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Ryan S. Clark
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Ryan S. Clark
ESPN NHL reporter
- Ryan S. Clark is an NHL reporter for ESPN.
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Kristen Shilton
Shut
Kristen Shilton
ESPN NHL reporter
- Kristen Shilton is a countrywide NHL reporter for ESPN.
Apr 18, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are right here! Not like in some fresh years, the bracket was once identified a couple of days prematurely, because the Montreal Canadiens clinched the overall spot — and a first-round matchup opposed to Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. In the meantime, the Atlantic Department coated up for the Fight of Ontario (Toronto Maple Leafs-Ottawa Senators) and Fight of Florida (Tampa Bay Lightning-Florida Panthers).
Within the West, the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets open opposed to the resurgent St. Louis Blues, whilst Mikko Rantanen and the Dallas Stars face his former group, the Colorado Avalanche. And for the fourth immediately postseason, the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers sq. off in Spherical 1.
We have now were given all of the angles lined to get you able for the playoffs as ESPN hockey newshounds Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton check out every of the 16 postseason groups, providing the explanations every group may just win all of it, in conjunction with the largest X issue, avid gamers to look at and a daring prediction for each and every group.
Be aware: Profiles for the Atlantic and Metropolitan playoff brackets have been written via Shilton, whilst Clark analyzed the Central and Pacific golf equipment. Additionally word that wild-card groups are indexed in keeping with the playoff bracket by which they are enjoying (so the Canadiens are within the Metro, and the Minnesota Wild are within the Pacific).
Stats are accrued from websites corresponding to Herbal Stat Trick, Hockey Reference and Evolving Hockey.
Complete time table
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The Stanley Cup Playoffs start April 20 on ESPN
Get hyped for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, starting April 20 on ESPN.
Atlantic Department
Report: 51-26-4, 106 issues
First-round opponent: Senators
Case for a Stanley Cup run: If no longer now … when? The Maple Leafs are arguably the inner most, maximum entire group they have got been within the Core 4 (Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander) technology. First-year trainer Craig Berube’s north-south taste took some being used to, however the Leafs have thrived in it. Toronto is peak 10 in league scoring with out being top-heavy. The celebrities (particularly Marner and Tavares) are pumping in aims, however the Leafs get cast contributions all the way through the lineup.
Defensively, Toronto has buckled down, permitting fewer than 3 aims consistent with sport and their top-four rotation is more potent than ever. And the Leafs’ goaltending? Locked in, with Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll each pulling their weight as a tandem of No. 1s with a collective .916 save share.
X issue: The Leafs have critical postseason demons to conquer. How a lot does Toronto’s historical past of first-round failure hold over the group going into any other playoffs? The Leafs have principally been via it all of the previous decade — they have got earned sequence leads and blown them, come again from the threshold (and nonetheless fallen quick) and skilled each and every low and high in between.
The conclusion that Toronto can’t best get via one around, however many rounds, has initially the avid gamers. And for some explanation why, that swaggering self assurance the Leafs have within the steady season dies out like a candle within the wind via playoffs. How Toronto manages its feelings and lets in this season to be its personal journey — with out affect from previous failings — may just resolve simply what number of days or even weeks this postseason lasts.
Participant to look at: Marner. The Leafs’ peak winger has had a sensational steady season, pacing his membership with 26 aims and 99 issues. Marner will have to translate that good fortune to the postseason and in a well timed model. Marner has 11 aims and 50 issues in 58 postseason tilts thus far, however what is regularly been missing are well timed contributions, the ones big-time performs at crucial moments. The Leafs have noticed alternative slip away when their perfect avid gamers like Marner (and Matthews) can not produce. This can be a contract 12 months for Marner, too. An impactful playoff efficiency may just upload some critical bucks onto his subsequent deal.
Daring prediction: The Leafs sweep their approach to a first-round sequence win and do not glance again. Toronto bullies the contest en path to a Stanley Cup Ultimate look.
Report: 47-26-8, 102 issues
First-round opponent: Panthers
Case for a Stanley Cup run: It is simple to quote Tampa Bay’s fresh good fortune as the explanation it might upload any other banner to the rafters. However this Lightning group is constructed otherwise. Tampa Bay is not only depending on its elite target scorers (ahem, Nikita Kucherov) to hold the day. The Lightning are neatly established defensively, and that is the reason been a driving force in their good fortune the second one part of this season. Since Feb. 1, Tampa has allowed the sixth-fewest aims within the league (2.40), with an outstanding top-10 penalty kill (80.3%).
Andrei Vasilevskiy has been terrific within the crease, gathering the second-most wins amongst league starters (37) with a .921 save share and a pair of.20 goals-against moderate. Oh, and Kucherov? He best leads the league in scoring with 37 aims and 121 issues. With Jon Cooper — contemporary off guiding Canada to victory on the 4 International locations Face-Off — managing this lineup, the sky is the restrict for Tampa Bay.
X issue: The Lightning have enviable scoring skill in Kucherov, Jake Guentzel (40 aims), Brayden Level (41 aims) and Brandon Hagel (35). However does Tampa have the intensity to compete when offense is at a top class? Prior to now it is been unsung heroes like Nick Paul who come via when the Lightning’s perfect skaters are neutralized.
This season, maximum of Tampa Bay’s output is coming from a handful of remarkable avid gamers. The Lightning’s talent to faucet into the ability in their backside six might be crucial. That does not negate how sturdy Tampa Bay’s protection has been or the ease in having Vasilevskiy again there guarding the cage. It is only a fact within the postseason that celebrity contributions dwindle and must be supplemented from elsewhere.
Participant to look at: Victor Hedman. The Lightning’s peak blueliner took over his group’s captaincy when Steven Stamkos left in loose company. Maintaining Tampa Bay even-keeled within the postseason will fall on him. Hedman performs greater than 23 mins consistent with sport in each and every state of affairs and it regularly appears like the place he is going, the Lightning apply. Environment that instance once more and making sure Tampa Bay does not lose monitor of its freshly ingrained defensive mindset will give the Lightning their perfect probability of an extended spring.
Daring prediction: Tampa Bay’s scoring stars are silenced early within the first around. Each sport is determined via a unmarried target and in the end the Lightning fall in six to stand a swift summer time spoil.
Report: 47-31-4, 98 issues
First-round opponent: Lightning
Case for a Stanley Cup run: Who needs to guess opposed to the reigning Stanley Cup champions? Particularly when it is a Florida group that reached the overall the 12 months prior to in spite of everything incomes the franchise’s first name.
Editor’s Choices
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The Panthers are seasoned winners. They know what it takes to navigate the bodily and emotional toll of an extended playoff run. That isn’t simple. However Florida’s possible to copy is going past what they have got proven up to now. This season’s Panthers are stingy (giving up simply 2.72 aims consistent with sport), hanging (in particular with their Twelfth-ranked energy play) and apparently deep as ever (with 5 20-plus target scorers). Making an allowance for Florida can even have Aaron Ekblad again from a 20-game suspension and Matthew Tkachuk getting back from damage via the postseason? Be careful.
X issue: Will fatigue turn out to be an element for Florida after two immediately quick summers? The Panthers did climate some damage problems down the stretch of this season, however their file during the last month (at simply 10-10-1) and downturn in scoring manufacturing (thirty second with best 2.19 aims consistent with sport) suggests the Panthers may well be feeling the consequences of restricted downtime. They would not be the primary champions to head via it, both. What is going to play a job in Florida’s good fortune — or failure — is the way it manages the inevitable put on and tear of this season with any lingering weariness.
Participant to look at: Seth Jones. The Panthers may not have Ekblad again till Recreation 3 in their first-round sequence. That places further drive on Jones — in conjunction with the Panthers’ whole again finish — to stay stepping up in his absence. Jones has already taken on a bigger function than Florida most likely expected when buying and selling for him on account of Ekblad’s suspension; he paces the group in ice time at just about 25 mins consistent with sport. However Jones is brief on postseason enjoy — he hasn’t skated within the playoffs since 2020 — and he’s going to be counted upon to have a vital affect from the again finish. Florida will in finding out speedy if he is as much as the duty.
Daring prediction: The Panthers depend on physicality and defensive effort to get previous the primary around, however with out sufficient scoring, they are swept out of the second one around into an early offseason.
Report: 44-30-7, 95 issues
First-round opponent: Maple Leafs
Case for a Stanley Cup run: The Senators were underrated for an excessive amount of of this season. It is within the playoffs that they may be able to turn out why. Ottawa’s protection is hugely stepped forward — permitting simply 2.80 aims consistent with sport — and it offers up fewer than 30 photographs consistent with sport. First-year starter Linus Ullmark has been sensational for the Senators in internet (with a .911 SV% and a pair of.67 GAA) and merits considerable credit score for the place Ottawa is, however it is the complete group buy-in that is made a real distinction.
The Senators are stacked with scoring skills — headlined via Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk — and deep at the again finish, the place an incredible Jake Sanderson is having his personal unheralded marketing campaign. The Senators have continued sufficient frustration in fresh seasons to be relatively hardened, too. There is a trust that that is their second and the time has come to turn it.
X issue: How will Ottawa leverage its particular groups within the playoffs, particularly within the first around? The Senators have a cast energy play (23.5%) and first rate penalty kill (77.9%). Will they benefit from the ones gadgets? That is the primary postseason enjoy for all of Ottawa’s maximum vital skaters, and it could be herbal to take a look at to do an excessive amount of to have an affect.
The Senators know (logically) to steer clear of that stepping into. More straightforward mentioned than carried out. Even-strength scoring dries up briefly within the postseason. Ottawa’s key openings may well be with the additional guy — and its energy play has been in particular just right in fresh weeks (in comparison to their first-round opponent’s penalty kill, which has no longer). The Senators will have to personal the particular groups struggle as perfect they may be able to.
Participant to look at: Tkachuk. The captain has been sidelined since March 30 with an upper-body damage, however he’s anticipated to be again at complete energy for the postseason. Will that be the case? It is tricky sufficient stepping again in from an ailment at any time of 12 months; rust is inevitable after sitting out 11 video games. However the Senators want Tkachuk’s contributions out of the gate to check up with the celebrity energy Toronto will wield. Tkachuk led the Senators with 29 aims this season and he is the spark plug on their energy play. Unquestionably all eyes in Canada’s capital might be gazing to look if Tkachuk’s damage will affect what he can do in an instant.
Daring prediction: Ottawa offers its all within the first around, however an avalanche of rookie errors provew too pricey to conquer. The Senators can not ranking when it counts and are swept from the primary around.
Metropolitan Department
Report: 51-21-9, 111 issues
First-round opponent: Canadiens
Case for a Stanley Cup run: Washington was once the primary group this season to clinch a playoff spot. And the Capitals may just simply be the final one status, too. They are dynamic offensively (averaging the second one maximum aims within the league), play a decent defensive sport (giving up fewer than 3 aims consistent with night time), have a lights-out goaltender in Logan Thompson (proprietor of a .910 SV% and a pair of.49 GAA) and feature the NHL’s all-time main target scorer Alex Ovechkin putting out in his place of business. What extra may just the Capitals in all probability wish to push their approach towards a championship?
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Spencer Carbery has rightfully earned Jack Adams chatter for the best way he is constructed this Washington group into a real contender. There don’t seem to be many flaws to select at whilst you’ve proven the kind of consistency this group has. Washington’s skids were few and some distance between, and it has hardly ever misplaced two in a row. That regular-season good fortune must segue properly into what is subsequent.
X issue: It is true Washington has a competent No. 1 in Thompson — however he is probably not to be had to begin the postseason whilst rehabbing an upper-body damage. The Capitals have leaned on Charlie Lindgren in Thompson’s stead and venture to stay doing so till Thompson is wholesome.
Will Lindgren be capable to stand tall early within the first around? Lindgren (.896 SV%, 2.73 GAA) hasn’t produced the similar numbers as Thompson (.910 SV%, 2.49 GAA). All of sudden, goaltending turns into a major possible roadblock for Washington. If the Capitals need to see their season prolonged for weeks — and no longer days — they are going to must make stronger Lindgren much more than they might Thompson with a defense-first mindset. As a result of even with the likes of Ovechkin up entrance, it is just about not possible to outscore your individual defensive woes come the playoffs.
Participant to look at: Tom Wilson. There is something about Wilson and the postseason. He is all the time been the Capitals’ heavy, however there is an additional pep in Wilson’s step when the playoffs roll round. He’ll make the opposite group uncomfortable, getting underneath guys’ pores and skin and most often inflicting one of these chaos that may throw issues off. Washington wishes that power. The Capitals have a lot of finesse in different places, and whilst Wilson can ranking with the most efficient of them — he has 33 aims this season, finally — it is the more punch (infrequently actually) Wilson can give that makes him a standout this time of 12 months.
Daring prediction: Washington’s offense is slowed within the first around when Ovechkin fails to attain a unmarried target. Its heated second-round sequence leads to frustration when Washington’s protection can not hang up and it’s despatched packing.
Report: 47-29-5, 99 issues
First-round opponent: Devils
Case for a Stanley Cup run: Carolina has its identification and sticks to it. The Hurricanes are a perennial contender as a result of they are elite at 5-on-5, constantly stifle their warring parties (via permitting the fewest photographs within the league), whilst concurrently making the contest uncomfortable (via peppering within the second-most photographs on target this season). Carolina has stepped forward its play off the push and stays as stout as ever on protection. It has won sturdy goaltending from Frederik Andersen (.907 SV%, 2.29 GAA) and has the league’s perfect penalty kill.
It’s been Carolina’s defensive main points that set it aside, and the ones are by no means extra treasured than within the playoffs. The Hurricanes have additionally leaned on a breakout offensive efficiency from Seth Jarvis. (He has a team-leading 32 aims.) Carolina has carried out the paintings to set itself up for good fortune.
X issue: Is Carolina deep sufficient to in fact move deep within the playoffs? The Hurricanes do a very good process offensively of producing alternatives, however too regularly don’t seem to be taking advantage of them from sufficient avid gamers all the way through the lineup. If Carolina can depend best on Jarvis and Sebastian Aho to constantly gentle the lamp then they turn out to be an more straightforward group to select off (particularly bearing in mind their energy play is twenty sixth within the league, at 18.6%).
And what concerning the goaltending intensity? Andersen has been just right since getting back from damage, however his younger spouse Pyotr Kochetkov has struggled (.898 SV%, 2.59 GAA). Andersen is all the time susceptible to getting harm and Carolina can be in lesser palms with Kochetkov taking on the crease. How the Hurricanes reply to possible adversities — and who can fill within the gaps — is essential.
Participant to look at: Logan Stankoven. Carolina would possibly not have Mikko Rantanen anymore, but it surely does have a participant who got here on board when Rantanen was once traded to Dallas. Stankoven, a rookie, has been an outstanding have compatibility for the Hurricanes, with 5 aims and 8 issues in 17 video games. And it appears like he is hitting a stride on the proper time. Stankoven can create possibilities for himself and teammates with an underrated playmaking talent and he is an power man, too. That may move far within the shut, aggravating video games that Carolina initiatives to search out itself in quickly sufficient.
Daring prediction: Regardless of Carolina’s determined edge within the first around, it falters too time and again to get better. The Hurricanes fail to advance for the primary time since 2020 and for simply the second one time underneath trainer Rod Brind’Amour.
Report: 42-33-7, 91 issues
First-round opponent: Hurricanes
Case for a Stanley Cup run: New Jersey has the elements to be a marvel good fortune tale within the postseason. The Devils’ particular groups are a few of the league’s perfect, with a third-ranked energy play (28%) and second-ranked penalty kill (82.4%). New Jersey is hard to crack throughout although, permitting the fifth-fewest aims this season (2.65) and sixth-fewest photographs (26.3).
The Devils’ cast goalie tandem of Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen must go away them feeling assured that whoever is again there might be guidance sufficient pucks apart. And if New Jersey could make existence onerous at the opponent and put on them down with a robust defensive effort, then it’s going to take probably the most sting out of no longer having peak scorer Jack Hughes to be had because of damage.
X issue: All of that mentioned, Hughes is not simply replaceable (as we have now noticed in New Jersey’s struggles since Hughes underwent surgical treatment in March). The Devils are thirtieth in 5-on-5 scoring with out Hughes, and changing his contributions within the playoffs is significant to how some distance they may be able to advance. Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt are averaging over some extent consistent with sport following Hughes’ departure, and having Dougie Hamilton again for the playoffs must assist generate extra scoring alternatives from the again finish.
The primary around will pit New Jersey opposed to a strong defensive membership in Carolina. It is going to take all of the firepower those Devils can muster to make up for Hughes’ absence and each and every unmarried alternative to make use of that vaunted energy play cannot be taken without any consideration.
Participant to look at: Hischier. It is simple for Hischier to fly underneath the radar when Hughes is round. Now, imagine Hischier within the highlight. His talent as a two-way middle will raise the Devils’ top-heavy assault, however Hischier will actually have a goal on his again. In the long run, slowing him down will make New Jersey that a lot more one-dimensional. How Hischier handles the storm forward will make a decision whether or not the Devils sink or swim.
Daring prediction: New Jersey performs speedy and free and it will pay off opposed to a stiff Carolina group within the first around. The Devils float via the second one around as probably the most playoffs’ perfect offensive groups and finally end up any other Cinderella tale (this time, playoff version).
Report: 40-31-11, 91 issues
First-round opponent: Capitals
Case for a Stanley Cup run: Montreal discovered its mojo on the proper second. Who would have idea because the Canadiens continued a five-game slide during the finish of March that they might apply it up with six immediately wins to place a playoff berth again at the desk?
The postseason is all about momentum and self assurance. The Canadiens can have wanted a couple of more video games to in the end protected their spot however what does Montreal must lose, in reality? Whilst different golf equipment are saddled with drive to win now, the Canadiens can really feel free simply having their seat on the birthday party. And that is the reason a just right factor.
Montreal stepped up in the second one part of this season, averaging over 3 aims consistent with sport since overdue February whilst permitting fewer than 3 around the line. Nick Suzuki has averaged over some extent consistent with sport, and Cole Caufield has accrued an outstanding 37 aims. Rookie defenseman Lane Hutson is having a Calder Trophy-worthy season, and the Canadiens have steadily proven they have got sound intensity. Montreal has made it this some distance. There is explanation why to consider it might probably stay the nice instances rolling.
X issue: The Canadiens might be taking up a high-flying Washington group out of the gate. Can Montreal’s goaltending stay issues from getting out of hand? Sam Montembeault was once nice all the way through that five-game stretch to place the Canadiens in playoff place, and he, like the remainder of the group, was once higher within the season’s moment part. Now, Montreal simply wishes Montembeault to carry the Capitals’ elite offense at bay lengthy sufficient for the Canadiens’ personal snipers to get at the board. Montembeault has carried a heavy load already for Montreal this 12 months (with 60 begins) and his stats are just right (.901 SV% and a pair of.83 GAA). The Canadiens will want greatness from their goaltenders in the event that they be expecting to transport on.
Participant to look at: Ivan Demidov. Title the final participant who arrived in Montreal to Demidov-level fanfare? (We will wait). Seems, although, the hype was once actual. Demidov stepped into his first NHL sport final week and was once at the scoresheet with a target and an lend a hand. Montreal can have misplaced that night time to Chicago, however Demidov was once an simple spice up for the gang as they looked for that eventual clinching victory. And bearing in mind how unfazed Demidov seems on the NHL point, it will be interesting to look what he can give for Montreal within the postseason.
Daring prediction: Montreal takes Recreation 1 to win their first playoff sport in 4 years and put some doubt into the Capitals. The Canadiens hang off Ovechkin all the approach in a six-game sequence they ultimately lose.
Central Department
Report: 56-2-4, 116 issues
First-round opponent: Blues
Case for a Stanley Cup run: Few groups are as entire because the Jets were this season, one by which they received the Presidents’ Trophy for the league’s perfect file. They took a step ahead of their evolution within the first season underneath Scott Arniel, who was once an affiliate trainer with the Jets for the previous two campaigns.
They get constant offensive contributions from their ahead traces, whilst additionally getting scoring from defensemen. Their defensive construction is likely one of the perfect within the league at restricting scoring possibilities, whilst they have got what could be a long run Corridor of Famer in Connor Hellebuyck in internet.
X issue: Can their regular-season continuity translate to playoff good fortune? That is, as soon as once more, the largest query dealing with the Jets heading into the postseason. They received 52 video games final season, confronted the Avalanche within the first around — and have been eradicated in 5 video games for a moment consecutive postseason.
Rapid ahead to this 12 months. They have received greater than 50 video games for a moment immediately season, whilst having body of workers who glance as though they may be able to be relied on in each and every state of affairs. Does it result in them getting out of the primary around? Or will it’s a 3rd immediately early go out?
Participant to look at: Hellebuyck. He is in line to win a moment consecutive Vezina Trophy, which might be his 0.33 general. That might position Hellebuyck amongst Corridor of Famers Martin Brodeur, Dominik Hasek and Patrick Roy. However any time there is a dialogue about Hellebuyck’s standing amongst all-time greats, it contains his relative loss of good fortune within the postseason. That got here up final season, when he had a personal-low .870 save share within the Jets’ five-game sequence loss. At the complete, he is 18-27 with a 2.85 goals-against moderate and a .910 save share in his postseason occupation. Is that this the 12 months he turns it round?
Daring prediction: Gabriel Vilardi, who has best two aims in 12 occupation playoff video games, will lead the Jets in aims this postseason.
Report: 50-26-6, 106 issues
First-round opponent: Avalanche
Case for a Stanley Cup run: The Stars are definitely in a championship window, having complicated to a few Western Convention finals up to now 5 years. However there is extra to it than that. The core of the ones groups stays in position. They have discovered tactics so as to add to that core, and newbies assimilate briefly.
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Regardless of already having probably the most proficient groups within the NHL, the Stars traded for probably the most sport’s perfect avid gamers in Mikko Rantanen, who has received a Stanley Cup. Including Rantanen best heightens the expectancies this may well be the 12 months for the Stars.
X issue: Can they be stopped in a Recreation 7? You will have heard that Stars trainer Peter DeBoer is relatively adept at Recreation 7s. His groups are 8-0, which isn’t best the most efficient all-time file for Recreation 7s in NHL historical past, however it is the most efficient mark of any trainer in North American males’s professional sports activities historical past.
Whilst he is been with the Stars for best two seasons, every postseason has noticed the Stars faucet into what has made DeBoer so the most important in the ones winner-take-all video games. And with a first-round date opposed to the Avalanche? It is imaginable DeBoer’s Recreation 7 techniques may just come into play once more.
Participant to look at: Rantanen. There is the theatrical facet — gazing a participant who by no means idea he was once going to depart the franchise that drafted him play a job in getting rid of them months after being traded. However what is more than the drama is the Stars altered their whole team-building philosophy via dealing draft choices and a rookie roster participant to get him, as a result of they consider any individual who has 101 issues in 81 occupation playoff video games may end up in them profitable the second one name in franchise historical past.
Daring prediction: Rantanen will both ranking or arrange two of the game-winning aims within the first around opposed to the Avalanche.
Report: 49-29-4, 102 issues
First-round opponent: Stars
Case for a Stanley Cup run: What is necessarily doomed the Avs since they received the Stanley Cup again in 2022 is a loss of constant secondary and tertiary scoring. It is one thing they have got attempted to mend on a couple of events, best to finally end up direction correcting. However, the trades they have got made this season have given them no longer best their most powerful roster since they received the Cup, however a gaggle that has the prospective to be simply as just right as that title-winning group. That team might be put to the take a look at briefly within the first around opposed to the Stars.
X issue: Their supporting forged. Depending on their function avid gamers was once the most important to why they averaged greater than 4 aims consistent with sport en path to knocking out the Jets in 5 video games within the opening around final spring. However that modified opposed to the Stars in Spherical 2. A loss of constant secondary scoring, amongst different pieces, resulted within the Avs notching six overall aims within the 4 video games they misplaced to the Stars in the second one around.
Participant to look at: Gabriel Landeskog. The Avalanche captain performed his first skilled sport in just about 3 years for the Avs’ AHL associate this previous weekend. After logging quarter-hour in his first sport, he scored a target and had an lend a hand in his moment sport, whilst his surgically repaired knee did not give him any problems. It units the level for Landeskog returning this postseason, and no longer best offering the Avs with a two-way internet entrance presence who performs a accountable sport, however any individual who supplies a relaxing affect in tricky scenarios.
Daring prediction: Landeskog will ranking 3 aims within the first around opposed to the Stars.
Report: 44-30-8, 96 issues
First-round opponent: Jets
Case for a Stanley Cup run: Since they employed Jim Bernard Law Montgomery in November, the Blues have talked concerning the changes they might make, and it resulted in an openness that resulted in contributions all the way through their lineup. That was obvious all the way through a 12-game win streak throughout March and April that noticed them catapult from wild-card hopeful to being in keep watch over of the wild-card race.
Oh, and an in-season training trade adopted via a robust run to the playoffs after which a Stanley Cup for St. Louis? Yeah, we have now noticed that prior to.
X issue: How some distance will their defensive construction take them? Some of the largest demanding situations dealing with the Blues prior to they employed Bernard Law Montgomery was once the will for defensive consistency. They employed assistant Mike Weber to concentrate on protection, and added two-way forwards to assist cope with the issue.
Following Bernard Law Montgomery’s arrival, the Blues have frequently stepped forward to the purpose the place they are one of the best within the NHL in permitting high-danger possibilities consistent with 60 mins, whilst being within the peak 13 in fewest photographs allowed consistent with 60 and scoring possibilities consistent with 60.
Participant to look at: Jordan Binnington. For months forward of the 4 International locations Face-Off, a lot was once made about Canada’s relative weak spot in target. The group became to Binnington, who was once instrumental in serving to Canada win February’s best-on-best match. His exploits since have translated into good fortune for the Blues. Given the adjustments underneath Bernard Law Montgomery coupled with what Binnington has carried out, may just it result in the Blues happening a run this postseason?
Daring prediction: Regardless of the Jets having the NHL’s peak energy play, the Blues will restrict them to simply two aims with the extra-skater benefit.
Pacific Department
Report: 50-22-10, 110 issues
First-round opponent: Wild
Case for a Stanley Cup run: By way of Vegas requirements, this group has been quiet — but it surely has additionally been reasonably productive.
Jack Eichel is not simply an offensive risk. He is advanced into an entire, two-way ahead who can be utilized in any state of affairs. They have empowered Pavel Dorofeyev into turning into a 30-goal scorer. Goaltender Adin Hill went from being in a tandem to creating greater than 50 begins for the primary time in his occupation. The ones person exploits are a part of a collective that after once more has the Golden Knights able to problem for a moment Stanley Cup in 3 years.
X issue: Their energy in numbers. Profitable that name in 2023 was once in large part made imaginable via the Golden Knights’ intensity. That is what made final offseason so jarring, as a result of relatively somewhat of that intensity left in loose company. The reaction? 11 avid gamers completed 2024-25 with 10 or extra aims. That team contains Dorofeyev but in addition Brett Howden, who went from 39 occupation aims in 351 occupation video games getting into this season to 23 aims in 2024-25.
Participant to look at: Tomas Hertl. Hertl had a troublesome time after coming over by way of business on the tail finish of final season, as he was once getting back from damage. That prolonged into the postseason, by which he completed with one level in seven video games. However in his first complete season with the membership, Hertl has appeared the a part of a valid top-six ahead, attaining the 30-goal mark for the 0.33 time in his occupation. Getting that model of Hertl approach the Golden Knights may just additionally get “Playoff Hertl,” who scored 16 aims and had 24 issues in 29 video games all the way through his ultimate two postseason campaigns with the San Jose Sharks.
Daring prediction: Now not best will Dorofeyev lead the Golden Knights in aims after the primary around, however he’s going to lead the Western Convention in aims.
Report: 48-24-9, 105 issues
First-round opponent: Oilers
Case for a Stanley Cup run: The Kings have long past via a couple of iterations during the last 4 years as soon as their rebuild was once entire. They have made massive trades, spent relatively somewhat of cash in loose company, shuffled via goaltenders, and fired and employed coaches just for it to all result in the similar position the previous 3 seasons: getting knocked out via the Oilers within the first around.
This season, they have got attained a degree of consistency — each with their construction underneath Jim Hiller and in having roster continuity — that would make this spring finish otherwise. And it is helping that the goalie on whom they in spite of everything landed has proven up in a large approach — even incomes some Vezina attention.
X issue: Can their identification be the adaptation? A former assistant trainer who went from intervening time trainer to move trainer this season, Hiller has advanced the Kings into probably the most extra constant groups within the NHL. Their underlying offensive metrics have them within the peak 10 or simply outdoor the highest 10 in maximum photographs consistent with 60 mins, aims consistent with 60, scoring possibilities consistent with 60 and high-danger possibilities consistent with 60.
Defensively, they are within the peak 3 in fewest alternatives allowed in those self same classes, whilst additionally being peak 3 in group save share.
Participant to look at: Darcy Kuemper. All of the adjustments the Kings have made in internet have include the aim of having to the second one around. To this point, none of the ones changes has labored, which led them to get Kuemper. In best 34 occupation playoff video games, he is carried out relatively somewhat: serving to the Arizona Coyotes win a around within the Edmonton bubble in 2020 and backstopping the Avs to a Stanley Cup in 2022. Does he upload getting the Kings (in spite of everything) previous the primary around and the Oilers to his listing of achievements?
Daring prediction: Warren Foegele, who scored 3 playoff aims for the Oilers final season, could have a hat trick within the first around opposed to his previous group.
Report: 48-29-5, 101 issues
First-round opponent: Kings
Case for a Stanley Cup run: The Oilers have been a sport clear of profitable the Stanley Cup final 12 months after falling right into a three-game sequence hollow opposed to the Panthers. The whole lot in their run bolstered the perception that they have been extra than simply Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. That they’d the make stronger forged who may well be counted upon in crucial sequences, whilst trainer Kris Knoblauch and his group of workers apparently had an adjustment for each and every state of affairs.
Despite the fact that the Oilers input the playoffs dealing with an extended listing of accidents, they are in a championship window — and feature proven they may be able to determine it out when wanted.
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X issue: Can they repair the disconnect with their protection and goaltending? The entirety concerning the Oilers’ underlying metrics suggests they are probably the most more potent defensive groups within the NHL this season. They are within the peak 10 in fewest scoring possibilities allowed consistent with 60 mins and the fewest high-danger scoring possibilities allowed consistent with 60. They are additionally eleventh in photographs allowed consistent with 60.
And but, they’re within the backside 10 in group save share. How is it that the Oilers were in line with their construction however inconsistent in internet? Answering that query may just play a job in an early go out as opposed to a prolonged one.
Participant to look at: Stuart Skinner. Now not {that a} group’s playoff destiny hinges solely at the movements of 1 participant, however there is consideration on Skinner for a explanation why (along with the whole thing within the earlier phase). The benching all the way through final 12 months’s playoffs appeared to be a warning call; thereafter, he was once a constant presence that performed a vital function within the Oilers’ Cup Ultimate run.
However this season has arguably been his maximum tricky since turning into the Oilers’ No. 1. His .894 save share is his lowest in that point, whilst Skinner’s minus-10.34 aims stored above anticipated (consistent with Herbal Stat Trick) is the worst of any goalie who may just probably get started for a playoff group.
Daring prediction: Will have to the Oilers get previous the Kings within the first around, they are going to go back to the Stanley Cup Ultimate.
Report: 45-30-7, 97 issues
First-round opponent: Golden Knights
Case for a Stanley Cup run: Simply have a look at what they have got been via this season. Kirill Kaprizov was once having the most efficient season of his occupation prior to he sustained a long-term damage, restricting him to 41 video games. The Wild additionally needed to navigate accidents to Joel Eriksson Ek, Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin. They have been within the backside 10 of aims consistent with sport, photographs consistent with 60 mins, scoring possibilities consistent with 60 and high-danger possibilities consistent with 60.
In the event that they made it this some distance in a season by which they have got performed many tight video games, should not enjoying the ones video games now supply a way of normalcy — particularly with all of the ones avid gamers again within the lineup?
X issue: Convenience in one-goal video games. Sure, playoff video games are other as a result of one mistake could make the adaptation between profitable a sport or dropping a chain. However as famous above, the Wild know that idea all too neatly this season. They have performed in 28 one-goal video games and feature received 18 of them. There was once even one stretch by which they received 4 consecutive one-goal video games.
And for a group that was once the worst in aims consistent with sport amongst Western Convention playoff groups? The ones one-goal video games may well be the most important towards their aspirations.
Participant to look at: Zeev Buium. Even supposing the Wild have plenty of avid gamers who may well be on this area, what makes Buium the select this is the intrigue. From the instant they drafted him final summer time, it created an expectation that he and Brock Faber may just usher the Wild’s blue line into a brand new technology. However above all, it gave the Wild any other younger, puck-moving defenseman who may just play heavy mins — and vital mins — when the time got here. Buium has already crammed that function with the College of Denver and the two-time gold-medal profitable U.S. group on the International Juniors. He may well be the following younger blueliner who’s requested to do the similar within the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Daring prediction: Marc-Andre Fleury gets a minimum of one win opposed to the Golden Knights, and if this is the case, it’s going to come at T-Cell Enviornment.
