NHL Playoffs

NHL Playoffs

As the 2025 NHL regular season draws to a close, the excitement for the Stanley Cup Playoffs is reaching its peak. With teams jockeying for position and finalizing their rosters, fans are eagerly anticipating the matchups that will define this year's postseason. Let's delve into the current playoff picture, analyze potential first - round matchups, and highlight key statistics that could influence the outcomes.

Current Playoff Standings

As of April 13, 2025, the NHL standings are shaping up as follows:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division:

  1. Toronto Maple Leafs: 48-26-4 (100 points)

  2. Tampa Bay Lightning: 45-26-8 (98 points)

  3. Florida Panthers: 46-29-4 (96 points)

Metropolitan Division:

  1. Washington Capitals: 50-19-9 (109 points)

  2. Carolina Hurricanes: 46-27-5 (97 points)

  3. New Jersey Devils: 41-31-7 (89 points)

Wild Card Spots:

  1. Ottawa Senators: 43-30-6 (92 points)

  2. Montreal Canadiens: 39-31-9 (87 points)

Western Conference

Central Division:

  1. Winnipeg Jets: 54-21-4 (112 points)

  2. Dallas Stars: 50-23-6 (106 points)

  3. Colorado Avalanche: 48-28-4 (100 points)

Pacific Division:

  1. Vegas Golden Knights: 48-22-9 (105 points)

  2. Los Angeles Kings: 45-24-9 (99 points)

  3. Edmonton Oilers: 46-28-5 (97 points)

Wild Card Spots:

  1. Minnesota Wild: 43-30-7 (93 points)

  2. St. Louis Blues: 43-30-7 (93 points)

Note: These standings are based on data available as of April 13, 2025.

Projected First-Round Matchups

Based on the current standings, the first - round playoff matchups are projected as follows:

Eastern Conference

  • (M1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens

  • (M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M3) New Jersey Devils

  • (A1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators

  • (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (A3) Florida Panthers

Western Conference

  • (C1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues

  • (C2) Dallas Stars vs. (C3) Colorado Avalanche

  • (P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild

  • (P2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (P3) Edmonton Oilers

In-Depth Matchup Analyses

Eastern Conference

Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens

The Capitals, led by the legendary Alex Ovechkin, have dominated the Metropolitan Division. Ovechkin recently made history by surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all - time goal record, netting his 895th career goal. The Canadiens, securing the final wild - card spot, face a formidable challenge against Washington's high - powered offense.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils

Carolina's recent acquisition of Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin adds depth to their blue line. Nikishin, known for his offensive capabilities, could be a game - changer, especially on the power play. The Devils, with a young and dynamic roster, will need to strategize effectively to counter the Hurricanes' bolstered defense.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators

A classic Battle of Ontario is set to reignite. The Maple Leafs, topping the Atlantic Division, have displayed consistent performance throughout the season. The Senators, clinching the first wild - card spot, aim to upset their provincial rivals. This series promises intense, high - energy hockey. 

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

An all - Florida showdown pits the Lightning against the Panthers. Both teams have had strong seasons, with Tampa Bay's experience contrasting Florida's youthful exuberance. This matchup is expected to be closely contested, with both teams boasting potent offenses and solid goaltending.

Western Conference

Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues

The Jets, leading the Western Conference, are considered strong contenders for the Stanley Cup. Their balanced attack and solid defense make them a formidable opponent. The Blues, securing the final wild - card spot, will need to leverage their playoff experience to challenge Winnipeg's dominance.

Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche

This Central Division clash features two teams with high aspirations. The Stars, with a robust defensive core and elite goaltending, face the Avalanche's high - octane offense. This series could hinge on the battle between Dallas's defense and Colorado's scoring prowess.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild

The Golden Knights, topping the Pacific Division, have been consistent performers. The Wild, known for their gritty play, will look to disrupt Vegas's rhythm.

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