2024-25 NHL Playoff Preview

As the dust settles on one of the wildest, most unforgettable regular seasons in recent memory, the best time of the year is finally here! From jaw-dropping blockbuster trades to the high-stakes drama of the Four Nations Faceoff and Alex Ovechkin’s GR8 Chase rewriting the record books, this season had it all. And now, it all comes down to this. The bracket is locked in and the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoffs drop the puck this Saturday, April 19.

The chase for the Cup is on. Get ready for chaos, drama, and history in the making! We’ve got every First Round matchup covered, with players to watch, key headlines, and our predictions for how the postseason will unfold. Strap in and let us put you on game.

Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues

The Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues are set to meet in the playoffs for just the second time in their histories, a rematch of their 2019 First Round clash. While Winnipeg dominated the regular season and captured the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history, St. Louis fought their way back into the playoff picture after sitting eight points out of a spot just a few months ago. With consistency going up against momentum and one of the biggest goaltending battles of the postseason, this series leaves plenty of intrigue.

The Jets have been the league’s most consistent team all year, setting a franchise record in wins and taking three of four meetings against the Blues in the regular season. They enter the postseason with top-ranked power play and penalty kill units. Connor Hellebuyck, the Vezina Trophy favorite, has been lights out, leading the NHL with eight shutouts and holding every playoff win in franchise history. Winnipeg may not have the flashiest stars, but their structure and depth have made them a powerhouse from start to finish. Now the question becomes whether that regular season dominance can carry over to the playoff stage.

The Blues, meanwhile, arrive in the postseason with momentum and nothing to lose. After rallying from a midseason hole, St. Louis earned their playoff spot with a late push and recently snapped a franchise-record 12-game win streak. Jordan Binnington is once again anchoring the Blues just as he did during their 2019 Cup run and now holds the franchise record in wins. Robert Thomas leads the Blues' offense after a career-best 86-point season, while Jordan Kyrou brings speed and finishing touch with back-to-back 31-goal campaigns.

With Hellebuyck and Binnington both capable of stealing games, every goal will matter. Winnipeg’s consistency and edge in special teams should give them the advantage when it counts. Jets in 6.

Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche

The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche renew their playoff rivalry for the seventh time in history and the second straight year, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated matchups of the first round. Both teams are stacked with star power and postseason experience, and with emotions running high, especially surrounding Mikko Rantanen, this series promises fireworks.

Dallas enters with serious championship aspirations, looking to break through after consecutive trips to the Western Conference Final. The Stars have not lifted the Cup since 1999 but have built a deep and dangerous roster, blending veteran leadership from Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene with the rising impact of Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson. The midseason addition of Rantanen, who signed a massive eight-year, ninety-six million dollar extension after being acquired in a blockbuster trade, gives Dallas even more firepower as he faces off against his former team that he spent a decade with.

Colorado is chasing its second title in four years and gets a major boost with the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who is back after nearly three seasons away due to injury. The Avalanche remain one of the league’s most dangerous teams with playoff-tested talent and motivation after last year’s early exit. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar continue to lead the charge, combining for 208 points this season. MacKinnon’s elite playmaking and speed in transition, paired with Makar’s dynamic puck movement and offensive instincts from the blue line, make them one of the most explosive duos in the league.

This series has all the makings of a classic. With high stakes, deep rosters, and plenty of emotion, expect a fast, physical battle that goes the distance. In the end, Colorado’s championship core and the return of Landeskog give them the edge. Avalanche in 7.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild 

The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild are set to face off in the playoffs for the second time, rekindling a matchup last seen in the 2021 First Round. Vegas enters as a battle-tested group with 11 series wins since 2018, the second-most in the NHL over that span. Minnesota, despite making the playoffs for the 11th time in the last 13 seasons, is still chasing its first series win since 2015.

Vegas comes in with the confidence and depth of a recent champion, having claimed the Pacific Division title and secured its seventh playoff appearance in eight years. Their lineup remains loaded, with Jack Eichel leading the way with 93 points. William Karlsson, one of the original Golden Misfits, continues to be a steady contributor on both ends of the ice. The Golden Knights know how to win this time of year and look every bit like a team capable of adding a second Cup in three years.

Minnesota enters the playoffs with renewed hope, getting key weapons back at just the right time. Kirill Kaprizov has returned to the lineup after missing 40 of the last 43 games following surgery, while Joel Eriksson Ek is back after being sidelined for 21 games with a lower-body injury. With their top contributors healthy again, the Wild are looking to carry this momentum into the postseason. Veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, in what is expected to be his final playoff run before retirement, will back up Filip Gustavsson as the Wild search for postseason magic.

While their return to the playoffs is a credit to their resilience, Vegas’ playoff experience and offensive edge should be too much to handle. Golden Knights in 4.

Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers

The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers are set to face off in the playoffs for the 11th time and for the fourth consecutive year in the First Round, making this one of the most familiar and heated matchups of the postseason. Edmonton has had the upper hand, winning each of the last three playoff series. However, with tensions running high following Darnell Nurse's recent cross-check that injured Kings star Quinton Byfield and led to a one-game suspension, emotions will be running high from the opening puck drop. For the first time in this rivalry, Los Angeles holds home-ice advantage, shifting the dynamic heading into this latest installment.

The Kings come in hungry to flip the script and chase their third Stanley Cup, and first since 2014. They hold a league-best 31-5-4 home record and took three of four regular-season matchups against the Oilers, including a dominant 5-0 win in their final meeting. A key storyline to watch is the status of Quinton Byfield, who has recorded 38 points in 45 games since Christmas. He has been ruled out for the Kings’ final two regular-season games, but his status for the series remains questionable. If he is able to return, he could be a pivotal piece for Los Angeles as they look to finally get past Edmonton.

The Oilers, meanwhile, enter with high expectations and unfinished business after falling just short of the Cup last year in a Game 7 loss to Florida. Connor McDavid remains the heartbeat of the team, while Leon Draisaitl continues to build his MVP case after reaching the 50-goal mark. With Mattias Ekholm sidelined for the first round, Edmonton’s blue line will be tested early. Still, their top-end firepower keeps them in every game.

This series has all the ingredients for another classic battle, but with home ice on their side the Kings are ready to turn the page. Kings in 7.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators

The Battle of Ontario returns to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in over two decades, as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators prepare to meet in their fifth all-time postseason series. Their last playoff clash came in 2004, but the rivalry remains as fierce as ever. Toronto comes in as a playoff regular, while Ottawa ends an eight-year postseason drought and brings a fresh, hungry squad into the mix.

Toronto enters the series with talent, depth, and experience on its side, having clinched their ninth straight playoff appearance. The Maple Leafs boast five forwards with over 50 points this season, including Mitch Marner, who reached the 100-point mark for the first time in his career, along with William Nylander, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and rookie standout Matthew Knies. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz enters the postseason on a high note, leading the league with a .926 save percentage and recording back-to-back shutouts to close the regular season. With balanced scoring, strong goaltending, and a seasoned core, Toronto looks poised to make another strong postseason run.

Ottawa, however, will not be an easy out. Despite their lack of recent playoff experience, the Senators swept the regular-season series against Toronto, outscoring the Leafs 9-3 across three meetings. Led by captain Brady Tkachuk, who is set to make his playoff debut, and supported by former Vezina winner Linus Ullmark in net, the Senators will look to play fast, physical hockey and disrupt Toronto’s rhythm.

This series will undoubtedly have roster implications moving forward for both teams, but with Toronto’s scoring depth, playoff-tested leadership, and steady goaltending, the Maple Leafs should come out on top. Maple Leafs in 6.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

The Battle of Florida returns to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth time in five years as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers prepare to face off in what has become one of the league’s most intense postseason rivalries. These Atlantic Division foes are no strangers to high-stakes battles, and recent history shows that their playoff clashes often pave the road to the Stanley Cup Final. The winner of each of their last three postseason meetings has gone on to represent the Eastern Conference in the Final.

The Panthers enter the series looking to defend their title and become the 10th franchise to win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Despite a sluggish end to the regular season, Florida still finished with 98 points and brings a balanced, experienced roster into the postseason. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is tied for the most playoff wins since 2021 with 33, and his steady presence in net remains a key advantage. Up front, Florida features a deep forward group led by Matthew Tkachuk, along with newly acquired veteran Brad Marchand, who adds grit and playoff experience to a team built to win now.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, returns to the playoffs for the eighth straight year, fueled by revenge after last year’s first-round sweep at the hands of Florida. Nikita Kucherov, the likely Art Ross Trophy winner with 121 points, leads a high-powered offense that also features three other forwards with over 80 points: Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel. Kucherov continues to be one of the league’s most dominant offensive forces, ranking third in points among active NHL players. In net, Andrei Vasilevskiy remains the backbone of the team, bringing championship pedigree and a proven track record in pressure situations.

This will be another physical, fast-paced series that brings out the best in both sides. It’s unlikely to be a sweep this time around, but expect the end result to be the same.It’s hard to bet against the champs. Panthers in 6.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils

The Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are set to square off in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where both teams are out with something to prove. Carolina enters as one of the most consistent teams in the league, making its seventh straight playoff appearance and looking to finally break through and capture the franchise’s second Stanley Cup. New Jersey, meanwhile, returns to the postseason with a young, talented core eager to show that last year’s playoff run was no fluke.

Leading the way for Carolina is Sebastian Aho, who not only posted a team-high 74 points but also stands as the franchise’s all-time playoff leader in goals, assists, and points. Seth Jarvis added a career-best 32 goals and 67 points, showcasing his growth into a top-line threat. The Hurricanes’ depth remains a key advantage, with 10 players reaching double-digit goals and 13 topping 27 points. Midseason trades only strengthened their lineup, bringing in top prospect Logan Stankoven and veteran center Mark Jankowski. With elite depth, structure, and a hunger to get veteran Brent Burns his first Stanley Cup, the Hurricanes look like a team ready to go the distance.

The Devils bring plenty of firepower despite missing star center Jack Hughes due to a season-ending shoulder injury. Jesper Bratt led the team with a career-high 88 points, and captain Nico Hischier added 67 while anchoring both ends of the ice. This group plays fast, pushes the pace, and has the offensive weapons to make an impact, but Hughes' absence is a major blow to their hopes of keeping up with a complete Hurricanes squad.

New Jersey will compete, but without their star player and facing a Carolina team firing on all cylinders, this series may not stay close for long. Carolina in 4.

Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens

The Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens open the First Round with a matchup that blends history, rising talent, and a rematch of their memorable 2010 playoff clash. Washington, now Metropolitan Division champions, has surged from last year’s fringe playoff status into a top contender, with first-ballot Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin leading the charge. Montreal clinched its spot just last night with a win over Carolina and returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, bringing the league’s youngest roster with an average age of 26.1 and plenty of energy.

Ovechkin continues to add to his legendary résumé, becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer with 896 career goals and pacing the Capitals with 42 in just 61 games this season. Washington features a well-balanced attack, with strong contributions from Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Tom Wilson. With experience, structure, and scoring depth, this veteran group looks poised for a deep run.

Montreal may be the youngest team in the field, but they’re not lacking talent or confidence. Captain Nick Suzuki led the way with a breakout 86-point season, the highest by a Canadiens player in nearly two decades, while Cole Caufield added a career-best 37 goals. On defense, Calder Trophy front runner Lane Hutson led all NHL rookies in scoring and will make his playoff debut after a record-setting campaign. Ivan Demidov also made an instant impact, recording a goal and an assist in his NHL debut. The Canadiens have upset the Capitals before and they’ll be planning to do it again.

Montreal’s skill, and fearlessness could make things difficult, but with Washington’s experience and Ovechkin leading the charge, it’s hard to bet against the Great Eight. Capitals in 6.

From intense rivalries reignited to fresh faces looking to make their mark, the 2024–25 Stanley Cup Playoffs are loaded with storylines, star power, and the kind of edge-of-your-seat action only playoff hockey can deliver. We’ve taken you through every matchup, broken down the key players, spotlighted the biggest headlines, and called our shots on who’s moving on. Now all that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the madness. Puck drops Saturday. Let the games begin!