The National Hockey League (NHL) is set to launch the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs this Saturday, April 19, with a doubleheader featuring the St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets and the Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars.
The league confirmed the schedule and broadcast details, marking the start of a postseason brimming with anticipation. Fans can catch the action on TNT, truTV, and Max in the U.S., while Canadian viewers will tune in via Sportsnet, CBC, and TVA Sports.
This year’s playoffs follow a regular season highlighted by Alex Ovechkin’s record-shattering 895th career goal, which surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time mark and sparked a merchandise sales surge across the league.
The Washington Capitals’ captain, Ovechkin, not only etched his name in history but also propelled the NHL into unprecedented commercial territory. His iconic one-timer goal during a power play became a viral sensation, driving jersey sales and memorabilia demand that rivaled top NBA and NFL stars. As the Capitals prepare for their first-round series, the “Ovi effect” continues to elevate hockey’s global profile, drawing new fans and energizing existing ones.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens secured their playoff berth in dramatic fashion, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 in their final regular-season game. Goals from Kaiden Guhle and Juraj Slafkovsky sealed the victory, capping a resilient campaign for the Habs. Their qualification adds another layer of intrigue to the Eastern Conference bracket, where they’ll face stiff competition from division leaders like the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers.
Out West, the Vegas Golden Knights enter the playoffs as Pacific Division champions, poised to clash with the Minnesota Wild. Vegas, resting stars like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone during the season’s final games, aims to replicate last year’s deep playoff run.
The Wild, led by Hart Trophy contender Kirill Kaprizov, hope to overcome injury setbacks and replicate their early-season dominance. Kaprizov’s return from surgery could be the X-factor in a series where consistency will be critical.
In Pittsburgh, the Penguins close their season against the Capitals in a matchup steeped in rivalry. Though Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, the game holds sentimental value as veteran Evgeni Malkin potentially plays his final NHL contest. Washington, meanwhile, eyes a championship push with Ovechkin fueled by his historic achievement.
The Los Angeles Kings, riding an eight-game winning streak, host the eliminated Calgary Flames in a tune-up before facing the Edmonton Oilers in the first round. Los Angeles’s scorching form, averaging 4.7 goals per game since March, positions them as a dark horse in the Pacific.
As the puck drops on Saturday, the NHL’s Bracket Challenge returns, offering fans a chance to predict outcomes and win trips to 2025-26 events. With storylines ranging from legacy-defining performances to underdog surges, this postseason promises to captivate hockey enthusiasts worldwide.
