The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs begin with first-round matchups featuring returning teams like the New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild, along with those ending playoff droughts like the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues. Notable absences from the 2024 playoffs include the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, and Nashville Predators.
The Winnipeg Jets clinched the Presidents' Trophy for the first time, with the Washington Capitals securing the best record in the Eastern Conference as Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's goal record. The playoff bracket features matchups like St. Louis at Winnipeg and Montreal at Washington, with the full schedule available online. The draft lottery odds determine the No. 1 pick, with awards going to top performers like Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitl, and Connor Hellebuyck in various categories.