getting blasted for seven goals in a humiliating defeat.
The goaltending situation further supports a high-scoring contest. Tristan Jarry, Pittsburgh’s likely starter, carries a less-than-impressive 3.16 GAA this season and a 3.21 GAA in his career against New Jersey. Meanwhile, Jacob Markstrom is coming off what some described as one of the worst NHL goalie performances of the year against Boston.
With the Penguins having nothing to lose and the Devils looking to regain momentum before the playoffs, expect both teams to open things up offensively. My projection model predicts 6.3 total goals, making the over a solid value.
- Pick: Over 6 Goals (-110)
Other NHL Action Tonight
While our focus is on these two matchups, several other intriguing games are on tonight’s slate with major playoff implications. The Wild and Flames face off in a crucial Western Conference battle that could determine Minnesota’s postseason fate, while the Capitals look to solidify their position atop the Metropolitan Division against the Blackhawks.
With the regular season winding down, these final games will determine seeding and matchups for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Teams like Tampa Bay are fighting for optimal positioning, while eliminated squads like Detroit and Pittsburgh are evaluating talent for next season.
Whether you’re backing the Bolts to cruise past the Wings or expecting a goal-fest between the Devils and Pens, tonight’s NHL odds offers plenty of value for bettors looking to cash in before the postseason begins.
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As the NHL season winds down and teams fight for playoff positioning, Friday night’s games offer some exciting matchups for bettors to consider. With several key games on the schedule, here are some expert picks to help guide your betting decisions.
One of the marquee matchups of the night features the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Winnipeg Jets. The Maple Leafs have been one of the hottest teams in the league recently, winning seven of their last ten games. Led by superstar Auston Matthews, Toronto has a potent offense that can score in bunches. On the other hand, the Jets have struggled as of late, losing six of their last ten games. Look for the Maple Leafs to continue their winning ways and come out on top in this game.
Another game to keep an eye on is the clash between the Colorado Avalanche and the St. Louis Blues. The Avalanche have been one of the top teams in the league all season, boasting a high-powered offense led by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Meanwhile, the Blues have been inconsistent recently, winning just four of their last ten games. With the Avalanche playing at a high level and the Blues struggling, look for Colorado to come away with a victory in this game.
In the final game of the night, the Vegas Golden Knights will take on the Arizona Coyotes. The Golden Knights have been on a roll lately, winning eight of their last ten games. With a balanced attack and solid goaltending, Vegas has been tough to beat. On the other hand, the Coyotes have been up and down recently, winning just five of their last ten games. Look for the Golden Knights to continue their winning streak and secure a victory in this game.
Overall, Friday night’s NHL games offer some intriguing matchups for bettors to consider. With expert picks pointing towards the Maple Leafs, Avalanche, and Golden Knights coming out on top, bettors should feel confident in placing their wagers on these teams. As always, it’s important to do your own research and analysis before making any bets, but these expert selections can serve as a helpful guide for tonight’s games.
