Apr 8, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins (90) makes a glove save against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

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2025 NHL Playoff Picture: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What’s at Stake

Stay updated on the latest 2025 NHL playoff matchups, current standings, and what each team needs to clinch a postseason berth.

The 2024–25 NHL regular season wraps up, and the playoff race has reached its boiling point. Teams are either locking in their spots, clinging to hope, or facing the cold truth of elimination. This year’s postseason setup is a rollercoaster filled with intensity and drama, from dominant franchises to surprise wild-card pushes.

The Eastern and Western Conferences are both showcasing some of the most dramatic late-season pushes we’ve seen in years. From the resurgence of veteran squads to the hunger of younger rosters, the race is alive with storylines.

Clinched Playoff Berths

In the East, the Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Carolina Hurricanes have officially clinched playoff spots with solid performances throughout the season. Meanwhile, over in the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, and Edmonton Oilers have secured their berths, showcasing consistency and dominance across the board. With only a handful of games left, the focus now shifts to wild-card races and final seeding, as bubble teams battle for those last coveted spots.

Eastern Conference

Florida Panthers
New York Rangers
Boston Bruins
Carolina Hurricanes
Toronto Maple Leafs

Western Conference

Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars
Vancouver Canucks
Edmonton Oilers

Bubble Teams – 2025 NHL Playoff Race

The bubble teams in both conferences are clinging to playoff hopes by the thinnest of threads. In the East, the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals are neck-and-neck, trying to snatch a wild-card spot, while the Philadelphia Flyers and Penguins hope for a last-minute surge and some help from the scoreboard. Over in the West, Winnipeg and Nashville are in a fierce tug-of-war for one of the final spots, while Vegas and LA are not far behind, needing strong finishes and a stumble from teams above them. With every point crucial, the next few games will likely make or break postseason dreams.

Eastern Conference:

Detroit Red Wings
Washington Capitals
Philadelphia Flyers

Western Conference:

Winnipeg Jets
Nashville Predators
Vegas Golden Knights
Los Angeles Kings

Officially Eliminated Teams

Several teams have officially been eliminated from the 2025 NHL playoff race, with their postseason hopes dashed despite some late efforts and strong individual performances. These teams will now turn their focus to the offseason, the draft, and rebuilding for the future.

The Calgary Flames gave it a solid push, even managing a shootout win against the Vegas Golden Knights, but results elsewhere ended their chances. The Pittsburgh Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby and an inspiring comeback from Kris Letang post-heart surgery, still fell short of the mark. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Columbus Blue Jackets struggled to find their rhythm and consistency all season, ultimately costing them a shot at the playoffs.

Out West, the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, and Chicago Blackhawks never really got going, spending most of the season at the bottom of the standings. Their focus now shifts to draft preparation and developing young talent for the years ahead.

Officially Eliminated Teams:

Calgary Flames
Pittsburgh Penguins
Ottawa Senators
Montreal Canadiens
Columbus Blue Jackets
San Jose Sharks
Anaheim Ducks
Chicago Blackhawks

Image Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!