NHL Hockey at Its Peak: Today’s Top Games, Hockey Scores, News, and Highlights (April 5, 2025)
As the 2024–25 NHL Hockey Today’s Top Games season nears its conclusion, excitement builds around the world. Fans from North America to Europe are tuning in to watch their favorite teams fight for playoff spots. If you’re searching for NHL games today, hockey scores, or the latest hockey highlights, you’ve landed in the right place.
From tight races in the standings to individual performances lighting up the ice, today’s lineup is packed with pivotal matchups. Below, we cover every must-watch game, deliver fresh NHL news, and examine the hockey standings shaping the road to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
1. New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Time: 4:30 PM ET
One of the most intense rivalries in NHL hockey returns as the Rangers face off against the Devils in a game with major playoff implications.
Despite being in the top tier of the Eastern Conference standings, the Rangers are struggling with their power play, converting just two of their last 41 opportunities. This has become a key topic in today’s hockey news, as coach Peter Laviolette works to address the slump before the postseason.
The Devils, still within striking distance of a wild card, are desperate for a win. This high-stakes matchup will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, and will no doubt dominate tonight’s hockey highlights.
2. Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Looking for star power? This Western Conference clash offers it in spades. The Oilers feature Leon Draisaitl, who enters the game with 101 points, and Connor McDavid, whose play continues to define the elite tier of NHL hockey.
On the other side, the Kings are built for playoff-style hockey. Adrian Kempe is their offensive leader, and they remain one of the toughest teams to break down defensively.
This game is more than just about the NHL scores—it’s about sending a message as the playoffs draw near. Expect explosive hockey highlights from two teams playing with intensity.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Among the top trending NHL games today, this one has major fan interest due to Toronto’s recent inconsistency. The Maple Leafs are clinging to strong hockey standings, but their recent performance—6-5-2 over the last 13 games—has caused some concern.
Columbus, while outside the playoff race, has played spoiler before. They’ve been known to knock off top contenders, and tonight’s matchup provides another opportunity.
Key to watch: Toronto’s faceoff dominance (55.7%) could control puck possession throughout, giving them the edge in puck-heavy systems. Keep an eye on tonight’s hockey scores to see how this one unfolds.
4. Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues
Venue: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
Time: 11:00 PM ET
Colorado’s recent slide has drawn headlines across the hockey news cycle. Losing three straight isn’t what fans expect from a team with championship aspirations. However, their power play still boasts a league-best 34.1% conversion rate.
St. Louis is hanging around in the playoff race, but they need wins—not just effort. Sitting at 6-6 in their last 12 games, the Blues have to take advantage of home ice tonight.
This late-night game could have ripple effects across the NHL standings depending on how other Western teams perform.
5. Philadelphia Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens
Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Time: 7:00 PM ET
This is one of the most important NHL games today in terms of the Eastern Conference wild card race. The Canadiens are just barely holding onto a playoff spot, and they’ll be laser-focused on avoiding an upset.
The Flyers may not be playoff-bound, but their gritty playing style and young talent make them unpredictable.
If Montreal wants to solidify their spot, tonight is a must-win. Fans checking hockey scores live will keep this one high on their radar.
6. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Buffalo Sabres
Venue: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Buffalo has captured the attention of the NHL hockey world this season. With an exciting mix of youth and energy, the Sabres are just outside the playoff bubble.
Tonight, they face a true test of maturity and skill against the three-time Eastern Conference champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov remain lethal on offense, and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is capable of stealing games single-handedly. This game will be featured in most hockey highlights reels, and fans around the world will be checking in for updates.
7. Winnipeg Jets vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Despite their struggles, the Blackhawks are always worth watching, especially with rookie sensation Connor Bedard making waves. Bedard has been the center of NHL buzz since the draft, and each game adds to his growing legend.
The Jets, meanwhile, can’t afford to drop points in their push for playoff stability. This game might not draw as much attention in terms of NHL standings, but it will surely fuel tomorrow’s hockey news cycles.
8. Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Time: 7:00 PM ET
In terms of pure quality, this might be the best matchup on the schedule. Carolina and Boston are both elite in their own right and know what it takes to go deep in the postseason.
Both teams are well-coached, disciplined, and tough to play against. This game could influence home-ice advantage in the playoffs and will have massive implications for the top of the Eastern Conference hockey standings.
Whether you’re watching on TV or streaming hockey highlights later, this is one to circle.
9. Vegas Golden Knights vs. Calgary Flames
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Two playoff-hungry teams collide in Calgary as the Flames host the reigning Stanley Cup champions. The Golden Knights are battle-tested and loaded with playoff experience.
The Flames, fighting for every point, need to bring their A-game. This late fixture could determine who holds a wild card spot by the end of the week.
Both teams play physical, up-tempo hockey, making this one of tonight’s most explosive matchups for NHL hockey fans.
10. Seattle Kraken vs. San Jose Sharks
Venue: SAP Center, San Jose, CA
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Closing out the night is a Pacific Division game between two teams with very different trajectories. The Kraken are growing into a legit playoff contender, while the Sharks are firmly in rebuild mode.
Seattle will want to avoid a trap game here. Any dropped points could shake up the lower end of the NHL playoff standings. For San Jose, it’s all about building toward the future and gaining experience for their younger players.
Final Notes: What’s Next in NHL Hockey?
As we look toward the postseason, the NHL standings are tighter than ever. Teams are fighting for positioning, and every night delivers new storylines that feed the ever-active world of hockey news.
For fans searching for NHL games today, this Saturday provides one of the most exciting slates of the season. From top-tier teams to rising stars and unexpected twists, today’s action is a perfect showcase of what makes NHL hockey one of the most thrilling sports on the planet.
Be sure to follow live hockey scores, catch all the hockey highlights, and stay tuned for breaking hockey news as the playoff picture takes shape.