The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs continue on Monday with four games, including the start of two new first-round series. The Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche, who both won their first games, will try to extend their series leads against the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars. In the East, the top-seeded Washington Capitals will kick off their series against the Montreal Canadiens, while the Edmonton Oilers will visit the Los Angeles Kings to begin their playoff journey.

In Game 1, Winnipeg came back from behind to defeat St. Louis 5-3, with Kyle Connor scoring the winning goal late in the third period. Colorado dominated Dallas in their first game, winning 5-1, with Nathan MacKinnon scoring twice and adding an assist. The Avalanche are aiming to avenge their loss to the Stars in last year`s playoffs.

Alex Ovechkin, after an impressive regular season with 44 goals at age 39, and surpassing Wayne Gretzky for the most NHL goals ever, is looking to lead Washington to their first playoff series win since 2018, when they won the Stanley Cup. Ovechkin, who was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2018, has 72 playoff goals in his career, placing him 15th all-time.

Despite some injuries towards the end of the regular season, Edmonton will have key player Leon Draisaitl back in the lineup for Monday`s game. Draisaitl, who had been out with an injury since April 3rd, scored 52 goals this season, marking his fourth 50-goal season and earning him the Maurice Richard Trophy. This is the fourth consecutive year the Oilers and Kings are meeting in the playoffs, with Edmonton winning the previous three series.

Best Bets

Leon Draisaitl, Oilers (+155, FanDuel)

Before his injury, Draisaitl was in excellent scoring form, with 17 goals in 21 games, including six in his last seven. He has consistently performed well against the Kings in the past three playoffs, scoring 17 goals in 18 games. Edmonton`s power play is highly effective in recent playoffs, and Draisaitl is a key part of it. Expect him to continue his strong playoff record against Los Angeles.

Nick Suzuki, Canadiens (+230, BetMGM)

Suzuki is a primary offensive threat for Montreal. He has achieved 30 goals for the second season in a row, and enters the playoffs in good form, with eight goals in his last 10 games. He has also had success against the Capitals. Suzuki is expected to be central to Montreal`s offense in this series opener.

Kevin Fiala, Kings (+210, FanDuel)

Fiala tied for the Kings` team lead with a career-high 35 goals this season. He is also currently playing well, with seven goals in his last eight games. Fiala has a decent scoring record against the Oilers and is a good bet to score in this matchup.

Mason Marchment, Stars (+400, BetMGM)

Marchment equaled his career-high of 22 goals this season. While he didn`t score in the first game against Colorado, he had multiple shots on goal. He has scored against the Avalanche in the past, and with Jason Robertson injured, Dallas will need players like Marchment to step up offensively.

For expert predictions on all Stanley Cup Playoff games, check out SportsLine!