The excitement is palpable as the NHL regular season races toward its conclusion, with only 13 days remaining before the playoffs begin. The stakes are high, and teams are scrambling for the best possible position as they vie for a coveted spot in the postseason. The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are just around the corner, and the action is heating up across the league.
As of April 5, 2025, the playoff picture is becoming clearer, although many teams are still in contention for a spot. The format allows the top three teams from each division to secure automatic playoff berths, along with the next two highest-placed teams from each conference. This year, the competition is fierce, with several teams needing only a few more points to guarantee their postseason participation.
In the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning are in a prime position to clinch a playoff berth. They need just one point against the Buffalo Sabres tonight to secure their place. Alternatively, they can rely on other outcomes, such as the New York Rangers failing to win against the New Jersey Devils or the Montreal Canadiens losing to the Philadelphia Flyers in regulation. With a record of 44-26-5, the Lightning currently sit second in the Atlantic Division, just one point ahead of the Florida Panthers.
The Panthers, who have had a tough stretch lately, are also looking to clinch their playoff spot. They face the Ottawa Senators today and must win to guarantee their place in the postseason. If they earn just one point, they can still make it if the Rangers lose or the Canadiens drop their game against the Flyers. The Panthers, with a record of 44-27-4, are hoping to bounce back from a three-game skid and reclaim their momentum heading into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings are also on the brink of playoff qualification. They need to defeat the Edmonton Oilers today, and they also need the Calgary Flames to lose to the Vegas Golden Knights. If the Kings secure at least a point against the Oilers, they could still clinch if the Flames lose in regulation. Currently, the Kings hold a record of 43-23-9, putting them in a strong position in the Pacific Division.
The playoff implications extend beyond the teams currently in contention. The New York Rangers, who have won their last two games, are just two points behind the Canadiens for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Their matchup against the Devils is crucial, as they look to gain ground in the standings. The Rangers, with a record of 36-32-7, are eager to secure a playoff berth and avoid missing out on the postseason.
In the Western Conference, the race for the Presidents’ Trophy is heating up as well. The Winnipeg Jets lead with 108 points, closely followed by the Dallas Stars at 104 points. Both teams are in action today, and their performances could significantly impact their standings. The Stars have been particularly impressive, riding a seven-game winning streak into their matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Central Division title is up for grabs, with the Jets and Stars both eager to claim the top seed. The Colorado Avalanche also remain in contention, boasting a record of 47-27-4. As the playoffs approach, the competition in the Central Division is fierce, making every game critical.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues are looking to extend their winning streak to a franchise-record 12 games as they face the Avalanche. With a record of 42-28-7, the Blues are currently in a strong position for a playoff berth, sitting in the first wild card spot in the West.
As of now, the playoff picture is shaping up, with several teams already clinching their spots. The Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and others have secured their postseason positions. The Capitals lead the Metropolitan Division with an impressive 107 points, while the Hurricanes are not far behind with 96 points.
The playoff bracket is starting to take form as well. In the Eastern Conference, the first-round matchups are set to feature the Maple Leafs against the Senators, the Lightning against the Panthers, the Capitals against the Canadiens, and the Hurricanes against the Devils. In the Western Conference, the Jets will face the Wild, the Stars will take on the Avalanche, the Golden Knights will meet the Blues, and the Kings will clash with the Oilers.
With the regular season winding down, the excitement is palpable as teams fight for their playoff lives. The final games of the regular season are scheduled for April 17, 2025, with the first round of the playoffs expected to begin on April 19, 2025. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the postseason, as the quest for the Stanley Cup intensifies.
The NHL playoffs promise to deliver thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments as teams battle for hockey’s ultimate prize. With the intensity ramping up, every game counts, and the excitement surrounding the playoffs continues to grow. Will the reigning champions, the Florida Panthers, be able to defend their title, or will another team rise to the occasion? Only time will tell as we approach the most exhilarating part of the hockey season.
