Oh yes, we’re closing in on the NHL Playoffs as we enter the last week of what’s been a long 2024-25 NHL season. A lot of teams listed below have clinched and are “scary good,” as the late, great Rick Jeanneret once quipped. Or, just scary. But most of the matchups aren’t set, guaranteeing a rather exciting few days that will determine a lot.
But, what if the playoffs began today, April 12th, 2025? Is your team lucky enough to snag the golden ticket into the postseason? If so, who are they playing and just how exciting of a matchup do they got on their plate?
Eastern Conference
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
The Maple Leafs might be the most frightening team in the Eastern Conference, and they’re likely to take on a group that hasn’t been there in years. This may be an intra-provincial rivalry, but if this game holds, I’m still 100 percent with Toronto.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
Oh yes, this is the one matchup in the Eastern Conference just waiting to happen. Lately, though, neither team has looked like they’ve been interested too much in winning. So, if they can’t break out of their respective slumps, I envy the team that’ll play the winner of this one in Round 2.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
The Lightning had a chance to distance their lead on the Panthers. They only needed to beat the struggling Detroit Red Wings. It didn’t happen, and now, it’s far from a guarantee that the Lightning will enjoy home-ice advantage vs. their in-state rival.
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens could’ve clinched, but it looks like the pressure got to them when the stakes were at their highest. Still, they’re well in control of their destiny, while the Capitals are just looking to keep their regular-season momentum going.
Western Conference
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Regarding all four division winners, if there’s ever been a chance for an upset, it’s right here. The Winnipeg Jets have been stellar, but the St. Louis Blues have spent a portion of the season reminding the NHL universe why it needs to take them seriously.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
The Wild could’ve taken full control of that first wild card spot, but the Calgary Flames had other ideas. And just for the record, the Flames aren’t out of this race yet. Still, it doesn’t matter who's playing the red-hot Golden Knights in Round 1. They’re not good enough to hang with them.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
This race to see who would get home-ice advantage has been fun to watch. But still, how many of us would rather see a matchup between the Kings and the Vegas Golden Knights, which isn’t happening? This is a perfect reason why I’d rather see a Northwest and Southwest division in the Western Conference.
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
This matchup just needs to happen already, so let’s hope it’s a ‘when’ and not an ‘if.’ There are way too many fireworks and another chapter waiting for this Central Division rivalry, and one that could even draw in a new breed of fans.