NHL Playoffs Feature Key Matchups Starting April 19

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs open with highly anticipated matchups, notably the Battle of Florida between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Battle of Ontario featuring the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs. Both the Panthers-Lightning and Avalanche-Stars series are seen as conference-final level contests, with experts split on whether Tampa's resurgence or Florida's playoff readiness will prevail. The Senators-Leafs series is their first playoff meeting in 21 years, with Toronto favored due to improved defense and scoring depth, though Ottawa's strong regular season record against Toronto and Vezina-winning goalie Linus Ullmark make them a tough opponent. The Atlantic Division's first round promises intense rivalries as four top teams compete for dominance. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche's matchup is highlighted as the most compelling in the West, with both teams considered strong contenders. Across these series, the blend of high stakes and historic rivalries is expected to make this playoff opening especially captivating.