Expert NHL Predictions for Wednesday, April 30: Insights from Prognosticators
🔥 NHL PREDICTIONS - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30:
Check out our savage, unfiltered picks for tonight's NHL action!
Montreal Canadiens 🐺 at Washington Capitals 🦸 (-185, 6)
Game Five (Capitals lead Series 3-1), 7:00 PM ET
The Canadiens are teetering on the edge of elimination as they head to DC for Game Five. With Montembeault still unavailable, Dobes takes the net again for Montreal. Despite a 2-1 lead in the third period, Dobes couldn't hold on, letting the Caps tie the game early and score the game-winner with minutes left, followed by a pair of empty-netters. Dobes has given up the first goal in 14 of his 16 starts this season, so bet on the Capitals to score the 1st goal in regulation (-145).
I've been riding the trend of betting on the team coming off a loss to score the first goal of the game (19-10) but Dobes' stats are more significant. And if you fancy a parlay, go for the Cole Caufield Over 2.5 SOG/Slafkovsky Over 1.5 SOG (+127), Cole Caufield anytime goal (+180), and Juraj Slafkovsky anytime goal (+290). One more note: Patrik Laine is a healthy scratch tonight.
On the Capitals side, Aliaksei Protas returns from a hiatus on April 4 after a breakout season with 30 goals. We like Dylan Strome Over 1⁄2 assist (-110) for some decent value, and keep an eye on veteran Mark Scheifele, who's netted a career-best 23 postseason goals. For the thrill-seekers, the 3rd period Over 2 goals (-135) might be worth a shot.
St. Louis Blues 🐺 at Winnipeg Jets 🦏 (-180, 5.5)
Game Five (Series tied 2-2), 9:30 PM ET
St. Louis needs to switch up their road strategy if they want to win this opening-round matchup against Winnipeg. The Jets' home crowd is always electric, and Kyle Connor, in particular, thrives on that energy. Connor has 8 goals and 12 points in his last 10 home games. Captain Mark Scheifele, with 23 career playoff goals, is a force in front of the home crowd.
One thing striking about the Blues is their resilience against Jets star goalie and MVP contender Connor Hellebuyck. The Blues have put up 3+ goals in every game except one this series, and Over 2.5 goals (+114) is a tempting pick. Cam Fowler leads the Blues on the power play with 5 points, while Jordan Kyrou, with 36 goals in the regular season, is tied for the team lead in the playoffs (2 goals, both on the power play).
RELATED ARTICLES
- NHL Predictions: Expert Picks on Tuesday, April 29
- NHL Predictions: Expert Picks on Monday, April 28
- NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Betting Trends
[1] - SportsGuyCo, NHL Predictions: Expert Picks on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.[2] - Bet365, NHL Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals betting markets.[3] - FanDuel, NHL Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals betting odds.[4] - DraftKings, NHL Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals matchup.[5] - William Hill, NHL Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals betting market.
- In light of the betting trends, consider wagering on the team coming off a loss to score the first goal of the game, given its 19-10 success rate.
- For those interested in expert picks for tonight's NHL action, consider parlaying Cole Caufield Over 2.5 SOG/Slafkovsky Over 1.5 SOG (+127), Cole Caufield anytime goal (+180), and Juraj Slafkovsky anytime goal (+290).
- Limiting any bets on the Montreal Canadiens due to their goalie Dobes' history of giving up the first goal in 14 of his 16 starts this season.
- Don't forget to consider Aliaksei Protas' return for the Washington Capitals, Dylan Strome Over 1⁄2 assist (-110), and the 3rd period Over 2 goals (-135) for the thrill-seekers.
- For Hockey fans, the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs betting trends article provides valuable insights for Wednesday's NHL action, alongside expert picks for Tuesday and Monday games.
