The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: A Deep Dive into the First Round Matchups
Hockey fans, brace yourselves! The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are just around the corner, kicking off on April 19. This year, the Winnipeg Jets have emerged as the NHL’s top overall seed, having clinched the most points in the standings. Meanwhile, over in the East, the Washington Capitals have secured the No. 1 seed. This page will be your go-to source throughout the postseason, offering schedules, scores, highlights, and other preview content. So, let’s dive into the full playoff coverage, starting with the first-round series and leading all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.
Atlantic Division Showdowns
First up, we have the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Ottawa Senators. The Maple Leafs finished the regular season with a record of 51-26-4, amassing 106 points. Their leading scorer, Mitch Marner, racked up 27 goals and 73 assists. On the other hand, the Senators ended with a 44-30-7 record and 95 points, with Tim Stutzle leading the charge with 23 goals and 53 assists.
- Game Schedule: All games are TBD
Next, the Tampa Bay Lightning will face off against the Florida Panthers. The Lightning finished with a 47-26-8 record, totaling 102 points, with Nikita Kucherov leading the team with 37 goals and 84 assists. The Panthers, not far behind, ended with a 47-31-4 record and 98 points, thanks to Sam Reinhart‘s 39 goals and 42 assists.
- Game Schedule: All games are TBD
Metropolitan Division Clashes
The Washington Capitals will battle the Montreal Canadiens. The Capitals boast a 51-21-9 record with 111 points, led by Dylan Strome‘s 29 goals and 52 assists. The Canadiens, with a 40-31-11 record and 91 points, rely on Nick Suzuki, who scored 29 goals and 58 assists.
- Game Schedule: All games are TBD
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes will take on the New Jersey Devils. The Hurricanes finished with a 47-29-5 record and 99 points, with Sebastian Aho leading the team with 29 goals and 45 assists. The Devils, with a 42-32-7 record and 91 points, are led by Jesper Bratt, who scored 21 goals and 67 assists.
- Game Schedule: All games are TBD
Central Division Battles
The Winnipeg Jets will face the St. Louis Blues. The Jets, with a 56-22-4 record and 116 points, are led by Kyle Connor, who scored 41 goals and 55 assists. The Blues, with a 44-30-8 record and 96 points, rely on Robert Thomas, who scored 21 goals and 60 assists.
- Game Schedule: All games are TBD
In another matchup, the Dallas Stars will take on the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars finished with a 50-25-6 record and 106 points, led by Matt Duchene‘s 30 goals and 51 assists. The Avalanche, with a 49-29-4 record and 102 points, are led by Nathan MacKinnon, who scored 32 goals and 84 assists.
- Game Schedule: All games are TBD
Pacific Division Face-offs
The Vegas Golden Knights will battle the Minnesota Wild. The Golden Knights, with a 49-22-10 record and 108 points, are led by Jack Eichel, who scored 27 goals and 66 assists. The Wild, with a 45-30-7 record and 97 points, rely on Matt Boldy, who scored 27 goals and 46 assists.
- Game Schedule: All games are TBD
Finally, the Los Angeles Kings will face the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings finished with a 48-24-9 record and 105 points, led by Adrian Kempe‘s 35 goals and 38 assists. The Oilers, with a 47-29-5 record and 99 points, are led by Leon Draisaitl, who scored 52 goals and 54 assists.
- Game Schedule: All games are TBD
Originally Written by: ESPN staff
