Apr 10, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
Hockey enthusiasts are just about understanding the identities of the 16 Stanley Cup playoff groups for 2025. However the battles for seeding proceed to rage — as does the jockeying for place within the draft lottery order.
Here is what to observe all the way through Thursday’s 10-game slate — and we are hoping you’ll watch on more than one gadgets!
Editor’s Selections
2 Similar
Chicago Blackhawks at Boston Bruins
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Those two Authentic Six franchises shall be again within the postseason once more someday, however now not this season. Chicago starts the evening 2d within the draft lottery order, 3 issues again of the San Jose Sharks. The Bruins are fourth heading into Thursday evening, tied in issues with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Detroit Crimson Wings at Florida Panthers
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Crimson Wings start the night 8 issues at the back of the Canadiens for the overall wild-card spot within the East (Tuesday’s loss to Montreal definitely did not assist). A law loss right here removes them. After their win Tuesday over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Panthers are proper again within the race atop the Atlantic Department. As play starts Thursday, the Leafs are No. 1 with 100 issues and 39 law wins, the Tampa Bay Lightning are 2d (97, 39) and the Panthers are 3rd (94, 36).
Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Sabres picked a bizarre time to head on a heater, as they’re 8-2-0 of their previous 10; perhaps there shall be some carry-over to begin 2025-26? In any match, Buffalo starts the night 8th within the draft lottery order, 3 spots (and 3 issues) forward of Columbus. The Blue Jackets stayed within the playoff race most certainly longer than any individual outdoor their dressing room believed they might, however they will be formally eradicated with any other loss.
Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals
7:30 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
There used to be some nastiness the remaining time those two squads performed; do we see retribution — specifically towards Carolina’s Jalen Chatfield — on Thursday? As for the long-term affect, Washington is locked in because the No. 1 seed within the Metro, and Carolina wishes one level to clinch the No. 2 seed over the New Jersey Devils.
New York Rangers at New York Islanders
7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
From two Metro groups that experience clinched a playoff spot to 2 who’re at the cusp of removal (after qualifying remaining spring). This competition recreation has just a little much less juice than same old given the truth of the maths. The Rangers are lately tenth within the draft lottery order, the Isles twelfth.
Winnipeg Jets at Dallas Stars
8 p.m. (ESPN+)
If the Stars have plans to overhaul the Jets for the highest general seed within the West, they will wish to win this one. Winnipeg enters the sport 4 issues (and one law win) forward. So it isn’t utterly a must-win for the Stars’ quest for the No. 1 spot, but it surely’d definitely be significantly better for the ones probabilities in the event that they received.
Vancouver Canucks at Colorado Avalanche
9 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Canucks had been formally eradicated Wednesday evening, and are lately fifteenth within the draft lottery order, some extent again of the Hockey Membership. As for the Avalanche, they’re just about locked into place because the Central’s No. 3 seed.
Nashville Predators at Utah Hockey Membership
9 p.m. (ESPN+)
The HC has been enjoying impressed hockey these days, but it surely used to be too overdue to get the overall playoff spot, as they had been eradicated Wednesday evening. In the meantime, Nashville starts play 3rd within the draft lottery order, 10 issues at the back of Chicago and 7 forward of the No. 4 Flyers.
Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights
10 p.m. (ESPN+)
This wasn’t the most productive season in Seattle Kraken historical past, although the membership will most likely get a top-10 draft select this summer time to proceed the construct; heading into Thursday, the Kraken are 6th within the draft lottery order, one level at the back of the Flyers and Bruins, and two forward of the Penguins and Sabres.
Anaheim Geese at Los Angeles Kings
10 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
Talking of the Geese, a win over their SoCal opponents would diminish the Kings’ possibilities of catching Vegas for the No. 1 seed within the Pacific; L.A. starts the night six issues again.
With the common season finishing April 17, we will permit you to monitor all of it with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the overall stretch, we will supply main points on all of the playoff races, along side the groups jockeying for place within the 2025 NHL draft lottery.
Word: Playoff likelihood is that by way of Stathletes.
Bounce forward:
Present playoff matchups
Lately’s agenda
The previous day’s ratings
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 select
Present playoff matchups
Jap Convention
A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils
Western Convention
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
Thursday’s video games
Word: All occasions ET. All video games now not on TNT or NHL Community are to be had to movement on ESPN+ (native blackout restrictions observe).
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Chicago Blackhawks at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
Detroit Crimson Wings at Florida Panthers, 7 p.m.
Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
New York Rangers at New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m.
Winnipeg Jets at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.
Vancouver Canucks at Colorado Avalanche, 9 p.m.
Nashville Predators at Utah Hockey Membership, 9 p.m.
Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights, 10 p.m.
Anaheim Geese at Los Angeles Kings, 10 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
Wednesday’s scoreboard
Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 3 (OT)
Philadelphia Flyers 8, New York Rangers 5
Minnesota Wild 8, San Jose Sharks 7 (OT)
Edmonton Oilers 4, St. Louis Blues 3
Anaheim Geese 4, Calgary Flames 3 (OT)
Expanded standings
Atlantic Department
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Issues: 100
Law wins: 39
Playoff place: A1
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 105.1
Subsequent recreation: vs. MTL (Saturday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 97
Law wins: 39
Playoff place: A2
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 102.0
Subsequent recreation: vs. DET (Friday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 94
Law wins: 36
Playoff place: A3
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 98.8
Subsequent recreation: vs. DET (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 90
Law wins: 33
Playoff place: WC1
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 94.6
Subsequent recreation: vs. MTL (Friday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 87
Law wins: 29
Playoff place: WC2
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 91.5
Subsequent recreation: @ OTT (Friday)
Playoff probabilities: 98.3%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 79
Law wins: 28
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 5
Issues tempo: 84.1
Subsequent recreation: @ FLA (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0.4%
Tragic quantity: 3
Issues: 76
Law wins: 28
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 5
Issues tempo: 80.9
Subsequent recreation: @ CBJ (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Issues: 73
Law wins: 25
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 3
Issues tempo: 75.8
Subsequent recreation: vs. CHI (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Metro Department
Issues: 107
Law wins: 42
Playoff place: M1
Video games left: 5
Issues tempo: 114.0
Subsequent recreation: vs. CAR (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 96
Law wins: 41
Playoff place: M2
Video games left: 5
Issues tempo: 102.2
Subsequent recreation: @ WSH (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 89
Law wins: 36
Playoff place: M3
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 93.6
Subsequent recreation: vs. PIT (Friday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 79
Law wins: 27
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 5
Issues tempo: 84.1
Subsequent recreation: vs. NYR (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0.9%
Tragic quantity: 3
Issues: 79
Law wins: 25
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 5
Issues tempo: 84.1
Subsequent recreation: vs. BUF (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0.4%
Tragic quantity: 3
Issues: 79
Law wins: 32
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 83.1
Subsequent recreation: @ NYI (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0.1%
Tragic quantity: 1
Issues: 76
Law wins: 22
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 3
Issues tempo: 78.9
Subsequent recreation: @ NJ (Friday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Issues: 73
Law wins: 21
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 76.7
Subsequent recreation: vs. NYI (Saturday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Central Department
Issues: 110
Law wins: 42
Playoff place: C1
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 115.6
Subsequent recreation: @ DAL (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 106
Law wins: 41
Playoff place: C2
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 111.4
Subsequent recreation: vs. WPG (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 100
Law wins: 39
Playoff place: C3
Video games left: 3
Issues tempo: 103.8
Subsequent recreation: vs. VAN (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 93
Law wins: 33
Playoff place: WC1
Video games left: 3
Issues tempo: 96.5
Subsequent recreation: @ CGY (Friday)
Playoff probabilities: 97.9%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 93
Law wins: 31
Playoff place: WC2
Video games left: 2
Issues tempo: 95.3
Subsequent recreation: @ SEA (Saturday)
Playoff probabilities: 94.7%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 84
Law wins: 28
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 88.3
Subsequent recreation: vs. NSH (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Issues: 64
Law wins: 23
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 67.3
Subsequent recreation: @ UTA (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Issues: 54
Law wins: 19
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 56.8
Subsequent recreation: @ BOS (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Pacific Department
Issues: 103
Law wins: 43
Playoff place: P1
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 108.3
Subsequent recreation: vs. SEA (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 97
Law wins: 39
Playoff place: P3
Video games left: 5
Issues tempo: 103.3
Subsequent recreation: vs. ANA (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 95
Law wins: 33
Playoff place: P2
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 99.9
Subsequent recreation: vs. SJ (Friday)
Playoff probabilities: 99.9%
Tragic quantity: N/A
Issues: 88
Law wins: 28
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 92.5
Subsequent recreation: vs. MIN (Friday)
Playoff probabilities: 7.5%
Tragic quantity: 4
Issues: 85
Law wins: 27
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 89.4
Subsequent recreation: @ COL (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Issues: 78
Law wins: 24
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 82.0
Subsequent recreation: @ LA (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Issues: 74
Law wins: 28
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 3
Issues tempo: 76.8
Subsequent recreation: @ VGK (Thursday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Issues: 51
Law wins: 14
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 4
Issues tempo: 53.6
Subsequent recreation: @ EDM (Friday)
Playoff probabilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E
Word: A “y” signifies that the group has clinched the department identify. An “x” signifies that the group has clinched a playoff berth. An “e” signifies that the group has been eradicated from playoff competition.
Race for the No. 1 select
Playoff Hockey Problem
Select the winners and crown your Stanley Cup champion! Create A Bracket
The NHL makes use of a draft lottery to resolve the order of the primary spherical, so the group that finishes in remaining position isn’t assured the No. 1 variety. As of 2021, a group can transfer up a most of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so handiest 11 groups are eligible for the No. 1 select. Complete main points at the procedure are right here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL’s Erie Otters, is No. 1 at the draft board.
Issues: 51
Law wins: 14
Issues: 54
Law wins: 19
Issues: 64
Law wins: 23
Issues: 73
Law wins: 25
Issues: 73
Law wins: 21
Issues: 74
Law wins: 28
Issues: 76
Law wins: 22
Issues: 76
Law wins: 28
Issues: 78
Law wins: 24
Issues: 79
Law wins: 32
Issues: 79
Law wins: 25
Issues: 79
Law wins: 27
Issues: 79
Law wins: 28
Issues: 84
Law wins: 28
Issues: 85
Law wins: 27
Issues: 88
Law wins: 28
