The NHL playoffs for 2025 are kicking off on Saturday, with 16 teams all vying for the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup. It`s going to be a challenging but rewarding journey for the team that emerges victorious.
But which team will it be? This year`s playoff field is quite open, with several teams considered strong contenders. The outcome is unpredictable, making this postseason particularly exciting. NHL experts have shared their predictions on which team they believe will go all the way and have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup.
According to betting odds, the favorites are the Colorado Avalanche (+750), Florida Panthers (+750), Dallas Stars (+800), and Vegas Golden Knights (+800). Will one of these top teams live up to expectations, or could we see a surprise run from an underdog like the St. Louis Blues (+3500) or Montreal Canadiens (+6000)?
Over the next few months, the best hockey players will battle for the sport`s most prestigious trophy. With so much at stake, experts are making their early picks for who will lift the Cup when the playoffs conclude.
Stanley Cup Predictions
Expert Nivison`s Pick: I strongly believe the Western Conference champion will be either the Avalanche or the Stars, and I`m leaning towards Colorado. In past playoffs, the Avalanche lacked depth at the center position for a deep playoff run. However, with the addition of Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle to support Nathan MacKinnon, this has changed. This strengthened center lineup should be sufficient to navigate the tough Western Conference. In the East, I predict the Lightning will prove they are still a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. If Andrei Vasilevskiy plays at his peak, the Lightning can secure another conference title.
This sets up a rematch of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, where the Avalanche defeated the Lightning in six games. This time, Tampa Bay will put up a stronger fight, but ultimately, the Avalanche`s speed and skill will be too much for the Lightning`s experienced defense to handle. Prediction: Avalanche defeat Lightning 4-3.
Expert Bengel`s Pick: The Lightning experienced a significant change with Steven Stamkos leaving to join the Predators as a free agent. However, the Lightning prepared for this by acquiring Jake Guentzel before free agency. Guentzel`s addition might be the missing piece, as he achieved a career-high of 41 goals in the regular season. His presence, alongside Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Brandon Hagel, gives Tampa Bay one of the most potent forward groups in the league.
Unsurprisingly, the Lightning led the NHL in scoring with 3.56 goals per game and boast one of the league`s best power plays. Kucherov, who topped the NHL in points, remains an elite playmaker who can carry the offense, even though he doesn`t have to single-handedly. Beyond their offensive capabilities, the Lightning`s playoff trump card is Andrei Vasilevskiy`s experience. He is a goalie who has consistently performed under pressure in the past. Interestingly, Vasilevskiy had a 1.90 goals-against average in both of Tampa Bay`s Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. When Vasilevskiy is at his best, very few goalies can compare.
After early exits in the first round in the last two seasons, the Lightning have strengthened their roster with players like Guentzel and the returning Ryan McDonagh. Their offensive firepower, Victor Hedman leading the defense, and Vasilevskiy in net is a formula for Stanley Cup success, and this team has the playoff experience. Prediction: Lightning defeat Golden Knights 4-3.
