2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: What You Need to Know

Welcome back to the excitement of the National Hockey League! If you`re just tuning in since the Florida Panthers` Stanley Cup victory last June, here`s a quick guide to the 2025 playoffs.

For our dedicated hockey fans, consider this your essential refresher before the puck drops this Saturday. Enjoy the games!

Where Have the Usual Top Teams Gone?

This NHL season was historic, but not in a way that favored traditional powerhouse franchises. For the first time, the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers all missed the playoffs in the same year:

• Chicago is undergoing a rebuilding phase.
• Detroit aimed to emerge from rebuilding but missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, even after a mid-season coaching change.
• The Bruins dismissed their coach early in the season and traded veteran players, missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years.
• The Rangers, after having the league`s best record, finished outside the playoff picture and may face significant changes.

The New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, and Vancouver Canucks, all playoff teams in 2024, also did not return this season. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the third year in a row.

The 2025 postseason will lack some of the usual star power and glamour teams, creating an opportunity for new teams and players to shine.

Can the Panthers Win Again?

The reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Panthers, finished third in the Atlantic Division with 98 points, a decrease from last year`s 110. Injuries played a role, with key players like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk missing games. Aaron Ekblad also faced a suspension. He could return in Game 3 of the series against Tampa Bay.

Despite these challenges, the Panthers retain core players from their championship team. Sam Reinhart had another excellent season and is a Selke Trophy contender. Playoff performers like Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, and Gustav Forsling are also back.

However, the supporting cast is different. Key players from last year have moved on, and Florida added Seth Jones and Brad Marchand to strengthen their roster.

The Panthers have the talent to make another deep playoff run, but team chemistry will be crucial. The first round against Tampa Bay will be a test, especially with the addition of Marchand and Tkachuk to the team.

Lightning`s Cup Chances if They Beat Florida?

The Lightning finished second in the Atlantic, performing similarly to last season but feeling like a stronger team.

Tampa Bay led the league in goals per game, thanks to Nikita Kucherov, the NHL`s top scorer, and strong seasons from Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel. Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli also had standout years.

Victor Hedman continues to anchor the defense. But the resurgence of goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is a major boost. If Vasilevskiy plays at his best in the playoffs, the Lightning are a serious threat.

Tampa Bay has not advanced past the first round since 2022, after two consecutive Cup wins. To recapture that success, they reacquired Ryan McDonagh and Yanni Gourde.

If they can overcome their rivals, another Stanley Cup could be within reach.

What to Expect from the Battle of Ontario?

The wild-card format has set up a Battle of Ontario between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, with Ottawa ending a seven-year playoff drought.

These rivals faced off in the playoffs multiple times in the early 2000s, with Toronto winning each series. Senators fans are eager for a victory against the Atlantic Division-leading Leafs.

The Maple Leafs continue their quest for their first Stanley Cup since 1967. Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews lead a strong offense. Goaltending from Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz will be key, despite their limited playoff experience.

For the Senators, this is Brady Tkachuk`s first NHL postseason. He leads a team with young talent like Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson. Goaltender Linus Ullmark, acquired from Boston, needs to prove himself in the playoffs.

Ovechkin`s Next Goal: Stanley Cup?

After Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky`s goals record, the Capitals surprisingly topped the Eastern Conference. Washington has become a strong offensive and defensive team, with offseason additions like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jakob Chychrun paying off. John Carlson also had a standout season.

However, the Capitals are a playoff mystery. While they can beat any team when playing well, they lack established star power beyond Ovechkin. Some are skeptical about their playoff success, but a Stanley Cup win for Ovechkin would be an incredible achievement.

Devils Without Jack Hughes?

The New Jersey Devils faced a setback with the injury of their leading scorer, Jack Hughes. They have struggled since his absence. Dougie Hamilton also faced injury but has returned.

Winning the conference without Hughes will be tough, but players like Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt have stepped up. Goaltending, particularly from Jacob Markstrom, will be crucial for any playoff success.

Carolina`s Championship Breakthrough Year?

The Carolina Hurricanes have consistently fallen short in the playoffs. They`ve struggled to score key goals in critical moments.

Despite trades and roster adjustments, including acquiring and then trading Mikko Rantanen, the Hurricanes remain a strong team with a top-ranked penalty kill. Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis lead the offense, but goaltending is still a question mark with Pyotr Kochetkov and Frederik Andersen.

Carolina has the potential to break through in the East, but it might be slightly less likely after the Rantanen trade.

Dallas vs. Colorado: Peak Playoff Drama?

The Stars vs. Avalanche series is highly anticipated. Dallas is considered a Cup contender, while Colorado has retooled after losing to Dallas last season.

The Avalanche traded Rantanen, who then signed with Dallas, adding extra intrigue. Rantanen will be motivated to perform against his former team.

Dallas faces injury concerns with Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson. Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog might return after a long absence, adding another layer to this matchup.

This series has numerous storylines and could determine this year`s Stanley Cup winner.

Familiar Faces in New Places?

The Avalanche made significant additions, including Mackenzie Blackwood, Brock Nelson, Charlie Coyle, Ryan Lindgren, and Erik Johnson.

The Bruins traded Coyle, Marchand, and Brandon Carlo.

Ottawa acquired Dylan Cozens, and Tampa Bay added Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde.

Rookies to Watch?

For Montreal, rookies Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov could be impactful. Other rookies to watch include Logan Stankoven, Zack Bolduc, Jackson Blake, Mackie Samoskevich, and Mavrik Bourque.

Winnipeg: Breaking the Presidents` Trophy Curse?

The Winnipeg Jets won the Presidents` Trophy but face the “curse.” Historically, Presidents` Trophy winners rarely win the Stanley Cup, and often lose early in the playoffs.

The Jets are determined to overcome past playoff disappointments. They have a strong offense and the league`s best goalie, Connor Hellebuyck.

They face a St. Louis Blues team that improved significantly after a coaching change. St. Louis could be a tough opponent.

Kings: Fourth Time Lucky Against Oilers?

The Kings had a strong season under a new coach and found solid goaltending in Darcy Kuemper. But they face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round for the fourth straight year.

The Kings have lost to the Oilers in the previous three playoffs. They hope to break this trend. If they do, their strong defense and veteran offense could make them contenders.

McDavid and Draisaitl: Finishing the Story?

The Edmonton Oilers were close to winning the Stanley Cup last season but lost in Game 7. This season has had challenges, including injuries to key players and inconsistent defense.

For the Oilers to return to the Final, their stars must lead, supporting players must step up, and goaltending must be solid. The road in the West is tough.

The X Factor Team?

The Vegas Golden Knights, the 2023 champions, are always a threat. Despite lineup changes, they finished strong in the regular season, with a balanced offense and defense.

Key players include Jack Eichel, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Tomas Hertl. Their first-round matchup is against Minnesota.

Cup Prediction?

This year`s playoffs are wide open. Several teams have a legitimate chance to win the Stanley Cup.

According to betting odds, the Avalanche are favored, followed by the Panthers, Hurricanes, Golden Knights, Oilers, and Jets.

The Leafs have the longest Cup drought, followed by the Oilers. Ten current NHL teams have never won the Cup, including the Wild, Senators, and Jets.

Will a first-time winner emerge? Or will a team like Carolina or Dallas finally break through? Or will a recent champion reclaim the title? It`s anyone`s guess.

Enjoy the Stanley Cup playoffs – the best postseason in sports!