2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: What You Missed

Welcome back to hockey! If you`re just tuning in since the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup last June, here’s a quick guide to the 2025 playoffs.

For dedicated fans, this is your refresher before the games start on Saturday. Enjoy the playoffs!

Where Did the Big Teams Go?

This NHL season saw some unexpected changes. For the first time, major teams like the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers all missed the playoffs:

• Chicago is rebuilding.

• Detroit aimed to improve but missed the playoffs for the ninth year in a row, even after changing coaches mid-season. It`s their sixth season without playoffs under GM Steve Yzerman.

• The Bruins fired their coach early in the season and traded away veteran players, missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

• The Rangers went from best record in the league to missing the playoffs and may face big changes.

Other 2024 playoff teams like the New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, and Vancouver Canucks also didn`t make it this year. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the third straight year.

This year’s playoffs will be without some of the usual star teams and players, opening the door for new teams to shine.

Can the Panthers Win Again?

The reigning champion Panthers were third in their division with 98 points, fewer than last year. Injuries played a role: Captain Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk missed significant games. Key defenseman Aaron Ekblad was also suspended and could return in the first round against Tampa Bay.

Despite these challenges, some key players are back: Sam Reinhart, known for his scoring and defense, and playoff performers Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, and Gustav Forsling.

However, some players from last year`s team are gone. Florida added Seth Jones and Brad Marchand to strengthen their team before the trade deadline.

The Panthers have the talent to reach the Stanley Cup Final again. It remains to be seen if the new mix of players will work as well as before. The first round against Tampa Bay should be interesting, especially with Marchand and Tkachuk on the same team.

If Lightning Beats Panthers, Can They Win the Cup?

The Lightning were second in their division, similar to last season, but seem stronger this year.

Tampa Bay scored the most goals per game in the NHL, led by Nikita Kucherov, the league`s top scorer, along with Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel. Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli also had strong seasons.

Victor Hedman leads the defense in ice time. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is back in top form, potentially boosting the Lightning`s chances. If Vasilevskiy plays his best in the playoffs, Tampa Bay could go far.

Tampa Bay hasn’t advanced past the first round since 2022. To regain their championship form, they brought back Ryan McDonagh and Yanni Gourde, who were part of their previous Cup wins.

If they can beat Florida, another championship parade might be possible.

What to Expect from the Battle of Ontario?

The playoff format is set for rivalries, and we have another Battle of Florida and the Battle of Ontario between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. Ottawa made the playoffs for the first time in seven years as a wild-card team.

These teams played in the playoffs four times between 2000 and 2004, with Toronto winning each time. Senators fans are eager to defeat the Leafs, who led their division.

The Maple Leafs are still aiming for their first Stanley Cup since 1967. Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews have been key players. John Tavares also returned to form.

Toronto`s goaltending relies on Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz, who helped the team achieve a top save percentage. However, their playoff inexperience and health are questions.

This is Brady Tkachuk`s first NHL playoff appearance with Ottawa, joining young talents Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson. Goaltender Linus Ullmark, acquired from Boston, will be crucial. He aims to improve his playoff record.

Ovechkin Broke Gretzky`s Record, Could a Cup Be Next?

When Alex Ovechkin re-signed with the Capitals, the team promised to stay competitive as he chased Gretzky`s goal record. Surprisingly, the Capitals finished top of their conference.

Washington was strong offensively and defensively this season. New players like Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, and Logan Thompson performed well, along with Aliaksei Protas, Connor McMichael, and John Carlson.

However, the Capitals are unpredictable in the playoffs. They can beat anyone when they play well, but lack another established star besides Ovechkin. Some doubt their playoff chances, but a Stanley Cup win for Ovechkin after breaking the goal record would be incredible.

Are the Devils Done Without Jack Hughes?

New Jersey was heading to the playoffs until leading scorer Jack Hughes was injured and is out for the season. They also lost defenseman Dougie Hamilton.

Since Hughes`s injury, the Devils` performance has dropped. Center Nico Hischier and winger Jesper Bratt have stepped up. The Devils` playoff success depends on goaltending, especially Jacob Markstrom, who needs to be more consistent.

Is This Carolina`s Year?

The Hurricanes have consistently fallen short in the playoffs under coach Rod Brind`amour. They often struggle to score key goals at crucial times.

Last season, they added Jake Guentzel but still didn`t advance far. This season, a trade for Mikko Rantanen didn`t work out, and they acquired Logan Stankoven instead.

The Hurricanes are a strong possession team with a good offense, defense, and penalty kill. Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis provide offense. Their goaltending with Pyotr Kochetkov and Frederik Andersen is decent.

Carolina could break through in the East with some luck and key plays, but it seems less likely after the changes.

Dallas vs. Colorado: Playoff Drama?

The Stars vs. Avalanche series is highly anticipated. Dallas was expected to contend for the Cup, while Colorado has retooled after losing to Dallas last year, aiming for another title after their 2022 win.

Colorado traded Mikko Rantanen, who then signed with Dallas. Rantanen is a proven playoff scorer and will want to show Colorado what they missed.

Dallas faces injury concerns with Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson. Their absence could impact the series. Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog might return after a long injury absence, adding another storyline.

This series is full of storylines and could determine this year`s Stanley Cup winner.

New Faces Who Could Impact the Playoffs?

The Avalanche made many additions, including goalie Mackenzie Blackwood and forwards Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle, as well as defensemen Ryan Lindgren and Erik Johnson.

The Bruins traded Charlie Coyle, Brad Marchand, and Brandon Carlo.

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

Rookies to Watch in the Playoffs?

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

Can Winnipeg Break the Presidents` Trophy Curse?

The Jets won the Presidents` Trophy as the top team. However, there`s a “curse” as few Presidents` Trophy winners win the Stanley Cup. Since 2014, no winner has reached the Final, and some have lost in the first round.

The Jets aim to overcome this after losing in the first round the last two years. They have a strong offense, the best power play, and top goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

Winnipeg faces a Blues team that made the playoffs after a strong run. St. Louis, under coach Jim Montgomery, improved significantly. They won`t be an easy opponent.

Is Fourth Time the Charm for the Kings?

The Kings had a great season under coach Jim Hiller and found a strong goalie in Darcy Kuemper. They have a top defense. However, they face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round for the fourth straight year.

The Kings have lost to the Oilers in the past three playoffs. They hope to break this trend. If they beat Edmonton, their defense and veteran offense could be strong in the West.

Will McDavid and Draisaitl Finish the Story?

The Oilers were close to winning the Stanley Cup last year, losing in Game 7 to the Panthers.

This season has been challenging with injuries to Evander Kane, Connor McDavid, and Leon Draisaitl. Mattias Ekholm is also injured. The Oilers` defense and goaltending have been inconsistent.

For the Oilers to reach the Final again, their stars need to lead, their supporting cast must step up, and their goalies must play well. The road in the West is tough.

Which Team is the X Factor?

The Vegas Golden Knights could win the Stanley Cup again. Despite some player absences, they were strong defensively, offensively, and won their division.

They have key players like Jack Eichel, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Tomas Hertl. Their defense is solid, and goalie Adin Hill improved after a slow start.

The Knights play Minnesota in the first round. While Minnesota is riding momentum and has Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas is likely to advance, but their overall playoff run is uncertain.

Who Wins the Cup?

There’s no clear favorite for the Cup. Several teams have a chance.

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 since 1967, and the Oilers since 1990.

Ten current NHL teams have never won the Cup, including the Wild, Senators, and Jets in this playoff bracket.

Will a first-time winner emerge? Or will a team like Carolina or Dallas finally win? Or will a recent champion return to the top? It’s anyone`s guess.

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