For the first time in NHL history, all four U.S.based Original Six teams—Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and the New York Rangers—are out of the playoffs. No Broadway drama. No Boston bitterness. No Original Six swagger. And yet... the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs might be the most wide-open and electric we’ve seen in years.

The bracket is set. The storylines are buzzing. And a new generation is ready to take center ice.

From first-round chaos to Conn Smythe contenders, here’s your full breakdown of every matchup, a few bold takes, and one prediction that might just unite a country.

Let’s drop the puck.

Eastern Conference

• Toronto Maple Leafs (A1): Clinched the Atlantic Division with 106 points, led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

• Tampa Bay Lightning (A2): A seasoned playoff team aiming to reclaim their dominance.

• Florida Panthers (A3): The defending Stanley Cup champions, looking to repeat their success.

• Ottawa Senators (WC1): Returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, ending a significant drought.

• Washington Capitals (M1): Topped the Metropolitan Division, with Alex Ovechkin surpassing Wayne Gretzky's goal record.

• Carolina Hurricanes (M2): Known for their strong defensive play and depth.

• New Jersey Devils (M3): Made significant improvements this season to secure a playoff spot.

• Montreal Canadiens (WC2): The 16th and final team to enter the playoffs.

Western Conference

• Winnipeg Jets (C1): Secured the Presidents' Trophy with 114 points, marking their best regular season.
• Dallas Stars (C2): A formidable team with a balanced roster, seeking a deep playoff run.
• Colorado Avalanche (C3): Led by Nathan MacKinnon, they aim to recapture their 2022 championship form.
• Vegas Golden Knights (P1): Pacific Division champions, looking to leverage their playoff experience.
• Los Angeles Kings (P2): Secured home-ice advantage in the first round, showcasing strong late-season form.
• Edmonton Oilers (P3): Powered by Connor McDavid, they possess one of the league's most potent offenses.
• Minnesota Wild (WC1): Clinched a wild-card spot with consistent performance.
• St. Louis Blues (WC2): Secured the final wild-card berth, aiming to make a playoff impact.

Conn Smythe Watch List

This year’s MVP candidates are stacked with firepower and flair. Here are a few names to track:

Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) – Most valuable goalie in the league. If the Jets go deep, he’ll be a huge reason why.

Connor McDavid (EDM) – The favorite until someone knocks him off. Can he finally get his Cup?

 Aleksander Barkov (FLA) – Criminally underrated. Two-way dynamo. Already a champion.

 Nathan MacKinnon (COL) – Fastest man on blades. If Colorado heats up, he’s your guy.

 Cale Makar (COL) – A defenseman with the offensive brain of a top-line winger. 

Auston Mathews (TOR) –  Will the former number 1 draft pick lead the Buds to the promised land in his first season wearing the "C" in Toronto?

Eastern Conference First Round Matchups:

 (A1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators – Round 1 Breakdown

Regular Season Series:
Ottawa won 3–0–1

How They Got Here:
Toronto locked up their first division title since the flip phone era, led by a historic season from Auston Matthews and a red-hot finish from netminder Anthony Stolarz. Ottawa, meanwhile, ended a seven-year playoff drought with a gritty, group-driven push — the kind of rise that doesn’t happen without serious buy-in.

Strengths:

• Toronto: Big-name offense, improving defensive structure, and a goaltending duo peaking at the right time.

• Ottawa: Youth, edge, and that underdog confidence you can’t coach — except, well, apparently you can.

Toronto has stars. Ottawa has scars. Both might be exactly what you want in the playoffs.

X-Factor:
The Leafs’ crease. Stolarz is coming in on a .950 heater, but Joseph Woll’s steadiness all season still has people wondering who gets the Game 1 nod. The answer might just decide the series.

Hidden Layer:
The bench battle. Craig Berube has given Toronto the playoff edge they’ve been missing — accountability, simplicity, and structure. On the other side, Travis Green has reenergized the Sens with a fresh voice, retooled systems, and belief. Two full-on culture shifts. Whoever wins the adjustments battle may win the war.

Prediction:
Toronto in 7. The Sens will push. The crowd in Kanata will be chaos. But Toronto finally feels like a team built for the grind — and Berube might be the biggest reason why.

(A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (A3) Florida Panthers – Round 1 Breakdown

Regular Season Series:
Florida won 2–1

How They Got Here:
Tampa Bay weathered a streaky season, relying on its championship core and the steady brilliance of Andrei Vasilevskiy to lock in the second spot in the Atlantic. Florida, fresh off last year’s Cup win, battled through adversity and climbed back into form down the stretch, earning the third seed and a chance to defend their crown.

Strengths:

• Tampa Bay: A lethal power play, playoff muscle memory, and Vasilevskiy — who still has the ability to win a series by himself.

• Florida: Structured depth, relentless forecheck, and the quiet confidence of a team that already climbed the mountain.

This rivalry doesn’t need fuel. But now, with playoff stakes and state pride on the line? Buckle up.

X-Factor:
Aleksander Barkov. With Matthew Tkachuk still recovering from a groin injury and his status for Game 1 uncertain, the Panthers will lean heavily on their captain. Barkov’s two-way brilliance often flies under the radar, but if Florida advances, it’ll be because he tilted every matchup in their favor. On the other side, Nikita Kucherov continues to operate like a chess grandmaster on skates — and if he finds time and space, the series can swing fast.

Hidden Layer:
Paul Maurice vs. Jon Cooper is a coaching clinic in the making. Both are calm, experienced tacticians who know how to adjust as the series evolves. The real chess match will be in neutral zone control — and who can make the other team blink first.

Prediction:
Panthers in 6. Tkachuk’s health casts some doubt, but Florida’s team game is strong enough to absorb it — especially if Barkov takes over like he can. Tampa’s not going quietly, but the Panthers have the edge in pace, depth, and momentum.

(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens – Round 1 Breakdown

Regular Season Series:
Washington won 2–1

How They Got Here:
Neither of these teams made the playoffs last spring — but both retooled, re-committed, and found their way back. Washington powered through the Metro with structure, poise, and just enough veteran flash. Montreal? They got younger, faster, and more fearless. The result? A sneaky-fun matchup that could swing either way.

Strengths:

• Washington: Disciplined team game, veteran leadership, and a blue line that quietly keeps games manageable.

• Montreal: A dynamic young core led by Calder Trophy frontrunner Lane Hutson, who makes plays like he’s been in the league for a decade. Add in the speed of Slafkovský and Caufield’s shot? Trouble.

It’s experience versus energy. Control versus chaos. And that’s what makes it fun.

X-Factor:
The kids vs. vets battle. Washington’s been here before — a lot. Montreal hasn’t. But what the Habs lack in playoff scars, they make up for in speed and unpredictability. If their youth gets hot, the Caps may not be able to slow it down.

Hidden Layer:
Both Spencer Carbery (Washington) and Martin St. Louis (Montreal) are making their playoff head coaching debuts. Two very different paths, two very different styles — but both have their teams believing. This series could come down to who adapts faster behind the bench.

Prediction:
Capitals in 6. The Canadiens will push the pace and land a few haymakers, but Washington’s experience and timely scoring should carry them through. It won’t be flashy, but it’ll be effective. Don’t be surprised if Lane Hutson steals a game and some hearts, though.

(M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M3) New Jersey Devils – Round 1 Breakdown

Regular Season Series:
Tied 2–2

How They Got Here:
Carolina methodically built a dominant season — deep, fast, and defensively airtight. New Jersey endured a rollercoaster year, battling injuries and inconsistency, yet their top-end talent secured them a playoff berth. This is a rematch from 2023, when the Hurricanes dispatched the Devils in five games.​

Strengths:

• Carolina: Elite puck possession, relentless forecheck, and a cohesive blueline that rarely falters.

• New Jersey: Explosive offensive talent, rapid transition play, and a youthful core eager to make their mark.​

This is chess vs. checkers — checkers played at hyperspeed by caffeinated prodigies.​

X-Factor:
The Devils' ability to compensate for the loss of Jack Hughes. With their star center sidelined due to season-ending shoulder surgery, the onus falls on players like Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt to elevate their game and fill the offensive void. ​

Hidden Layer:
Coaching dynamics add intrigue to this matchup. Rod Brind'Amour, the embodiment of Carolina hockey, brings a wealth of playoff experience and a fiery coaching style. Opposing him is Sheldon Keefe, making his playoff debut with the Devils after his tenure with Toronto. The strategic adjustments and bench management from both coaches could be pivotal.​

Prediction:
Hurricanes in 6. The Devils' resilience will test Carolina, but the Hurricanes' depth and playoff pedigree should prevail.Expect tightly contested games, with Carolina's structured play ultimately tipping the series in their favor.

Western Conference First Round Matchups:

 (C1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues – Round 1 Breakdown

Regular Season Series:
Winnipeg won 3–1

How They Got Here:
The Jets soared to their best regular season in franchise history, locking up the Presidents’ Trophy with a suffocating defense, elite goaltending, and just enough offense to make it all count. St. Louis? Quietly persistent. They were one of the hottest teams after the 4 Nations Cup and rode that Jobu energy into the final Wild Card spot in the wild west.

Strengths:

• Winnipeg: Defensive structure tighter than a new pair of skates, Hellebuyck playing Vezina-caliber hockey, and a balanced attack led by Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers.

• St. Louis: Grit, experience, and a surprising amount of late-season cohesion. They’ve been here before — and that counts for something.

This isn’t David vs. Goliath. It’s more like Goliath vs. that neighbor you didn’t think still lifted but totally does.

X-Factor:
Connor Hellebuyck. If Winnipeg’s netminder keeps the door shut like he did all season, this series could be over before the Blues find their rhythm. But if the Jets get leaky in transition, the Blues have just enough pop to make it interesting.

Hidden Layer:
Brayden Schenn vs. Adam Lowry. Two quietly effective captains who do a lot of the dirty work. Whoever wins the battle of the middle — defensively and emotionally — could swing the tone of this series fast.

Prediction:
Jets in 5. St. Louis will land a punch or two, but Winnipeg is too organized, too confident, and has too many answers right now. The real question is how much gas they’ll have left for Round 2.

(C2) Dallas Stars vs. (C3) Colorado Avalanche – Round 1 Breakdown

Regular Season Series:
Colorado won 2–1

How They Got Here:
Dallas quietly put together one of the most balanced seasons in the league — four-line depth, solid goaltending, and veteran leadership that doesn’t blink. Colorado? They survived injuries, saw Nathan MacKinnon put up video game numbers, and now, just in time for the dance, they get their heartbeat back in the lineup.

Strengths:

• Dallas: Deepest forward group in the West, tight team structure, and Jake Oettinger’s playoff resume ready for another chapter.

• Colorado: Elite speed, top-end scoring, and MacKinnon-Makar still play like they’re chasing ghosts. Add Landeskog’s return, and this team just got heavier.

This one has “series of the round” written all over it — no secrets, no soft matchups, just two teams built to make you earn every inch.

X-Factor:
Gabriel Landeskog. After nearly three years, the captain returns to 5,280. If he finds even half his edge, Colorado becomes a nightmare matchup again. His presence changes the emotional temperature — for his team and the opponent.

Hidden Layer:
The status of Miro Heiskanen. Dallas’ best defenseman is recovering from knee surgery and has been ruled out for Game 1. A return later in the series is possible, but without him, the Stars lose their best answer for MacKinnon in transition — and a major piece of their breakout game.

Prediction:
Avalanche in 7. With Heiskanen sidelined (at least to start), Colorado’s firepower could break through early and force Dallas to chase the series. The Stars have the depth to push it, but if Landeskog finds his legs and Makar hits top form, Colorado edges this classic.

 (P2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (P3) Edmonton Oilers – Round 1 Breakdown

Regular Season Series:
Tied 2–2
(Though L.A. shut out Edmonton 5–0 in their final regular-season game to snag home ice.)

How They Got Here:
The Kings surged late, shutting down opponents with airtight D-zone coverage and finding timely offense to lock up home ice in the most chaotic division in hockey. Edmonton? They took the scenic route — a brutal start, a midseason heater, and another monster year from McDavid and Draisaitl. They may be streaky, but when they're hot… look out.

Strengths:

• L.A.: Defensive structure, patient puck movement, and a 1–2 punch down the middle that makes them deceptively dangerous.

• Edmonton: McDavid. Draisaitl. Power play. That’s the list. (Kidding — but not really.)

These two know each other so well by now, they might as well split a pregame Uber to the rink. Fourth straight postseason meeting. Bad blood included.

X-Factor:
Quinton Byfield. His evolution gives L.A. something they haven’t had in past matchups — a big, mobile forward who can tilt the ice and draw attention away from the usual suspects. If he shows up early, this series gets interesting.

Hidden Layer:
Connor McDavid doesn’t forget. After three straight series wins over the Kings, the expectation is clear — anything less than dominance is failure. But the real question might be in net: Can Edmonton get just enough saves to keep the offense ahead of the mistakes?

Prediction:
Oilers in 7. The Kings will drag them deep and make every inch feel earned, but if McDavid gets rolling, it’s like trying to catch a freight train with a fishing net. Expect at least two games to go to overtime and a handful of chirps worthy of mic’d-up montages.

(P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild – Round 1 Breakdown

Regular Season Series:
Vegas swept 3–0

How They Got Here:
Vegas did what Vegas does — put together another sharp regular season, took the Pacific Division crown, and kept most of their roster healthy and intact. Quietly consistent, ruthlessly efficient. Minnesota, meanwhile, clawed their way in through the wild card — not flashy, but annoyingly hard to play against when they're on.

Strengths:

• Vegas: Balanced scoring, experienced blue line, and a playoff-tested core that still remembers how to win a Cup.

• Minnesota: Defensive structure, physical play, and a goaltending tandem that can frustrate even the deepest lineups.

If you like 3–2 games with 38 combined blocked shots and a guy bleeding during the second intermission interview — this series might be for you.

X-Factor:
Jack Eichel. He found his playoff rhythm last spring and now enters the postseason with swagger. If he can carry the offensive load while Mark Stone draws top matchups, Vegas suddenly looks very tough to beat.

Hidden Layer:
Keep an eye on special teams. Minnesota’s power play has been hot-and-cold all year, but Vegas doesn’t give you much room to breathe. If the Wild can’t cash in on their chances, this could feel like chasing shadows for six games.

Prediction:
Golden Knights in 6. The Wild will drag this into the mud and land a few body blows, but Vegas has too much poise, too much depth, and a goalie rotation that’s been here before. Bonus points if we get a Fleury revenge start.

Final Word: What the Bracket Says

After breaking down all eight series, a few themes rise to the surface: playoff depth matters, elite goaltending still wins in May, and experience is great — but identity is everything. Teams like Carolina, Dallas, and Florida are built to grind. Teams like Colorado and Edmonton? They’re built to explode. The series that go the distance will come down to coaching adjustments, crease battles, and which stars stay healthy long enough to shine.

These picks blend logic with instinct — and yes, a touch of boldness. Don’t be surprised if the Panthers repeat. Don’t be shocked if Connor McDavid doesn’t go all the way. And absolutely don’t rule out a Toronto–Winnipeg Final that would bring Canada to a standstill.

At the end of the day, this year’s bracket has no clear favorite — and that’s what makes it dangerous. And beautiful. And, well… perfect.

Let the chaos begin.

 We’ll be back after Round 1 to revisit the bracket and update our predictions once the field of 16 becomes the elite 8. If the opening round is any indication, buckle up — the best (and the wildest) is still to come.

DH's Bold Prediction: All-Canadian Cup Final? Don’t Rule It Out.

I'm saying it: Toronto vs. Winnipeg for the Stanley Cup.

It’s been over 30 years since a Canadian team lifted the Cup — the last time was Montreal in 1993. That’s an entire generation of Canadian hockey fans who’ve never seen the Cup stay north of the 49th. But this spring? The drought might finally break.

• Toronto has the star power, a deep forward group, and a new level of accountability under Craig Berube. If they can weather the early chaos and keep the pressure from caving in, they’ve got the tools to run the table.

• Winnipeg feels like Canada’s best shot. Presidents’ Trophy winners, rock-solid team identity, and a goaltender in Connor Hellebuyck who’s playing like he’s possessed.

If it happens?

• Mitch Marner would be my pick for Conn Smythe if the Leafs go all the way. He’s driving offense, killing penalties, and defending like a guy tired of hearing about first-round exits.

• Connor Hellebuyck would be the runaway favorite for Winnipeg — he’s been their spine, their security blanket, and maybe the best player in the league this year.

And if these two teams meet in the Final?
Canada might just shut down for 2 weeks. Workplaces will empty. Bars will overflow. Tim Hortons will spike their coffee with adrenaline. This kind of matchup would electrify a nation and finally bring the Cup home to where it all began.

It’s a long road. But it’s not a fantasy — it’s a very real possibility.

 Think You Can Beat This Bracket?

Want to test your own playoff instincts? Join the official NHL Bracket Challenge, make your picks, and compete with fans across the hockey world. Predict each series, choose your Cup winner, and even select your Conn Smythe favorite. It’s free to enter — and bragging rights last a lifetime. Just don’t blame us if your Cinderella pick turns into a pumpkin by Round 2.