The 2025 NHL playoff schedule is underway with the defending champion Florida Panthers set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in a highly anticipated first-round series. The Edmonton Oilers will aim to continue their first-round success against the Los Angeles Kings. Predictions from USA TODAY experts favor the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, and Vegas Golden Knights to advance to the second round.
The Capitals are anticipated to defeat the Canadiens in 6 games, the Hurricanes to best the Devils in 5, the Maple Leafs to triumph over the Canadiens in 6, the Lightning to advance past the Panthers in 6, the Jets to beat the Blues in 5, the Avalanche to overcome the Stars in 6, and the Golden Knights to outmatch the Wild in 5 or 6 games. The Kings are predicted to possibly upset the Oilers, who are dealing with injuries and goaltending concerns, in a 7-game series.