The 2024-25 NHL Season: A Look Back and a Look Ahead to the Playoffs
The 2024-25 NHL season has officially wrapped up, and what a season it was! With the regular season now in the books, the focus shifts to the postseason, where 16 teams will battle it out for the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, 16 other teams will have to regroup and look ahead to next season. For those interested in the nitty-gritty details of the postseason, you can check out the postseason bracket and see which teams made the cut and which ones didn’t.
Before the first-round series kicks off, ESPN’s experts have weighed in with their predictions for each matchup. They’ve also shared their thoughts on which team will hoist the Stanley Cup in June and which player will take home the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. If you’re looking for more in-depth analysis, be sure to check out the full schedule, the megapreview, and the lapsed fan’s guide.
Atlantic Division Showdowns
Let’s dive into the Atlantic Division, where the Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off against the Ottawa Senators. The experts have spoken, and the consensus is clear: the Maple Leafs are favored to win, with 20 out of 24 experts picking them to advance. However, don’t count the Senators out just yet, as a few experts believe they have what it takes to pull off an upset.
- Sean Allen: Maple Leafs in seven
- Blake Bolden: Maple Leafs in six
- John Buccigross: Maple Leafs in seven
- Ryan Callahan: Maple Leafs in six
- Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Maple Leafs in five
- Sachin Chandan: Senators in six
- Meghan Chayka: Maple Leafs in five
- Ryan S. Clark: Senators in seven
- Linda Cohn: Maple Leafs in six
- Rachel Doerrie: Maple Leafs in six
- Ray Ferraro: Maple Leafs in seven
- Emily Kaplan: Maple Leafs in six
- Tim Kavanagh: Maple Leafs in five
- Peter Lawrence-Riddell: Maple Leafs in five
- Steve Levy: Maple Leafs in six
- Vince Masi: Senators in seven
- Victoria Matiash: Maple Leafs in six
- Sean McDonough: Senators in six
- Mark Messier: Maple Leafs in six
- Mike Monaco: Maple Leafs in five
- Arda Öcal: Maple Leafs in six
- Kristen Shilton: Maple Leafs in six
- Bob Wischusen: Maple Leafs in six
- Greg Wyshynski: Maple Leafs in five
In another Atlantic Division matchup, the Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the Florida Panthers. This series is expected to be a nail-biter, with the Lightning slightly favored by the experts. Out of 24 picks, 18 have chosen the Lightning to come out on top.
Metropolitan Division Clashes
Over in the Metropolitan Division, the Washington Capitals are set to face the Montreal Canadiens. The Capitals are the favorites here, with 20 out of 24 experts predicting they’ll advance. However, the Canadiens have a few believers who think they can pull off a surprise victory.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes will go head-to-head with the New Jersey Devils. The Hurricanes are favored to win, with 17 out of 23 experts picking them to advance. But the Devils are not to be underestimated, as they have the potential to make this series interesting.
Central Division Battles
In the Central Division, the Winnipeg Jets will take on the St. Louis Blues. The Jets are the clear favorites, with 20 out of 24 experts predicting they’ll come out on top. However, the Blues have a few supporters who believe they can pull off an upset.
Another exciting matchup in the Central Division features the Dallas Stars against the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche are favored to win, with 20 out of 24 experts picking them to advance. But the Stars have shown they can compete with the best, so this series could go either way.
Pacific Division Showdowns
In the Pacific Division, the Vegas Golden Knights are set to face the Minnesota Wild. The Golden Knights are heavily favored, with 23 out of 24 experts predicting they’ll advance. However, the Wild have the potential to make this series more competitive than expected.
Finally, the Los Angeles Kings will take on the Edmonton Oilers in what promises to be an exciting series. The Kings are slightly favored, with 14 out of 24 experts picking them to advance. But the Oilers have the talent to make this a closely contested battle.
Stanley Cup Predictions
As for the Stanley Cup predictions, the experts are divided. The Vegas Golden Knights are the favorites, with nine experts picking them to win it all. The Colorado Avalanche are also strong contenders, with six experts choosing them as the champions. Other teams receiving votes include the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, and Dallas Stars.
Conn Smythe Trophy Predictions
When it comes to the Conn Smythe Trophy, Jack Eichel is the frontrunner, with 10 experts picking him as the playoff MVP. Other players receiving votes include Nathan MacKinnon, Connor Hellebuyck, Mitch Marner, Brock Nelson, Cale Makar, Brayden Point, Connor McDavid, William Nylander, and Jake Oettinger.
Originally Written by: ESPN staff
