2025 NHL Playoffs Begin with Four Matches

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are underway with several compelling first-round matchups. The Vegas Golden Knights, who secured 50 wins this season and are heavy favorites, open their series against the Minnesota Wild, aiming to replicate their 2023 championship run with key contributions from Jack Eichel and goaltender Adin Hill. The Wild, led by Matt Boldy, hope to challenge Vegas’ dominance despite losing all regular-season meetings against them. Another highlighted matchup is the Atlantic Division-winning Toronto Maple Leafs facing the Ottawa Senators, who swept the regular season series against Toronto and come into the playoffs in strong form. In the Central Division, the St. Louis Blues look to upset the Winnipeg Jets after a strong showing in Game 1, while questions remain about goaltending and whether Montreal’s offense can match Washington’s in their series. Across all these series, key players and previous playoff history set the stage for an exciting postseason.