Lapsed Fan’s Guide to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs

For fans who are generally interested in the National Hockey League but haven`t followed closely since the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup against the Edmonton Oilers last June, we`re pleased to present this guide to the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs in the form of a FAQ.

And for dedicated hockey enthusiasts: consider this your essential refresher before the playoff action kicks off on Saturday. Enjoy the games!

Where Did All the Usual Top Teams Go?

This NHL season was historic, though not in a way that many prominent U.S. franchises desired. The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs mark a unique moment: the first time the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers have all failed to qualify for the postseason in the same year:

• Chicago is currently undergoing a rebuilding phase.

• Detroit was expected to emerge from their rebuild but missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, despite changing coaches mid-season – marking the sixth season without a playoff appearance under General Manager Steve Yzerman.

• The Bruins dismissed their coach just 20 games into the season and then traded away several veteran players before the trade deadline, ultimately missing the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons.

• The Rangers, after achieving the league`s best record, dropped to eight points outside of playoff contention and may face significant changes in the offseason.

The New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, and Vancouver Canucks, all playoff teams in 2024, also did not return this season. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the third year in a row.

Consequently, the 2025 postseason will lack some of the typically featured glamour franchises and superstar players. However, this opens up opportunities for new teams and players to shine.

Can the Panthers Win Again?

The reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers finished third in the Atlantic Division with 98 points, a decrease from their 110-point season the previous year. Injuries played a significant role: Captain Aleksander Barkov was limited to 67 games, and Matthew Tkachuk, a key team leader, played only 52 games and has been absent since February. Top defenseman Aaron Ekblad also played only 56 games after a 20-game suspension. He is eligible to return in Game 3 of the Panthers` first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

These factors indicate that we haven`t yet seen the full potential of this Panthers team at full strength. However, key elements from last year`s championship team remain: Sam Reinhart continued his excellent performance with 81 points in 79 games and is a contender for the Selke Trophy. Playoff standouts Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett, along with reliable defenseman Gustav Forsling, are back for another playoff run.

The supporting cast, however, has changed. Defensemen Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Kevin Stenlund departed after last season. Florida made significant additions before the trade deadline, acquiring defenseman Seth Jones and Bruins captain Brad Marchand.

The Panthers definitely possess the talent to reach a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final and potentially repeat as champions. The question is whether these pieces will fit together as effectively as before under coach Paul Maurice. The first round against Tampa Bay should provide an initial glimpse into how Marchand and Tkachuk will perform together on the same team.

If Tampa Bay Wins the Florida Series, Could They Win the Cup?

The Lightning finished second in the Atlantic Division with a similar record to last season, but they feel like a more formidable team this year.

Tampa Bay was the league`s highest-scoring team, led by Nikita Kucherov, who topped the league in points (121) while setting up Brayden Point (42 goals) and Jake Guentzel (41 goals). Brandon Hagel also contributed significantly with 90 points, and Anthony Cirelli is considered one of the top defensive centers in the league.

On defense, Victor Hedman led the team in ice time by a considerable margin.

However, the resurgence of goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is a major boost to Tampa Bay`s Stanley Cup aspirations. He is coming off his best season since 2020-21 and was recently voted the league`s best goalie by his peers. If Vasilevskiy maintains this level of play into the postseason, Tampa Bay will be a serious contender.

Tampa Bay hasn`t advanced past the first round since their 2022 Stanley Cup Final loss to Colorado, which followed back-to-back Cup victories. Seeking to recapture that championship magic, General Manager Julien BriseBois re-acquired two players from those title-winning teams: defenseman Ryan McDonagh and center Yanni Gourde.

If they can overcome their rivals in Florida – a significant challenge – another championship parade in Tampa Bay is a real possibility.

What to Expect from the Battle of Ontario?

The NHL`s wild-card format is designed to create playoff matchups between rivals, and it has succeeded in the Eastern Conference. In addition to the Battle of Florida, the Battle of Ontario is renewed between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, with Ottawa securing the first wild-card spot to end a seven-year playoff drought.

These rivals faced off in the playoffs four times between 2000 and 2004, with Toronto winning each series. Senators fans are eager for a chance to defeat the Atlantic Division-leading Leafs.

The Maple Leafs continue their quest to win their first Stanley Cup since 1967. There are reasons for optimism. Mitch Marner had 100 points this season. William Nylander and Auston Matthews were dominant offensively, and John Tavares regained his point-per-game pace.

Toronto`s playoff hopes largely depend on goalies Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz, who helped the Leafs achieve the fourth-best team save percentage in the regular season. However, questions remain about their limited playoff experience and injury history.

This playoff appearance is the first for Brady Tkachuk of the Senators. He is a key player for Ottawa, alongside young talents like Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson.

A crucial factor for Ottawa will be goaltender Linus Ullmark, acquired from Boston. He had a solid regular season but has a less impressive playoff record with Boston. He aims to prove himself in this postseason.

Could Ovechkin Win Another Stanley Cup After Breaking Gretzky`s Record?

When Alex Ovechkin re-signed with the Capitals, the team committed to remaining competitive while he pursued Gretzky`s goal record, ensuring his goals were meaningful. Few predicted the Capitals would become a top team in the Eastern Conference.

The Capitals were a top offensive team and ranked in the top 10 defensively this season. Acquisitions like Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, and Logan Thompson have been successful, and players like Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael have thrived, along with a resurgent John Carlson.

However, the Capitals are unpredictable in the playoffs. When they execute coach Spencer Carbery`s system perfectly, they can beat any team. But beyond Ovechkin, they lack another established star forward. This has led some to doubt their playoff potential. Yet, a Stanley Cup victory for Ovechkin after breaking the goal record would be an incredible achievement.

Are the Devils Out of Contention Without Jack Hughes?

The New Jersey Devils were on track for the playoffs until losing their leading scorer, Jack Hughes, to a shoulder injury. He is expected to be out until next season.

Hughes had 70 points in 62 games. Since his injury, the Devils` performance has declined. They also lost defenseman Dougie Hamilton to injury shortly after Hughes.

It`s difficult to imagine the Devils winning the conference without Hughes, but players like Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt have stepped up. Their playoff success will depend on goaltending, particularly Jacob Markstrom`s consistency.

Is This Carolina`s Year to Win the Championship?

The Hurricanes have consistently fallen short in the playoffs, reaching the conference finals twice but not advancing further under coach Rod Brind`amour. A recurring issue has been scoring crucial goals in key moments.

Last season, they acquired Jake Guentzel but stalled in the second round, and Guentzel left as a free agent. This season, a trade for Mikko Rantanen ultimately led to him being traded to Dallas after declining an extension with Carolina. Carolina acquired Logan Stankoven in the process, a promising scorer but not yet at Rantanen`s level.

So, the Hurricanes remain a strong possession team with top-10 offense and defense and the league`s best penalty kill. They have offensive talent in Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, but their goaltending has been average.

Despite this, with some luck and timely goals, Carolina could break through in the East. However, the Rantanen situation raises questions.

Is Dallas vs. Colorado the Most Exciting Playoff Series?

While Eastern Conference rivalries are compelling, the Stars vs. Avalanche series is arguably the most captivating matchup in the first round.

The Stars are considered Stanley Cup contenders, while the Avalanche have aggressively retooled after losing to Dallas last season, aiming for another Cup after their 2022 win.

Colorado traded Rantanen, who then signed with Dallas, adding another layer to this rivalry. Rantanen will be motivated to show the Avalanche his value.

The Stars face injury concerns with Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson. Heiskanen`s status is uncertain, and Robertson also sustained an injury. Their absences could significantly impact the series.

Adding to the drama, Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog might return after a long absence due to knee surgery. His comeback story could add another dimension to this series.

This matchup is filled with storylines and could determine this season`s Stanley Cup champion.

Besides Rantanen, Who Are Other Notable Players in New Places?

The Avalanche made several additions, including Mackenzie Blackwood in goal, Brock Nelson, Charlie Coyle, Ryan Lindgren, and Erik Johnson.

The Bruins traded Coyle, Marchand, and Brandon Carlo.

Ottawa acquired Dylan Cozens. Tampa Bay added Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde.

Which Rookies Could Impact the Playoffs?

For Montreal to upset Washington, rookies Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov need to be impactful. Other rookies to watch include Logan Stankoven, Zack Bolduc, Jackson Blake, Mackie Samoskevich, and Mavrik Bourque.

Can Winnipeg Overcome the Presidents` Trophy Curse?

The Jets won the Presidents` Trophy as the top regular-season team. However, this trophy is associated with a “curse,” as few winners have gone on to win the Stanley Cup, and some have even lost in the first round.

The Jets are determined to overcome this curse after previous first-round exits. They have a strong offense and the league`s best goalie, Connor Hellebuyck.

They face a Blues team that improved significantly after a coaching change, making them a tough first-round opponent.

Is It the Kings` Fourth Time to Beat the Oilers?

The Kings had a strong regular season and face the Oilers in the first round for the fourth straight year. The Kings have lost the previous three series.

If they finally defeat the Oilers, their strong defense and veteran offense could make them a force in the West.

Will McDavid and Draisaitl Finally Win the Cup?

The Oilers came close last season, reaching Game 7 of the Final. This season has had challenges, including injuries. Draisaitl led the league in goals.

For the Oilers to return to the Final, their stars need to lead, their supporting cast needs to step up, and their goaltending needs to be solid. The Western Conference playoffs will be tough.

Which Team Is the X Factor in the 2025 Playoffs?

The Vegas Golden Knights, the 2023 champions, could be a major factor. Despite lineup inconsistencies, they finished strong defensively and offensively.

They have difference-makers throughout their lineup. They face a Minnesota team in the first round, presenting a potentially challenging matchup, especially with Marc-Andre Fleury possibly playing against his former team.

So, Who Wins the Cup?

There is no clear favorite this year. Several teams have a legitimate chance to win the Stanley Cup.

According to betting odds, the Avalanche are favored, followed by the Panthers, Hurricanes, Golden Knights, Oilers, and Jets.

The Leafs have the longest Cup drought, followed by the Oilers. Ten current NHL teams have never won the Cup, including the Wild, Senators, and Jets.

Will a first-time winner emerge? Or will a team like Carolina or Dallas finally break through? Or will a recent champion reclaim the title? The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs promise to be exciting and unpredictable.

Enjoy the Stanley Cup playoffs – the best postseason in sports.