The stage is set for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where sixteen teams will embark on their quest for hockey`s most coveted trophy. Only half will advance beyond the initial round. Here, we present our predictions for which teams will continue their playoff journey.
In the Eastern Conference, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, possess the necessary components for a repeat victory. However, they are immediately challenged by their formidable rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. While Florida previously defeated Tampa on their path to the Cup last year, the Lightning have strategically strengthened their roster for this anticipated rematch.
Another compelling rivalry unfolds as the favored Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the Ottawa Senators in the highly anticipated Battle of Ontario. This postseason marks the first time in 21 years that these two Canadian teams will clash.
In the Western Conference, a significant showdown is set between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars. This matchup guarantees that one of these Western Conference powerhouses will be eliminated in the first round. Dallas has reached the conference finals in the past two seasons, but returning for a third consecutive time will be a significant challenge.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers will meet in the opening round. Despite losing the previous three encounters, the Kings have an opportunity to reverse their fortunes in 2025.
Before the puck drops on the 2025 NHL playoffs, here are our expert predictions for each first-round series winner.
Eastern Conference
Capitals vs. Canadiens
Series odds: Capitals -275, Canadiens +220 (via FanDuel)
Nivison: Few teams enter these playoffs with more positive momentum than these two. The Capitals have enjoyed a successful season, securing 51 wins and witnessing Alex Ovechkin surpass Wayne Gretzky`s all-time scoring record. The Canadiens, a team in rebuild mode, saw their young talent flourish, propelling them into the final playoff spot.
I believe both teams are somewhat fortunate to be in their current positions. While the Capitals have performed well, their overall profile doesn`t necessarily suggest a Stanley Cup contender. The Canadiens rank among the league`s weakest five-on-five teams and possess a minus-20 goal differential. In this particular series, I favor the Capitals` experience, depth, and defensive capabilities over Montreal. The Canadiens might secure a couple of wins at the Bell Centre, but that will likely be the extent of their success. Pick — Capitals def. Canadiens 4-2
Bengel: While the Capitals may have overachieved at times during the regular season, the Canadiens are not an offensive powerhouse. Their average of 2.96 goals per game suggests they lack the offensive firepower to consistently challenge the Capitals. The Canadiens might steal a game at home, particularly with Sam Montembeault as a capable goalie, but that`s likely their ceiling. Even with uncertainty surrounding Capitals goalie Logan Thompson`s condition, it would require a significant downturn for the Capitals to lose this series. Pick — Capitals def. Canadiens 4-2
Hurricanes vs. Devils
Series odds: Hurricanes -280, Devils +225
Nivison: The absence of Jack Hughes significantly weakens the Devils` chances in this series. Since Hughes` season-ending injury, New Jersey has recorded a 48.0% expected goals share and a minus-16 goal differential. This is concerning, especially against the Hurricanes, who are among the league`s top five-on-five teams. New Jersey`s third-ranked power play could be a factor, but Carolina`s top-ranked penalty kill presents a strong counter.
However, the Hurricanes are not without weaknesses. Their lack of elite scorers remains a challenge, amplified by the departures of Martin Necas and Mikko Rantanen. Goaltending is also a question mark for Carolina. Frederik Andersen has struggled with injuries, and Pyotr Kochetkov`s performance has been inconsistent. Jacob Markstrom could potentially steal a game or two for New Jersey, but the Devils face an uphill battle. Pick — Hurricanes def. Devils 4-2
Bengel: Although the Devils` offense is weakened by Hughes` absence, the Hurricanes` scoring depth isn`t exceptionally strong after trading Mikko Rantanen. Carolina did score 261 five-on-five goals, but they will likely rely heavily on Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis in the postseason. Coupled with inconsistent goaltending from Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov in recent times, the situation isn`t ideal. While a low-scoring series is anticipated, the Hurricanes are still expected to prevail. Pick — Hurricanes def. Devils 4-1
Maple Leafs vs. Senators
Series odds: Maple Leafs -192, Senators +158
Nivison: If playoff success hinges on star power, the choice here is clear. Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Jake Sanderson are excellent players for the Senators, but they don`t quite match the level of Toronto`s Core Four: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares. Toronto also boasts Matthew Knies, who had a breakout season with 29 goals. Toronto`s roster has a clear advantage in top-tier talent.
Despite this, Toronto`s average underlying numbers give me pause. The Maple Leafs haven`t been a dominant five-on-five team in terms of scoring chances and expected goals. In fact, the Senators have slightly outperformed the Leafs in some metrics. Ultimately, the series may come down to finishing ability. Toronto converted more scoring chances, scoring 263 goals (7th) compared to the Senators` 235 (21st). Furthermore, the Maple Leafs` improved defense will make scoring tougher for Ottawa. Pick — Maple Leafs def. Senators 4-2
Bengel: Historically, the Maple Leafs have had strong regular seasons but have faltered in the first round of the playoffs. However, this year could be different. Toronto`s talent advantage is significant, led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander. While not always an elite five-on-five team, the Maple Leafs have a +33 goal differential compared to the Senators` -17. Their goaltending tandem of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz has also been consistently reliable throughout the season.
A major concern for the Senators is the lack of playoff experience among their young stars. While experience isn`t everything, the Maple Leafs have navigated these situations multiple times. Both teams have strong power plays and are relatively even on the penalty kill. This series could be exciting, but it`s hard to see Matthews and the Maple Leafs exiting in the first round this year. Pick — Maple Leafs def. Senators 4-2
Lightning vs. Panthers
Series odds: Panthers -118, Lightning -102
Nivison: For the fourth time in five years, we witness the Battle of Florida in the playoffs. The Panthers finally overcame their rivals last season and enter this matchup as reigning champions. They will need that championship experience as a re-energized Tampa Bay team aims for another Cup run, led by Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Andrei Vasilevskiy. Over recent months, the Lightning have been improving, while the Panthers have shown inconsistency.
Matthew Tkachuk`s absence has significantly impacted Florida`s recent performance. While he might return for Game 1, his effectiveness is uncertain. Additionally, Aaron Ekblad will miss the first two games due to suspension. Can Tkachuk and Ekblad seamlessly return to form? They must, as there`s no room for adjustment in a seven-game series. I anticipate a closely contested series, but I`m leaning towards the team playing better recently. Pick — Lightning def. Panthers 4-3
Bengel: The Sunshine State rivalry takes center stage in one of the most anticipated first-round series. The Panthers finally achieved Stanley Cup glory last year after defeating the Golden Knights in 2024. It`s unusual for a reigning Stanley Cup champion to be considered an underdog in the first round, yet that`s the current perception of this matchup.
The biggest question mark for the Panthers is the availability of Matthew Tkachuk, who is recovering from a lower-body injury sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off. While he`s likely to play, Tkachuk might not be at full strength, and his impact on Florida`s success in the past two postseasons is undeniable. Conversely, the Lightning are currently performing at a high level and could be considered the team to beat in the East. Nikita Kucherov led the league in points (121), and Jake Guentzel had a 40-goal season in his first year with the Lightning. Ultimately, the Panthers seem too depleted, and it`s difficult to bet against the Lightning given their current momentum. Pick — Lightning def. Panthers 4-3
Western Conference
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Series odds: Jets -225, Blues +184
Nivison: The Jets were consistently a top team in the Central Division, one of the most competitive in the league. So why is this matchup against a wild card team so difficult to predict? Likely because the Blues were among the hottest teams in the NHL for a significant part of three months during their playoff push. Jim Montgomery`s arrival in St. Louis in November transformed the team into a defensively strong unit.
The Blues` defensive strength will be crucial against a Jets team that scored 273 goals, ranking fourth in the league. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor accounted for 79 of those goals, and Gabe Vilardi added another 27. Furthermore, Winnipeg boasts Connor Hellebuyck, arguably the best goalie in the world. With Hellebuyck and a Blues team that limits scoring opportunities, this series is expected to be low-scoring. In such tight contests, luck and unexpected bounces can play a significant role, potentially leading to an upset. Pick — Blues def. Jets 4-3
Bengel: The Jets won the Presidents` Trophy as the NHL`s top regular-season team. However, the Presidents` Trophy has often been a bad omen for teams in recent years. Since 2007-08, only two Presidents` Trophy winners have won the Stanley Cup, so history isn`t in Winnipeg`s favor. Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck needs to prove his playoff mettle, despite a regular season where he was arguably the league`s best.
Meanwhile, the Blues enter the Stanley Cup Playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the NHL, winning 13 of their last 16 regular-season games. St. Louis has a strong offensive duo in Jordan Kyrou (36 goals) and Robert Thomas (81 points), but forward depth might be a concern against a strong defensive team like the Jets. While Nikolaj Ehlers` absence is a blow to Winnipeg`s forwards, I still trust the Jets to score enough to win. It will be a hard-fought series, but I believe the Jets will do just enough to avoid a first-round exit. Pick — Jets def. Blues 4-3
Stars vs. Avalanche
Series odds: Avalanche -170, Stars +140
Nivison: This is my most anticipated first-round series, featuring two genuine Stanley Cup contenders in a head-to-head clash. The stakes are incredibly high for both teams who traded future assets to compete for the Cup this year. The Stars were more consistent throughout the season, but Colorado`s strategic moves have positioned them to potentially win their second Cup in four years.
The Stars possess unmatched forward depth, with eight 20-goal scorers and Tyler Seguin returning for Game 1. Dallas has a potent top-nine forward group, but their defense is vulnerable. Without Miro Heiskanen, who might return later in the season, their defense has struggled to limit expected goals, ranking worst in the NHL in this metric. This is concerning against an Avalanche team with dynamic offensive threats like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Martin Necas. In a high-scoring series, the Stars might not be able to outscore their defensive issues. Pick — Avalanche def. Stars 4-2
Bengel: This series is a must-watch, promising to be a fierce battle. It`s unfortunate that one of these strong teams will be eliminated so early. The Stars went all-in by acquiring Mikko Rantanen from the Hurricanes, adding him to an already deep forward group, especially at center. However, playing without defenseman Miro Heiskanen is a major disadvantage against the Avalanche`s firepower.
While the Avalanche traded Rantanen, they acquired Martin Necas and Brock Nelson to bolster their offense. If any team can match Dallas`s offensive depth, it`s Colorado. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are elite offensive players, but secondary scoring could be decisive. Artturi Lehkonen was crucial to Colorado`s 2022 Stanley Cup win, and Valeri Nichushkin`s strong finish to the regular season makes him a valuable asset. This series should be high-scoring and close, but I`m backing the more battle-tested team. Pick — Avalanche def. Stars 4-2
Golden Knights vs. Wild
Series odds: Golden Knights -235, Wild +190
Nivison: Evaluating the Wild is challenging due to significant injuries throughout much of the season. Early on, Minnesota looked strong when healthy, but their performance has declined recently. Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek are now back, giving the Wild a chance, but they lack the top-end talent and depth to match their opponent.
The Golden Knights again appear to be a serious Stanley Cup contender, with Jack Eichel`s 93-point season, Tomas Hertl`s integration, and a deep defensive corps. While Vegas`s penalty kill might be a weakness, their power play is second-best in the league. Filip Gustavsson could potentially outplay Adin Hill and lead Minnesota to an upset, but Vegas is simply deeper and more skilled. Pick — Golden Knights def. Wild 4-1
Bengel: The Wild have offensive talent in Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Joel Eriksson Ek. However, they ranked 26th in scoring this season, averaging only 2.74 goals per game. Even at full strength, Minnesota might be outmatched in this series.
The Golden Knights didn`t have to fight as hard to reach the playoffs this season compared to last year. Star center Jack Eichel had a career year, and Vegas has a deep forward group despite losing Jonathan Marchessault in free agency. The Golden Knights score 3.34 goals per game, ranking fifth in the league, and will likely pose significant challenges for Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson. This Golden Knights team could be poised for a deep playoff run and should comfortably win their first-round series. Pick — Golden Knights def. Wild 4-1
Kings vs. Oilers
Series odds: Oilers -132, Kings +110
Nivison: For the fourth consecutive year, these Pacific Division rivals will clash in the first round. The Oilers have won the previous three series, but could this be the Kings` year? Perhaps. There`s reason to believe Los Angeles has their best chance yet to defeat Edmonton, but the Oilers still have significant advantages.
Offense, or lack thereof, has been the Kings` weakness in past matchups. While still a concern, it`s less so now. Los Angeles scored 64 goals in the last month, the most in the league during that period. Furthermore, Edmonton will be without shutdown defenseman Mattias Ekholm for the first round, and their goaltending has been inconsistent. However, Edmonton has Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, making them difficult to bet against. They can single-handedly change a series, but the Kings seem to be the better team entering this matchup. Pick — Kings def. Oilers 4-3
Bengel: The Kings and Oilers are facing off in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs once again. This marks a record-tying fourth consecutive opening-round meeting since the playoffs expanded in 1980. The Oilers have won the last three playoff series, but this could be the Kings` best opportunity to triumph.
The Kings have been a strong scoring team this season, including scoring at least five goals in four of their last five games. Los Angeles may not have a playmaker on the level of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, but Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala are capable scorers. Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper has rebounded well since being traded in the offseason. According to MoneyPuck, Kuemper has a .963 save percentage against unblocked shots this season, which will be crucial against McDavid and Draisaitl. The absence of Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm could be a deciding factor in this series. Combined with inconsistent Oilers goaltending, the Kings have the potential to win this series. Pick — Kings def. Oilers 4-3
Elton Marrow