The matchups are set for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where 16 teams will compete for hockey`s top honor. Only half will advance beyond the initial round. Here are predictions for which teams will continue their quest.
In the Eastern Conference, the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, are strong contenders to repeat. However, they face a challenging series against their rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Florida previously defeated Tampa on their path to the Cup last year, but the Lightning have strengthened their roster for this rematch.
Another intense rivalry features the favored Toronto Maple Leafs against the Ottawa Senators in the Battle of Ontario. This marks the first postseason encounter between these two Canadian teams in 21 years.
The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars will clash, ensuring that one of the Western Conference`s powerhouses will be eliminated in the first round. Dallas has reached the conference finals in the past two seasons, but returning for a third time will be difficult.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers will meet in the opening round. The Kings have lost the previous three series, but 2025 presents an opportunity to change that.
Before the 2025 NHL playoffs commence, here are expert predictions for each first-round winner.
Eastern Conference
Capitals vs. Canadiens
Series odds: Capitals -275, Canadiens +220 (via FanDuel)
Prediction: Both teams enter the playoffs with positive momentum. The Capitals had a strong season, achieving 51 wins, and Alex Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky`s scoring record. The Canadiens, a rebuilding team, saw their young players emerge, helping them secure the final playoff spot.
While both teams are fortunate to be here, the Capitals` overall performance might not indicate a true Stanley Cup contender. The Canadiens struggle as a five-on-five team and have a negative goal difference. In this series, the Capitals` experience, depth, and defense are expected to prevail over Montreal. The Canadiens may win a couple of home games, but ultimately, the Capitals are predicted to defeat the Canadiens 4-2.
Prediction: While the Capitals may have overperformed in the regular season, the Canadiens lack significant offensive power, averaging 2.96 goals per game. The Canadiens might win a home game due to their goalie, Sam Montembeault, but that`s likely it. Even with uncertainty around Capitals` goalie Logan Thompson`s condition, they should win. The Capitals are predicted to defeat the Canadiens 4-2.
Hurricanes vs. Devils
Series odds: Hurricanes -280, Devils +225
Prediction: The absence of Jack Hughes significantly weakens the Devils. Since his injury, New Jersey`s expected goal share is 48.0%, with a negative goal difference. This is problematic against the Hurricanes, a top five-on-five team. New Jersey`s strong power play could be a factor, but Carolina`s top penalty kill might negate that.
The Hurricanes also have weaknesses. Their lack of top scorers is evident after losing Martin Necas and Mikko Rantanen. Goaltending is also a question, with Frederik Andersen`s injury history and Pyotr Kochetkov`s inconsistency. Jacob Markstrom of the Devils could steal a game or two, but it`s still an uphill battle for New Jersey. The Hurricanes are predicted to defeat the Devils 4-2.
Prediction: While the Devils` offense is weakened without Hughes, the Hurricanes` scoring depth isn`t exceptional after trading Mikko Rantanen. Carolina scored many five-on-five goals, but they may rely too heavily on Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis in the playoffs. Inconsistent goaltending from Andersen and Kochetkov is also a concern. Despite expecting a low-scoring series, the Hurricanes are predicted to win against the Devils 4-1.
Maple Leafs vs. Senators
Series odds: Maple Leafs -192, Senators +158
Prediction: If star power determines playoff outcomes, the choice here is clear. Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Jake Sanderson are excellent players for the Senators, but they aren`t at the level of Toronto`s core four: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares. Toronto also has Matthew Knies, who scored 29 goals this season. Toronto`s top lineup is stronger.
However, Toronto`s underlying stats are average. The Maple Leafs haven`t been strong at five-on-five in scoring chances and expected goals. In some areas, the Senators have performed slightly better. The key difference might be finishing ability. Toronto scored more goals (263) than the Senators (235). Additionally, the Maple Leafs` improved defense will challenge Ottawa. The Maple Leafs are predicted to defeat the Senators 4-2.
Prediction: The Maple Leafs often have great regular seasons but falter in the first playoff round. This year could be different. Toronto`s talent is superior, led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Despite not always being elite at five-on-five, the Maple Leafs have a significantly better goal difference (+33) than the Senators (-17). Their goalie duo, Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz, has been reliable.
The Senators lack playoff experience among their young stars. While experience isn`t everything, the Maple Leafs have been in this situation before. Both teams are similar in power play and penalty kill. This series could be exciting, but it`s unlikely Matthews and the Maple Leafs will lose in the first round. Prediction: Maple Leafs to defeat Senators 4-2.
Lightning vs. Panthers
Series odds: Panthers -118, Lightning -102
Prediction: For the fourth time in five years, the Battle of Florida happens in the playoffs. The Panthers defeated the Lightning last season and return as champions. They`ll need that championship experience against a re-energized Tampa team aiming for another Cup, led by Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Andrei Vasilevskiy. Recently, the Lightning have improved while the Panthers have been less consistent.
Matthew Tkachuk`s absence has affected Florida`s performance. While he might play in Game 1, his effectiveness is uncertain. Aaron Ekblad is suspended for the first two games. Can Tkachuk and Ekblad return seamlessly? They must, as there`s no time to adjust in a seven-game series. This series should be close, but the Lightning, playing better recently, are predicted to defeat the Panthers 4-3.
Prediction: The Sunshine State rivalry is a highlight of the first round. The Panthers won the Stanley Cup last year. It`s unusual for a reigning champion to be an underdog in the first round, but that`s the case here.
The main question is Matthew Tkachuk`s availability. He`s been injured but might play, though possibly not at full strength. He`s crucial to Florida`s playoff success. Conversely, the Lightning are currently performing very well and could be the top team in the East. Nikita Kucherov led the league in points, and Jake Guentzel had a 40-goal season in his first year with Tampa Bay. Ultimately, the Panthers` injuries and the Lightning`s current form suggest a Lightning victory. Prediction: Lightning to defeat Panthers 4-3.
Western Conference
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Series odds: Jets -225, Blues +184
Prediction: The Jets were consistently the top team in the Central Division. This matchup against a wild card team is difficult to predict because the Blues have been one of the hottest teams for three months, making a strong playoff push. Coach Jim Montgomery transformed St. Louis into a strong defensive team.
The Blues` defense will be tested against the Jets, who scored the fourth-most goals in the league (273). Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor scored 79 of those, and Gabe Vilardi added 27. Winnipeg also has Connor Hellebuyck, considered the best goalie. With Hellebuyck and the Blues` strong defense, this should be a low-scoring series. In tight series, luck can play a big role, potentially leading to an upset. The Blues are predicted to defeat the Jets 4-3.
Prediction: The Jets won the Presidents` Trophy as the league`s top team. However, Presidents` Trophy winners haven`t often won the Stanley Cup recently. Only two have since 2007-08, so history isn`t on Winnipeg`s side. Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck needs to perform in the playoffs, after a great regular season.
The Blues enter the playoffs as one of the hottest teams, winning 13 of their last 16 games. St. Louis has strong scorers in Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas, but forward depth might be an issue against the Jets` defense. While Winnipeg`s Nikolaj Ehlers` injury is a setback, the Jets are still expected to score enough to win. Prediction: Jets to defeat Blues 4-3.
Stars vs. Avalanche
Series odds: Avalanche -170, Stars +140
Prediction: This is a highly anticipated first-round series between two Stanley Cup contenders. The stakes are high for both teams who made significant trades to compete this year. The Stars were more consistent during the season, but Colorado`s strategic moves have positioned them to potentially win their second Cup in four years.
The Stars have unmatched forward depth, with eight 20-goal scorers, and Tyler Seguin returning. Dallas`s top-nine forwards are strong, but their defense is vulnerable, especially without Miro Heiskanen, who might return later. Their defense has been the worst in the league at limiting expected goals. This is bad against an Avalanche team with offensive stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Martin Necas. In a high-scoring series, the Avalanche are predicted to defeat the Stars 4-2.
Prediction: This series will be exciting. It`s unfortunate one of these teams will be eliminated early. The Stars improved their forward depth by acquiring Mikko Rantanen. Dallas`s forward group is among the league`s deepest. However, not having defenseman Miro Heiskanen is a problem against the Avalanche`s offense.
The Avalanche, despite trading Rantanen, added Martin Necas and Brock Nelson. If any team can match Dallas`s offense, it`s Colorado. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are major offensive threats, but secondary scoring could be decisive. Artturi Lehkonen was key in Colorado`s 2022 Cup win, and Valeri Nichushkin finished the season strongly. This series will likely have many goals and be close, but the Avalanche, with their championship experience, are favored. Prediction: Avalanche to defeat Stars 4-2.
Golden Knights vs. Wild
Series odds: Golden Knights -235, Wild +190
Prediction: The Wild are hard to assess due to injuries this season. Early on, they looked good when healthy, but haven`t maintained that level. Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek are back, giving the Wild a chance, but they lack the high-end talent and depth of their opponent.
The Golden Knights look like Stanley Cup contenders again, with Jack Eichel`s strong season, Tomas Hertl integrated into the team, and a deep defense. While Vegas`s penalty kill is weak, their power play is second-best. Filip Gustavsson could outperform Adin Hill and lead to an upset, but Vegas is simply deeper and more skilled. Prediction: Golden Knights to defeat Wild 4-1.
Prediction: The Wild have offensive talent in Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Joel Eriksson Ek. However, they ranked 26th in scoring this season, with only 2.74 goals per game. Even healthy, Minnesota might be outmatched in this series.
The Golden Knights didn`t struggle to make the playoffs this year like last season. Jack Eichel had a career year, and Vegas has strong forward depth despite losing Jonathan Marchessault. The Golden Knights score 3.34 goals per game, fifth in the league, and will challenge Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson. This Golden Knights team could be poised for a deep playoff run and should win this first-round series easily. Prediction: Golden Knights to defeat Wild 4-1.
Kings vs. Oilers
Series odds: Oilers -132, Kings +110
Prediction: For the fourth straight year, these Pacific Division rivals meet in the first round. The Oilers won the previous three. Can the Kings win this time? Maybe. This might be Los Angeles`s best chance to beat Edmonton, but the Oilers still have advantages.
Offense has been the Kings` weakness in past matchups, but less so now. L.A. scored the most goals in the league in the last month. Also, the Oilers will be without defenseman Mattias Ekholm in the first round, and their goaltending has been inconsistent. However, Edmonton has Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who are tough to bet against and can change a series. Still, the Kings look like the better team entering this series. Prediction: Kings to defeat Oilers 4-3.
Prediction: The Kings and Oilers are facing off in the first round again, tying a record for consecutive first-round meetings since 1980. The Oilers have won the last three series, but this might be the Kings` best opportunity to win.
The Kings have been a better scoring team this season, scoring at least five goals in four of their last five games. Los Angeles may not have playmakers like Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, but Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala can score. Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper has played well since joining the team. He has a high save percentage against unblocked shots, which will be important against McDavid and Draisaitl. The Oilers missing Mattias Ekholm and their inconsistent goaltending might be the difference, giving the Kings an edge to win. Prediction: Kings to defeat Oilers 4-3.
