I fully admit that most of my 2024-25 NHL preseason predictions were inaccurate, filled with errors, flawed logic, and the bold, and ultimately incorrect, prediction that the Buffalo Sabres would reach the playoffs.

However, I did get one thing right: the two teams I anticipated competing in the Stanley Cup Final are indeed in the 2025 NHL postseason bracket. After analyzing 82 games of data and results, I`ve reconsidered one of those picks, while sticking with the other, despite their current challenging situation.

Here’s my prediction for how the Stanley Cup playoffs will unfold, from the first round to the final game. I apologize in advance for potentially spoiling the next two months, as this is all just a prediction and any of these picks could be wrong.

Let`s enjoy the excitement of the postseason together, regardless of how it plays out.

Eastern Conference First Round

A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs.

WC1 Ottawa Senators

I recall speaking with Brady Tkachuk before the 4 Nations Face-Off about the possibility of Ottawa facing Toronto in the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

`I think it would be fun and awesome,` he said. `It doesn`t really matter who you play; it`s just about getting there and the process.`

I sensed Brady was reserved, focusing on securing a playoff spot for the Senators. However, his enthusiasm was palpable, especially when discussing Ottawa fans` desire to finally overcome their rivals.

Brady Tkachuk will rise to the occasion, using both skill and physicality. His determination will be impactful in this series. However, he needs more support, and the Senators` overall offense might not be enough to truly threaten the Leafs. To defeat Toronto, an opponent must instill fear and doubt. The Maple Leafs are aware that the Senators are not on their level. Toronto should be confident their defense, strengthened by the addition of Brandon Carlo, can handle Ottawa’s attack, provided their goalies perform well.

Only one factor could trigger playoff anxieties for the Leafs: Linus Ullmark. Although Ullmark’s playoff record isn`t exceptional, opposing goalies have previously haunted the Leafs in the playoffs, like Sergei Bobrovsky in 2023. While unlikely based on history, Ullmark could become that disruptive force against the Leafs in the playoffs.

However, maybe not in this round.

Prediction: Maple Leafs defeat Senators in five games.

A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs.

A3 Florida Panthers

The Battle of Florida is a compelling Eastern Conference series, potentially setting the stage for a Stanley Cup finalist. We haven`t seen the Panthers at full strength yet, including the potential impact of a line featuring Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Matthew Tkachuk. Florida has also been without Aaron Ekblad.

The Panthers have demonstrated their playoff readiness in recent seasons. Their key players possess the desired attributes for postseason success. They defeated the Lightning in five games last season. However, the Panthers` depth may have decreased slightly, while the Lightning have improved their roster.

The Lightning`s acquisition of Ryan McDonagh was a significant offseason move. His veteran presence improved their defense. Re-signing Yanni Gourde was also strategic. Jake Guentzel joining Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov adds offensive firepower. Andrei Vasilevskiy is performing like a top goalie again.

This series is a major clash between two strong rivals. While a Panthers victory wouldn`t be surprising, I`m leaning towards the Lightning. This series could mark the beginning of their resurgence as championship contenders.

Prediction: Lightning defeat Panthers in seven games.

M1 Washington Capitals vs.

WC2 Montreal Canadiens

This matchup evokes memories of the 2010 Canadiens` upset of the Capitals. Similarities exist: the Capitals are conference leaders, the Canadiens are underdogs, and Montreal has a dynamic rookie like Ivan Demidov.

Neither Canadiens team was favored. Both entered the playoffs with negative goal differentials and low expectations. The Canadiens` enthusiasm and lack of pressure could lead to an upset.

However, these Capitals are different from the emotionally fragile 2010 team. Coach Spencer Carbery provides stability, and Alex Ovechkin inspires the team. Despite doubts about their depth, assuming solid goaltending, Washington is a better team than Montreal and should win. The Canadiens will gain valuable playoff experience.

Prediction: Capitals defeat Canadiens in five games.

M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs.

M3 New Jersey Devils

The Hurricanes are vulnerable. Their 5-on-5 goaltending ranks low, and they struggle to convert chances. Coach Brind`Amour`s teams often lack that crucial goal in key moments, limiting their playoff success.

While vulnerable, the Devils might not capitalize. New Jersey has struggled for consistency. Even before Jack Hughes` injury, they lacked long winning streaks. Dougie Hamilton is healthy, and others have stepped up offensively. If Jacob Markstrom is consistently strong, they could upset. However, his inconsistency is a concern.

This series is closer than perceived, but ultimately, the Devils will likely miss a healthy Jack Hughes.

Prediction: Hurricanes defeat Devils in six games.

Eastern Conference Second Round

A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs.

A2 Tampa Bay Lightning

To defeat the Maple Leafs in the playoffs, an opponent needs to create self-doubt and frustration. The Lightning are 1-1 in recent series against the Leafs. Andrei Vasilevskiy`s performance will be crucial. He will be the difference, sending Tampa Bay to the conference finals and reigniting concerns about Mitch Marner`s free agency in Toronto.

Prediction: Lightning defeat Leafs in six games.

M1 Washington Capitals vs.

M2 Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes will falter in the conference semifinals due to a lack of offense. The Capitals will advance, leveraging their goaltending and underrated depth. Home-ice advantage will be decisive in a close series, finally giving Washington recognition among the final four.

Prediction: Capitals defeat Hurricanes in seven games.

Eastern Conference Finals

M1 Washington Capitals vs.

A2 Tampa Bay Lightning

The coaching matchup between Spencer Carbery and Jon Cooper is a highlight of this series. However, the Capitals will struggle to contain the Lightning`s top lines, falling short of sending Ovechkin back to the Stanley Cup Final.

Prediction: Lightning defeat Capitals in six games.

Western Conference First Round

C1 Winnipeg Jets vs.

WC2 St. Louis Blues

The Presidents` Trophy Curse is a real factor. Since 1985-86, only eight top regular-season teams have won the Stanley Cup. The Jets understand regular-season success is secondary to playoff performance.

Despite the Curse and recent playoff disappointments, I don`t expect an upset here. The Jets` power play is a significant advantage against the Blues` weak penalty kill. Connor Hellebuyck is also a major asset. While Jordan Binnington is capable, he`s not at Hellebuyck`s level.

The Blues had a strong streak, but their underlying shooting percentage suggests it might not continue. I`m favoring the Jets due to goaltending, power play, and a desire to avoid further playoff failure.

Prediction: Jets defeat Blues in five games.

C2 Dallas Stars vs.

C3 Colorado Avalanche

I initially picked the Stars to win the Stanley Cup. However, they are entering the playoffs with injuries and poor recent form. They are missing key players like Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson. Their recent winless streak is concerning.

Despite these challenges, I`m sticking with the Stars. This could be the Mikko Rantanen Revenge Series. Rantanen, traded by the Avalanche, now has a chance to prove them wrong. Additionally, Gabriel Landeskog`s potential return could emotionally lift the Avalanche. Colorado has significantly reshaped their roster, adding key players.

The winner of this series could win the Stanley Cup. Despite current concerns, I`m predicting a Stars victory, even if it seems illogical.

Prediction: Stars defeat Avalanche in seven games.

P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs.

WC1 Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild, despite being healthier and making the playoffs, are considered significant underdogs against the Golden Knights. Vegas is a very strong team, ranking high in key metrics. They have depth, proven playoff performers, and solid goaltending.

While the Wild might have hoped for a shot, the Golden Knights are just too strong.

Prediction: Vegas defeats Minnesota in five games.

P2 Los Angeles Kings vs.

P3 Edmonton Oilers

Beating a team repeatedly in the playoffs is difficult, but the Kings have lost three straight opening-round series to the Oilers and now face them for a fourth time. Despite the Kings` strong defense and home-ice advantage, the Oilers have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

McDavid and Draisaitl have consistently dominated the Kings in the playoffs. While the Oilers might be slightly weaker this year, and the Kings have improved goaltending with Darcy Kuemper, the Oilers` star power should be enough for a fourth straight first-round win.

Prediction: Oilers defeat Kings in six games.

Western Conference Second Round

C1 Winnipeg Jets vs.

C2 Dallas Stars

There`s a possibility of an all-Canadian Stanley Cup Final between the Jets and Maple Leafs. The Jets are strong enough to contend for the Cup. However, if the Stars overcome the Avalanche, they will gain momentum. Dallas is predicted to advance to the conference finals for the third straight year.

Prediction: Stars defeat Jets in six games.

P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs.

P3 Edmonton Oilers

The only prior playoff series between these teams was in 2023, which Vegas won en route to the Stanley Cup. Unless the Oilers elevate their game, their defense is too inconsistent, and they lack the depth of Vegas. Vegas is expected to win, ending the Oilers` Cup aspirations.

Prediction: Golden Knights defeat Oilers in six games.

Western Conference Finals

P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs.

C2 Dallas Stars

This will be the fourth playoff meeting between these teams. This series is anticipated to be highly competitive. The key will be whether the Stars` defense can handle the Golden Knights` physicality and if Oettinger can outperform the Vegas goalie.

Prediction: Stars defeat Golden Knights in six games.

Stanley Cup Final

C2 Dallas Stars vs.

A2 Tampa Bay Lightning

The Stars, fully healthy, will combine veteran hunger and young talent to complete their championship journey. The Lightning, despite a strong season, will finish as Stanley Cup Final runners-up again.

This series promises to be exciting. Oettinger is predicted to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. Dallas is expected to win in seven games, securing their first Stanley Cup since 1999 and reversing the outcome of the 2020 Final against Tampa Bay.

Prediction: Stars win in seven games over the Lightning.