Well, it’s April 14th, 2025, and we’re so close to figuring out who’s playing who in the NHL Playoffs. As with our rankings from yesterday, you won’t see much discrepancy in the matchups. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have interesting tidbits of what makes them either exciting or dull.
Keep reading to find out which matchups we like, and which ones could result in a sweep. Overall, the set matchups look enticing, whereas those that haven’t been determined could be better.
Ready to roll in the first round
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
Taylor Hall could highlight this one since he’s got more than just ties to the Devils. He won the Hart Trophy while in Newark, but couldn’t help them win the Cup. Meanwhile, he’s got one underrated team in Raleigh looking to make serious noise.
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
This one can be an instant classic, with longtime Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen suiting up for the Stars while Nathan MacKinnon and company seek another Stanley Cup. I’m looking for a high-octane offense and a lot of physical play here.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Defense is the Kings greatest asset while offense is where it’s at for the Oilers. The question is: What will outperform the other? Should it be defense, expect the Kings to take it. But if the Oilers get it together offensively, expect them to take it.
Matchups that aren’t ready to roll
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
The Jets have home-ice advantage throughout the NHL Playoffs, and the Blues are a team looking to sneak their way in if they can just snag one more W. This would be a lopsided matchup should the Blues clinch, but it may even be more lopsided if the Minnesota Wild or Calgary Flames landed here.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
As of Monday, the Wild have a minus-12 goal differential while the Golden Knights are at plus-54. As with the Winnipeg-St. Louis series should it materialize, this one will work in the Knights favor.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
The Senators may have surprised us this season, but their 2024-25 campaign would be ultra-surprising if they got the best of the Leafs. As with the two matchups mentioned above, I see no way the Senators will get the best of what’s been an ultra-hot Leafs team.
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
You have an experienced group in the Capitals facing a youthful Canadiens team that may’ve overachieved. Yeah, this one won’t have a happy ending for the Habs if they end up clinching an unprecedented playoff berth.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
Florida might be the most exciting state in the game these days. Former Cup Champion and borderline dynasty facing a defending Stanley Cup Champion and hopeful dynasty? Cross-state rivals? There’s a lot going on here that you can’t help but find entertaining.