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 plan for next year. As we gear up for the first-round series, ESPN’s experts have weighed in with their predictions for each matchup, as well as their picks for the Stanley Cup champion and the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, awarded to the playoff MVP.
For those eager to dive deeper into the playoffs, ESPN has a wealth of resources available. You can check out the full schedule, explore the megapreview, or get a refresher with the lapsed fan’s guide. For those interested in the betting side of things, there’s also betting intel and insights into contender flaws.
Atlantic Division Showdowns
Let’s start with the Atlantic Division, where the Toronto Maple Leafs, the top seed, will face off against the Ottawa Senators, who secured the first wild card spot. The experts are largely in favor of the Maple Leafs, with 20 out of 24 picking them to advance. However, a few brave souls, including Sachin Chandan and Ryan S. Clark, are backing the Senators to pull off an upset.
In the other Atlantic matchup, the Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the Florida Panthers. This series is expected to be a nail-biter, with the consensus slightly favoring the Lightning (18 of 24 picks). The Panthers, however, have their supporters, and this Florida rivalry is sure to deliver some thrilling hockey.
Metropolitan Division Battles
Over in the Metropolitan Division, the Washington Capitals are set to clash with the Montreal Canadiens. The Capitals are the favorites here, with 20 of 24 experts predicting their victory. But don’t count out the Canadiens just yet; they have a history of surprising their opponents in the playoffs.
The Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils will also face off in what promises to be an exciting series. The Hurricanes have the edge in expert predictions, with 17 of 23 picking them to advance. However, the Devils have shown resilience and could very well make this a competitive series.
Central Division Matchups
In the Central Division, the Winnipeg Jets will take on the St. Louis Blues. The Jets are heavily favored, with 20 of 24 experts picking them to win. The Blues, however, have a knack for playoff surprises, and this series could be closer than expected.
The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche will also battle it out in the Central. The Avalanche are the favorites, with 20 of 24 experts backing them. But the Stars have a strong team and could push the Avalanche to the limit.
Pacific Division Clashes
In the Pacific Division, the Vegas Golden Knights will face the Minnesota Wild. The Golden Knights are the overwhelming favorites, with 23 of 24 experts picking them to advance. The Wild will need to bring their A-game to challenge the formidable Golden Knights.
Finally, the Los Angeles Kings will take on the Edmonton Oilers. This series is the most evenly split among the experts, with 14 of 24 picking the Kings. The Oilers, led by superstar Connor McDavid, will be a tough opponent, and this series could go the distance.
Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Predictions
As for the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup, the Vegas Golden Knights are the favorites among the experts, with nine picking them to win it all. The Colorado Avalanche are close behind with six votes, while the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, and Dallas Stars also received some support.
When it comes to the Conn Smythe Trophy, Jack Eichel of the Golden Knights is the frontrunner, with 10 experts picking him as the playoff MVP. Nathan MacKinnon and Connor Hellebuyck are also in the mix, each receiving three votes.
- Stanley Cup Prediction Breakdown: Golden Knights (9), Avalanche (6), Jets (3), Maple Leafs (2), Lightning (1), Oilers (1), Stars (1)
- Conn Smythe Prediction Breakdown: Jack Eichel (10), Nathan MacKinnon (3), Connor Hellebuyck (3), Mitch Marner (1), Brock Nelson (1), Cale Makar (1), Brayden Point (1), Connor McDavid (1), William Nylander (1), Jake Oettinger (1)
As the playoffs get underway, fans can expect thrilling matchups, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments. The road to the Stanley Cup is never easy, but it’s always worth the journey. Let the games begin!
Originally Written by: ESPN staff
