Check out our NHL picks for the three-game Wednesday playoff slate
I’m backing the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, with Gabe Landeskog expected to return
See NHL predictions today and picks for the three-game slate on April 23 below
The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs continue this Wednesday with three enticing matchups on the schedule. The action kicks off with Habs vs Caps Game 2, followed by Stars vs Avalanche Game 3. The nightcap features the Oilers visiting the Kings in Game 2.
After digging through all three playoff matchups, I’ve spotted two solid betting spots for tonight’s action. One of my predictions involves the Colorado Avalanche, who might finally be getting their captain back in the lineup.
Let’s dig into where the value sits in these playoff games.
NHL Predictions Today (Apr. 23)
| Game | Pick | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Stars at Avalanche | Avalanche -1.5 | +110 |
| Kings at Oilers | Kevin Fiala Anytime Goal | +180 |
NHL Prediction: Avalanche -1.5 (+110) vs Stars
First up, I’m backing the Colorado Avalanche to cover the puck line as -1.5 favorites against the Dallas Stars in Game 3.
With the series tied 1-1, Colorado returns home to Ball Arena where they’ve been absolutely dominant this season. The Avalanche posted an impressive 26-12-3 record on home ice during the regular season, and they’ve been particularly dominant since the Four Nations break.
The biggest news for Colorado is the potential return of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who was activated from injured reserve ahead of Game 2. While he was a late scratch on Monday, all signs point to him making his long-awaited return tonight in front of the home crowd. This would be Landeskog’s first NHL game since June 26, 2022, when Colorado defeated Tampa Bay to capture the Stanley Cup.
OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN 🫡
Welcome back, Gabriel Landeskog! pic.twitter.com/TKmp2WkS3I
— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) April 22, 2025
The Swedish star has battled knee injuries for the past three years and has had two surgeries along the way, but his return would provide an enormous emotional boost for the Avalanche and their fans.
Another huge plus for Colorado is goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, who’s been a wall since joining the Avalanche in December. Blackwood stood on his head in Game 1, turning away 23 shots in a 5-1 win, with the only goal coming on a deflection during a power play.
Mackenzie Blackwood makes a series of saves in his playoff debut to keep it scoreless 🙅♂️
pic.twitter.com/aNuYbdXXl1
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 20, 2025
The thin air in Denver is another edge for the Avalanche. Visiting teams often hit a wall in the third period due to the altitude. That’s bad news for a Dallas squad coming off an overtime battle on Monday.
Dallas will also be shorthanded tonight, missing both Jason Robertson and Nils Lundkvist. Robertson’s absence hurts big time, as he was second on the team in scoring with 80 points during the regular season.
With Colorado’s home-ice dominance, the possible return of their captain, Blackwood standing tall in net, and Dallas missing key guys, I’m expecting the Avs to take Game 3 by at least a couple goals.
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