Mar 25, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets celebrate their victory over the Washington Capitals at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

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NHL Playoff Matchups – Who faces whom in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs?

A breakdown of the first-round matchups for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, highlighting key rivalries and storylines.

Mar 25, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets celebrate their victory over the Washington Capitals at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are finally here, and fans across North America are gearing up for another thrilling postseason run. With the top 16 teams, eight from each conference, set to battle it out in a best-of-seven format, the stage is set for intense rivalries, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable moments. From Presidents’ Trophy winners Winnipeg Jets leading the charge in the West to heated matchups like the Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings and Kings vs. Oilers, this year’s playoffs promise action-packed hockey at every turn. Let’s look closer at the first-round matchups and the road to the Stanley Cup.

Who faces whom in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs?

The 2024–2025 NHL playoff picture will be finalized once the regular season ends on April 17, 2025. Fans won’t have to wait long, as the Stanley Cup Playoffs are expected to kick off just two days later on Saturday, April 19th 2025. The playoffs will feature 16 teams, eight from each conference, competing in a best-of-seven series.

The final three playoff spots, one remaining division title and up to the five remaining First Round matchups could be secured tonight.

If not, we go down to game 82 on Wednesday or Thursday.#NHLStats: https://t.co/KAgdmi7DmU #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/LDYPms7BzY
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 15, 2025

Eastern Conference First-Round Matchups:

Here is what the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look like:

(M1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Columbus Blue Jackets
(M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M3) New Jersey Devils
(A1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Detroit Red Wings
(A2) Florida Panthers vs. (A3) Tampa Bay Lightning

Western Conference First-Round Matchups:

Here is what the Western Conference playoff bracket would look like:

(C1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) Vancouver Canucks
(C2) Dallas Stars vs. (C3) Colorado Avalanche
(P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild
(P2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (P3) Edmonton Oilers

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is set to wrap up on Thursday, April 17, with a slate of seven games on the schedule.

No matter who the fans are rooting for, the matchups ahead promise fast-paced action, nail-biting finishes, and plenty of surprises. It’s the kind of hockey that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. One thing’s for sure: the journey to the Cup is officially on, and it’s going to be one wild ride.

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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!