Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin April 19, Featuring Three Game 1s

The 2024-25 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun, featuring notable matchups such as the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Ottawa Senators, the Vegas Golden Knights facing the Minnesota Wild, and the Carolina Hurricanes taking on the New Jersey Devils. The St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens, both surprise playoff entrants after strong finishes post-4 Nations Face-Off break, are hoping to extend their momentum into deep playoff runs. Key players like Robert Thomas (Blues) and Nick Suzuki (Canadiens) have been instrumental in their teams' turnarounds and are now in the spotlight as the postseason begins. Historical trends show that late-season surges can translate into playoff success, as seen with teams like the 2022 Colorado Avalanche and 2023 Vegas Golden Knights, though recent history also warns that hot teams aren't guaranteed to advance past the first round. This year's playoffs are set against the backdrop of a memorable NHL season, including Alex Ovechkin surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record and the return of top-tier international competition. Coverage includes in-depth previews, key player matchups, and analysis of each series, with attention to team form, potential upsets, and star performances.