The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs drop the puck on Saturday, April 19, with rivalries reignited, dynasties challenged, and underdogs eyeing history. From Marc-André Fleury’s final ride to the return of the Battle of Ontario, this year’s opening round has no shortage of drama.
Here’s your full guide to every first-round matchup, key storylines, and the complete schedule across the league.
Playoff Headlines
- The Winnipeg Jets dominated the regular season with 116 points and captured the Presidents’ Trophy. But history isn’t on their side—no team has won both the Presidents’ Trophy and the Cup in over a decade.
- The defending champion Florida Panthers return, aiming to go back-to-back, opening against state rivals Tampa Bay.
- All six different Cup winners from the last seven years are in the field.
- Longtime stars and rivalries spice up the matchups, from Sidney Crosby’s Penguins missing the dance to Marc-André Fleury’s final playoff run with the Minnesota Wild.
Eastern Conference Matchups
Toronto Maple Leafs (1A) vs Ottawa Senators (WC2)
The Battle of Ontario returns after 21 years. Ottawa swept the regular-season series 3-0.
- Game 1: April 20, 7 p.m. ET – Toronto
- Game 2: April 22, 7:30 p.m. ET – Toronto
- Game 3: April 24, 7 p.m. ET – Ottawa
- Game 4: April 26, 7 p.m. ET – Ottawa
- Game 5*: April 29 – Toronto
- Game 6*: May 1 – Ottawa
- Game 7*: May 3 – Toronto
Florida Panthers (3A) vs Tampa Bay Lightning (2A)
Sunshine State showdown. The teams split their four meetings this season.
- Game 1: April 22, 8:30 p.m. ET – Tampa
- Game 2: April 24, 6:30 p.m. ET – Tampa
- Game 3: April 26, 1 p.m. ET – Florida
- Game 4: April 28 – Florida
- Game 5*: April 30 – Tampa
- Game 6*: May 2 – Florida
- Game 7*: May 4 – Tampa
Washington Capitals (1M) vs Montreal Canadiens (WC2)
East’s top seed vs. the Cup’s most decorated franchise.
- Game 1: April 21, 7 p.m. ET – Washington
- Game 2: April 23, 7 p.m. ET – Washington
- Game 3: April 25, 7 p.m. ET – Montreal
- Game 4: April 27, 6:30 p.m. ET – Montreal
- Game 5*: April 30 – Washington
- Game 6*: May 2 – Montreal
- Game 7*: May 4 – Washington
Carolina Hurricanes (2M) vs New Jersey Devils (3M)
A rematch of their 2023 playoff clash. Carolina won that series and leads in postseason history.
- Game 1: April 20, 3 p.m. ET – Carolina
- Game 2: April 22, 6 p.m. ET – Carolina
- Game 3: April 25, 8 p.m. ET – New Jersey
- Game 4: April 27, 3:30 p.m. ET – New Jersey
- Game 5*: April 29 – Carolina
- Game 6*: May 2 – New Jersey
- Game 7*: May 4 – Carolina
Western Conference Matchups
Winnipeg Jets (1C) vs St. Louis Blues (WC2)
Best in the league vs. surprise 2019 champs. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck is key for Winnipeg.
- Game 1: April 19, 6 p.m. ET – Winnipeg
- Game 2: April 21, 7:30 p.m. ET – Winnipeg
- Game 3: April 24, 8:30 p.m. ET – St. Louis
- Game 4: April 27, 1 p.m. ET – St. Louis
- Game 5*: April 30 – Winnipeg
- Game 6*: May 2 – St. Louis
- Game 7*: May 4 – Winnipeg
Dallas Stars (2C) vs Colorado Avalanche (3C)
Rantanen’s revenge tour: traded from Colorado, now facing his old squad in Dallas green.
- Game 1: April 19, 8:30 p.m. ET – Dallas
- Game 2: April 21, 9:30 p.m. ET – Dallas
- Game 3: April 23, 9:30 p.m. ET – Colorado
- Game 4: April 26, 9:30 p.m. ET – Colorado
- Game 5*: April 28 – Dallas
- Game 6*: May 1 – Colorado
- Game 7*: May 3 – Dallas
Vegas Golden Knights (1P) vs Minnesota Wild (WC1)
The final ride for Marc-André Fleury. Vegas swept the season series.
- Game 1: April 20, 10 p.m. ET – Vegas
- Game 2: April 22, 11 p.m. ET – Vegas
- Game 3: April 24, 9 p.m. ET – Minnesota
- Game 4: April 26, 4 p.m. ET – Minnesota
- Game 5*: April 29 – Vegas
- Game 6*: May 1 – Minnesota
- Game 7*: May 3 – Vegas
Los Angeles Kings (2P) vs Edmonton Oilers (3P)
Classic 1980s rivals meet again. Edmonton has won their last six playoff series vs. Los Angeles.
- Game 1: April 21, 10 p.m. ET – Los Angeles
- Game 2: April 23, 10 p.m. ET – Los Angeles
- Game 3: April 25, 10 p.m. ET – Edmonton
- Game 4: April 27, 9:30 p.m. ET – Edmonton
- Game 5*: April 29 – Los Angeles
- Game 6*: May 1 – Edmonton
- Game 7*: May 3 – Los Angeles
How to Watch
- United States: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TNT, TBS, truTV, and streaming via ESPN+ and Max
- Canada: Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports
- International: NHL.tv, Viaplay (Nordics), Premier Sports (UK), beIN Sports (France), Sky Sport (Germany and Italy), and more
The road to the Stanley Cup starts now. Will Winnipeg break the Presidents’ Trophy curse? Can Florida go back-to-back? Or will a dark horse emerge, just like St. Louis did in 2019? Let the madness begin.
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