The NHL Playoffs are back, and the road to the 2025 Stanley Cup is already off to an electrifying start. With 16 teams battling it out in the first round, fans are witnessing some of the most intense, fast-paced hockey of the season. From overtime thrillers to goaltending heroics and standout performances by emerging stars, the opening round of the NHL Playoffs is delivering everything fans have come to expect.
As the race intensifies, the bracket begins to take shape, showcasing which teams are poised to make a deep postseason run and which ones are facing early exits. In this article, we provide a detailed look at the complete schedule, updated scores, and results of all the first-round matchups in the NHL Playoffs. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the first round of the 2025 NHL Playoffs.
How the NHL Playoff Bracket Works
The NHL Playoffs feature 16 teams: the top three from each of the four divisions and two wild-card teams from each conference. The matchups are determined based on regular-season standings, with the division winners playing the wild-card teams and the remaining divisional qualifiers facing off against each other.
Each playoff series is a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games advances to the next round. This format allows for surprises, momentum shifts, and underdog stories that make the NHL Playoffs so unpredictable and thrilling.
2025 NHL Playoff Bracket: First-Round Matchups
Here’s how the bracket looks in the opening round of the 2025 NHL Playoffs:
Eastern Conference
- Atlantic Division:
- (A1) Florida Panthers vs. (WC2) Pittsburgh Penguins
- (A2) Boston Bruins vs. (A3) Toronto Maple Leafs
- Metropolitan Division:
- (M1) New York Rangers vs. (WC1) Tampa Bay Lightning
- (M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M3) New Jersey Devils
Western Conference
- Central Division:
- (C1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (WC2) Los Angeles Kings
- (C2) Winnipeg Jets vs. (C3) Dallas Stars
- Pacific Division:
- (P1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild
- (P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (P3) Vegas Golden Knights
Let’s break down each series, its current state, and what fans should be watching for.
Eastern Conference Series Breakdown
Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Panthers, who topped the Atlantic Division with a dominant season, entered the series as clear favorites. However, the Penguins—led by veteran Sidney Crosby—have shown they’re not ready to bow out quietly.
- Game 1: Panthers 5, Penguins 2
- Game 2: Penguins 4, Panthers 3 (OT)
- Game 3: Panthers 2, Penguins 1
- Game 4: Panthers 3, Penguins 0
- Series lead: Florida leads 3-1
The Panthers are one win away from advancing, thanks to their balanced offense and the stellar goaltending of Sergei Bobrovsky. The Penguins will need a big performance in Game 5 to stay alive.
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
One of the most heated rivalries in hockey, Bruins vs. Leafs never disappoints. This year’s matchup has been physical, emotional, and incredibly close.
- Game 1: Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 3 (2OT)
- Game 2: Maple Leafs 5, Bruins 2
- Game 3: Maple Leafs 3, Bruins 2
- Game 4: Bruins 6, Maple Leafs 4
- Series tied: 2-2
This one is heading for a long series. Boston’s playoff experience is being tested against Toronto’s potent offense. Game 5 could be the pivotal turning point.
New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Rangers have looked strong all season, and they’ve continued that form into the postseason. However, Tampa Bay’s core knows how to win in the playoffs.
- Game 1: Rangers 3, Lightning 2
- Game 2: Lightning 5, Rangers 4
- Game 3: Rangers 4, Lightning 0
- Game 4: Rangers 2, Lightning 1
- Series lead: New York leads 3-1
Igor Shesterkin has been outstanding in net for New York, and with Artemi Panarin leading the charge offensively, the Rangers are in control of the series.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
This series has been a showcase of youth versus experience. The Devils, with their dynamic young core, are up against a structured and disciplined Hurricanes team.
- Game 1: Hurricanes 3, Devils 2
- Game 2: Devils 6, Hurricanes 3
- Game 3: Hurricanes 2, Devils 1
- Game 4: Hurricanes 5, Devils 4 (OT)
- Series lead: Carolina leads 3-1
The Hurricanes are executing their game plan perfectly, and Andrei Svechnikov is emerging as a key offensive threat. The Devils must rally in Game 5 to avoid elimination.
Western Conference Series Breakdown
Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Avalanche, looking to reclaim their 2022 championship form, came out strong against the Kings, who are returning to playoff form with a rebuilt roster.
- Game 1: Avalanche 6, Kings 1
- Game 2: Avalanche 4, Kings 3
- Game 3: Kings 2, Avalanche 1 (OT)
- Game 4: Avalanche 5, Kings 2
- Series lead: Colorado leads 3-1
Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon are driving the Avalanche, who seem to have too much firepower for the Kings to contain.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars
This Central Division showdown has been incredibly physical, with both teams leaning on strong defensive systems and excellent goaltending.
- Game 1: Jets 3, Stars 2 (OT)
- Game 2: Stars 4, Jets 0
- Game 3: Jets 2, Stars 1
- Game 4: Stars 3, Jets 2
- Series tied: 2-2
With Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger putting on a goaltending clinic, this series is likely heading to a full seven games.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild
The Canucks surprised many by winning the Pacific Division, and they’re showing they belong among the league’s elite in this postseason.
- Game 1: Canucks 4, Wild 1
- Game 2: Wild 3, Canucks 2 (OT)
- Game 3: Canucks 3, Wild 0
- Game 4: Canucks 4, Wild 3 (OT)
- Series lead: Vancouver leads 3-1
Vancouver’s strong top line and improved defense have been the difference-makers. The Wild need to find a way to counter Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller in Game 5.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Arguably the most anticipated series in the West, this matchup is a clash between two offensively dangerous teams.
- Game 1: Oilers 5, Golden Knights 4
- Game 2: Golden Knights 6, Oilers 2
- Game 3: Oilers 3, Golden Knights 2
- Game 4: Golden Knights 4, Oilers 3 (OT)
- Series tied: 2-2
With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, Edmonton continues to look dangerous. But the defending champions from Vegas aren’t giving an inch. This may be the most competitive series of the round.
Key Players Making Headlines
Several players have emerged as key figures in this year’s NHL Playoffs:
- Connor McDavid (Oilers): A perennial NHL Playoffs standout, continuing to amaze with his speed and skill.
- Igor Shesterkin (Rangers): Dominating in the crease, giving New York a crucial edge.
- David Pastrňák (Bruins): Proving his value with clutch goals in key NHL Playoffs moments.
- Kirill Kaprizov (Wild): A consistent spark plug for Minnesota during this year’s intense NHL Playoffs battle.
What’s Next After the First Round?
As the first round concludes, the next chapter of the NHL Playoffs will bring even more drama. Each advancing team will be just four wins away from the conference finals. With rivalries potentially reigniting and fatigue setting in, the second round will test every team’s depth and resilience.
The NHL Playoffs are where legends are made, and as fans gear up for more action, one thing remains certain: the pursuit of the Stanley Cup is just heating up.
The 2025 NHL Playoffs have already brought a wave of excitement, heart-stopping finishes, and unforgettable performances. With multiple series still hanging in the balance, fans are in for more drama and action as the quest for the Stanley Cup continues.
From breakout stars to veteran leaders, from overtime goals to last-second saves, the first round has offered a glimpse of everything we love about playoff hockey. As teams battle on the ice and fans rally behind their favorites, one thing is clear: the road to the Stanley Cup is as thrilling as ever.
Stay tuned for more updates as the first round wraps up and the next chapter of the 2025 NHL Playoffs unfolds.
