Kuemper finished those playoffs with a .902 save percentage and a 2.54 goals-against average. The numbers were good enough to get the job done with the Avalanche, but the Kings might need a bit better goaltending to win this series. Kuemper has the potential to do that, but it won't be easy against the Oilers' offense.

The same B/R hockey team did its April duty for 2025, too, crunching the numbers and assembling this year's morning-line list in descending order from the prohibitive to the probable, with a thought added in for anyone seeking wagering counsel.

The Athletic's NHL staff picks first-round winners, dark horse, biggest disappointment, conference champs, Cup champ and Conn Smythe.