The matchups for the opening round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set, with 16 teams vying for the coveted championship. Only half will advance beyond this initial stage. Here are our predictions for which teams will continue their quest for the Stanley Cup.
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 in-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. While Florida defeated Tampa on their path to the Cup last year, the Lightning have regrouped and are ready for a rematch.
Another intense rivalry will unfold as the favored Toronto Maple Leafs clash with the Ottawa Senators in the Battle of Ontario. This marks the first postseason encounter between these two Canadian teams in over two decades.
In the Western Conference, a significant showdown is set between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars. This series will see one of these Western powerhouses eliminated in the first round. Dallas has reached the conference finals for the past two seasons, but returning for a third consecutive time will be a difficult task.
For the fourth straight year, the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers will face off in the first round. The Kings have been defeated in their previous three playoff series against the Oilers, but 2025 presents a new opportunity to change their fortunes.
Ahead of 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)
Expert Analysis: Both the Capitals and Canadiens enter the playoffs with significant momentum. The Capitals have enjoyed a dominant season, securing 51 wins, while Alex Ovechkin made history by surpassing Wayne Gretzky`s scoring record. The Canadiens, a team in rebuild mode, saw their young talent flourish, unexpectedly clinching a playoff berth.
Despite their success, both teams might be slightly fortunate to be in their current positions. While the Capitals have performed well, their overall metrics don`t necessarily indicate a Stanley Cup favorite. The Canadiens struggle as a five-on-five team and have a negative goal differential. In this series, the Capitals` experience, depth, and defensive strength are expected to prevail over Montreal`s youthful enthusiasm. Montreal might win a couple of games at home, but ultimately, the Capitals are predicted to advance. Prediction: Capitals defeat Canadiens 4-2
Hurricanes vs. Devils
Series odds: Hurricanes -280, Devils +225
Expert Analysis: The absence of Jack Hughes due to injury significantly impacts the Devils` chances in this series. Since Hughes` season-ending injury, New Jersey`s performance has declined, especially in expected goals share and goal differential. This is problematic against the Hurricanes, one of the league`s top five-on-five teams. New Jersey`s strong power play could be a factor, but Carolina`s top-ranked penalty kill will pose a significant challenge.
However, the Hurricanes also have weaknesses. A lack of top-tier scorers is evident, especially after the departure of key offensive players. Goaltending is another concern for Carolina, with Frederik Andersen`s injury history and Pyotr Kochetkov`s inconsistency. While New Jersey`s goaltender Jacob Markstrom might steal a game or two, the Hurricanes are still favored to win. Prediction: Hurricanes defeat Devils 4-2
Maple Leafs vs. Senators
Series odds: Maple Leafs -192, Senators +158
Expert Analysis: If playoff success hinges on star power, the Maple Leafs are the clear choice. The Senators boast talented players like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Jake Sanderson, but they don`t quite match the level of Toronto`s core four: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares. Adding Matthew Knies, who had a breakout season, further strengthens Toronto`s lineup.
Despite Toronto`s star power, their underlying metrics are not overwhelmingly strong, particularly in five-on-five play. In fact, the Senators have shown slightly better numbers in some areas. The series may come down to offensive efficiency. Toronto has been more clinical in converting scoring chances, and their improved defense should make it difficult for Ottawa. Prediction: Maple Leafs defeat Senators 4-2
Lightning vs. Panthers
Series odds: Panthers -118, Lightning -102
Expert Analysis: For the fourth time in five years, the Battle of Florida will ignite in the playoffs. The Panthers, as reigning champions, carry the confidence of their recent Cup victory into this matchup against a revitalized Tampa Bay team. The Lightning, led by Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Andrei Vasilevskiy, are aiming for another deep playoff run. In recent months, Tampa Bay has been gaining momentum while Florida`s performance has been less consistent.
Florida`s inconsistent play has partly been due to Matthew Tkachuk`s absence, and his condition for Game 1 is uncertain. Additionally, Aaron Ekblad is suspended for the first two games. The Panthers need both players to return seamlessly as there is no room for error in a seven-game series. While a close series is anticipated, the Lightning, with their recent form, are predicted to edge out the Panthers. Prediction: Lightning defeat Panthers 4-3
Western Conference
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Series odds: Jets -225, Blues +184
Expert Analysis: The Jets were consistently dominant in the Central Division throughout the season. However, their matchup against the wild card Blues is not straightforward. The Blues became one of the hottest teams in the league over three months, transforming into a strong defensive team under coach Jim Montgomery.
St. Louis`s defense will be crucial against a Jets team that boasts a potent offense. Winnipeg`s scoring prowess, led by Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, combined with arguably the league`s best goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, makes them a formidable opponent. Given Hellebuyck`s presence and the Blues` defensive solidity, this series is expected to be low-scoring. In tight contests, fortunate bounces can be decisive, potentially leading to an upset. Prediction: Blues defeat Jets 4-3
Stars vs. Avalanche
Series odds: Avalanche -170, Stars +140
Expert Analysis: This highly anticipated series pits two genuine Stanley Cup contenders against each other. The stakes are high for both teams who have made significant moves to contend this year. The Stars were more consistent during the regular season, but Colorado`s strategic acquisitions have positioned them as strong Cup contenders.
Dallas`s forward depth is exceptional, featuring multiple 20-goal scorers. However, their defense, especially without Miro Heiskanen, has been vulnerable. This is a concern against an Avalanche team with dynamic offensive players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Martin Necas. In a potentially high-scoring series, Dallas`s defensive weaknesses might be exploited. Prediction: Avalanche defeat Stars 4-2
Golden Knights vs. Wild
Series odds: Golden Knights -235, Wild +190
Expert Analysis: Evaluating the Wild is challenging due to significant injuries throughout the season. Early in the season, a healthy Minnesota team looked strong, but their performance has since declined. While key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek have returned, the Wild lack the overall talent and depth to match their opponent.
The Golden Knights appear to be a serious Stanley Cup threat once again. With Jack Eichel`s impressive season and a strong blue line, Vegas is well-equipped for a deep playoff run. While their penalty kill might be a weakness, their power play is among the league`s best. Though Minnesota`s goalie Filip Gustavsson could potentially steal games, Vegas is simply the deeper and more skilled team. Prediction: Golden Knights defeat Wild 4-1
Kings vs. Oilers
Series odds: Oilers -132, Kings +110
Expert Analysis: 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? There`s reason to believe Los Angeles has their best chance yet to overcome Edmonton, but the Oilers still possess significant advantages.
Offensive struggles have plagued the Kings in past matchups. While still somewhat of a concern, it`s less so now. Los Angeles`s recent offensive surge is notable. Furthermore, the Oilers will be without defenseman Mattias Ekholm for the first round, and their goaltending has been inconsistent. However, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on Edmonton`s side, they are always a formidable opponent. Despite this, the Kings seem to be entering the series as the stronger team. Prediction: Kings defeat Oilers 4-3
