The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs commenced on April 19, bringing together 16 teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences in pursuit of hockey's most coveted prize. This postseason is distinguished by historic achievements, intense rivalries, and the quest for consecutive championships.

The Winnipeg Jets have emerged as a formidable force this season, clinching their first Presidents' Trophy with a franchise-best record of 56–22–4, totaling 116 points. This marks the first time a Canadian team has secured the Presidents' Trophy since the 2011–12 Vancouver Canucks. The Jets' remarkable start included setting an NHL record by winning 14 of their first 15 games. Key contributors include forward Kyle Connor, who led the team with 41 goals and 97 points, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who achieved 47 wins and a 2.00 goals-against average during the regular season.

In the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals led the standings with 111 points, securing the Metropolitan Division title. A significant highlight of their season was Alexander Ovechkin surpassing Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal-scoring record, reaching 895 goals. This milestone has bolstered the Capitals' morale as they aim for postseason success.

The defending champions, the Florida Panthers, are striving for back-to-back titles after capturing their first Stanley Cup in 2024. Key players such as Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov have been instrumental in the Panthers' consistent performance, leading to their sixth consecutive playoff berth.

The opening games of the playoffs have already delivered compelling action. The Colorado Avalanche secured a decisive 5-1 victory over the Dallas Stars, with Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge with two goals and an assist. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 23 saves in his playoff debut. Despite missing key players Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson due to injuries, the Stars managed a power-play goal by Roope Hintz. Stars coach Peter DeBoer noted, "It was our best performance in weeks," despite the loss.

In another thrilling matchup, the Winnipeg Jets staged a comeback to defeat the St. Louis Blues 5-3. Kyle Connor netted the game-winning goal with 1:36 remaining, and Adam Lowry added an empty-net goal to seal the victory. Connor and Mark Scheifele each contributed a goal and two assists, while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 14 saves. The Blues had led 3-2 heading into the third period, with goals from Robert Thomas, Oskar Sundqvist, and Jordan Kyrou. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington made 21 saves and emphasized the importance of staying focused for the remainder of the series.

The playoffs are structured in a best-of-seven series format, with the first round running from April 19 to May 4. Subsequent rounds will lead up to the Stanley Cup Finals, scheduled to begin on June 7, 2025. Fans can watch the games on ESPN, TNT, TBS, and truTV in the U.S., with streaming options available on platforms like Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV. In Canada, coverage is provided by SportsNet, CBC, and TVA Sports, with streaming via SportsNet Plus.

As the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs progress, the combination of historic milestones, intense rivalries, and the pursuit of championship glory promises an exhilarating postseason for players and fans alike.