Stanley Cup Odds & AI Predictions Today: Best NHL Playoff Picks for Saturday, April 26

The Ottawa Senators will do everything in their power to avoid becoming the first team eliminated as we offer the Stanley Cup odds and AI predictions while providing our expert picks for the NHL playoff predictions today. 

Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers return home with a two-game lead and the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars attempt to gain a 3-1 series advantage. 

Here's how we think things will play out on Saturday. 

🏆 Live Stanley Cup odds & prediction to win NHL playoffs

Stanley Cup odds via our best NHL betting sites. Updated in real time.

💰 Best bet to win Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche (+1100 via DraftKings)

Bet $5, Get $200 + $1K Deposit Bonus

Terms and conditions apply.

Claim $200

🏒 NHL playoff predictions & best bets for today Saturday, April 26

Here are our best NHL predictions today for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including our expert picks and full-game previews for every matchup. Odds courtesy of BetMGM; subject to change.

🚨 Lightning vs. Panthers player props, odds, expert picks 

📍 Puck drop: 1 p.m. ET | 📺 TV: TBS
📊 Odds: Lightning (+115) | Panthers (-135) | O/U 5.5

Here's who Gary Pearson features in his Lightning vs. Panthers player props: 

• Sam Bennett
• Sam Reinhart
• Sergei Bobrovsky

👉 Check out our full Lightning vs. Panthers player props for expert analysis, and our favorite prop bets.

🤖 Lightning vs. Panthers Game 3 AI prediction 

🎯 Score prediction: Panthers 3, Lightning 2 (OT)

Here's why ChatGPT is picking the Lightning to win in overtime: 

"Nikita Kucherov has been rendered ineffective through two games - pointless, lacking time and space, and unable to influence the game. Gustav Forsling is playing Norris-level hockey. His footwork and stick positioning are smothering Kucherov before he can reach dangerous areas.

But it’s not just one-on-one - the Panthers are employing layered defense, clogging passing lanes and collapsing inside their blue line with five tightly structured skaters. Without Brandon Hagel to relieve pressure on Kucherov’s line, Tampa will struggle even more offensively."

🚨 Golden Knights vs. Wild player props, odds, expert picks 

📍 Puck drop: 4 p.m. ET | 📺 TV: TBS, Sportsnet 
📊 Odds: Golden Knights (-150) | Wild (+125) | O/U 5.5

Here's who Connor Cooper features in his Golden Knights vs. Wild player props:

• Adin Hill
• Kirill Kaprizov

👉 Check out our full Golden Knights vs. Wild player props for expert analysis, and our favorite prop bets.

🤖 Golden Knights vs. Wild Game 4 AI prediction 

🎯 Score prediction: Wild 4, Golden Knights 2 

Here's why ChatGPT is picking the Wild to win: 

"Minnesota’s momentum and balanced depth will likely carry them to a Game 3 victory. Vegas will be desperate to stay in the series, but Minnesota’s special teams, offensive depth, and Kaprizov’s brilliance make them a tough opponent to overcome. Expect a physical, tight contest, but Minnesota’s game-winning plays from their star players will likely get them the win."

🚨 Maple Leafs vs. Senators player props, odds, expert picks

📍 Puck drop: 7 p.m. ET | 📺 TV: Sportsnet, TBS 
📊 Odds: Maple Leafs (-105)| Senators (-115)| O/U 5.5

Here's who Gary Pearson is featuring in his Maple Leafs vs. Senators player props: 

• Auston Matthews
• Brady Tkachuk
• John Tavares

👉 Check out our full Maple Leafs vs. Senators player props for expert analysis, and our favorite prop bets.

🤖 Maple Leafs vs. Senators Game 4 AI prediction 

🎯 Score prediction: Maple Leafs 4, Senators 2 

Here's why ChatGPT is picking the Maple Leafs to win and close out the series:

"Toronto has dominated the series with their depth, offensive firepower, and ability to execute in clutch situations. Their overtime victories in Games 2 and 3 show their ability to stay calm under pressure, while the success of their special teams (power play and penalty kill) has been a significant advantage.

Despite Ottawa’s strong individual performances from players like Claude Giroux and Brady Tkachuk, the Senators' inability to close out games and their inconsistency in key moments have cost them. The advantage of playing at home won’t be enough to overcome the Leafs’ well-rounded game, and Toronto’s balanced offensive attack will continue to outshine Ottawa’s defense."

🚨 Stars vs. Avalanche player props, odds, expert picks

📍 Puck drop: 9:30 p.m. ET | 📺 TV: Sportsnet, TBS 
📊 Odds: Stars (+150)| Avalanche (-180)| O/U 5.5

Here's who Connor Cooper is featuring in his Stars vs. Avalanche player props: 

• Mikko Rantanen
• Gabriel Landeskog
• Jamie Benn

👉 Check out our full Stars vs. Avalanche player props for expert analysis, and our favorite prop bets.

🤖 Stars vs. Avalanche Game 4 AI prediction 

🎯 Score prediction: Stars 3, Avalanche 2 (OT)

"The Stars have been able to weather the storm from Colorado's top players, and with Jake Oettinger in net and solid defensive play from Esa Lindell and Thomas Harley, Dallas will find a way to hold on. Colorado will push hard, but their power-play struggles and the continued brilliance of Oettinger will hold them back from tying the series. Expect a tight, tense contest with Dallas getting the overtime winner."

🧠 Stanley Cup predictions, expert picks 

• Stanley Cup playoffs AI predictions
• Stanley Cup odds and matchups confirmed: Which teams have the advantage?
• Stats and trends to base your NHL picks and predictions on
• Best Round 1 underdog, long-shot picks
• Stanley Cup odds
• Stanley Cup odds and Round 1 injury updates
• Stanley Cup betting guide

🥅 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs betting odds & NHL expert picks

Looking to bet on today's games? Here are some helpful tips and our picks to keep you sharp through the Stanley Cup playoffs:

• NHL odds
• NHL picks
• NHL player prop odds
• How to bet on NHL
• Stanley Cup betting guide

💵 Best hockey betting sites

Ready to place your hockey bets today? Here are the best NHL betting sites and best sportsbook promos for the Stanley Cup playoffs:

• Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUSDYW | Read our Caesars Review
• BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
• bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
• FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
• DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.