NHL Playoffs 2025: Top Experts’ Picks for Every First-Round Series
By Austin Nivison and Chris Bengel, 247sports.news
With the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to begin, our 247sports.news experts provide their expert picks for each first-round series, along with insights into the key matchups.
Eastern Conference
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightnin3>gNivison: This rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Final will be another high-scoring affair. The Panthers have the edge in goal scoring with Aaron Ekblad and Matthew Tkachuk‘s return, but the Lightning have the better defense and Tomas Hertl and Nikita Kucherov are playing at an elite level. This one goes the distance, with Tampa Bay advancing.
Bengel: Agree with Nivison on this one. Tampa Bay’s depth and ability to score at will made the difference in their previous playoff series against the Panthers. Despite Florida’s strong regular season, Tampa Bay is the ultimate test and will prove too much in the end.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
Nivison: Both teams are riding high after making the playoffs, but Toronto’s star power is too much for Ottawa to handle. The Maple Leafs have the better defense and goaltending, and their depth up front will be the difference in this series. Expect Toronto to take it in six games.
Bengel: While I believe the Senators can steal a game or two at home, Toronto’s elite forwards and better defense will ultimately be the difference. The Leafs have the talent to go on a deep run, and the first step is dispatching the Senators.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
Nivison: Carolina should advance, but it won’t be easy. The Hurricanes are shorthanded up front, and the Devils’ third-ranked power play could pose problems. However, Carolina has the better five-on-five play and depth on defense. prognosticates a Hurricanes victory in seven games.
Bengel: Agree with Nivison in that Carolina should win this series, but it won’t come easy. The Devils’ power play and goaltending are their strengths, but Carolina’s skill up front should prove too much. Expect a high-scoring series that ends in a sigh of relief for Carolina.
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
Nivison: Washington has the edge in net with John Tavares and Auston Matthews‘ scoring punch, but Boston has the better defense and Frederik Andersen‘s recent consistency. Boston takes this in six games.
Bengel: Boston’s defense has the edge, and that will be the difference in this series. While Washington does have a dangerous duo up front in Tavares and Matthews, the Bruins’ defensive corps is simply deeper. Boston advances in six games.
Western Conference
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars
Nivison: This series features two of the league’s best defensemen in Miro Heiskanen and Jack Eichel, but Colorado’s deeper forward group and elite netminding duo of Connor Hellebuyck and Adin Hill give them the edge. Colorado in five games.
Bengel: Agree with Nivison on this one. Colorado has the more complete roster and the advantage in net. Dallas has made consecutive conference final appearances, but this is Colorado’s year and the Avalanche will prove too much in the end.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers
Nivison: Vegas has the edge in net with Adin Hill, and their forward depth is unmatched. Edmonton’s offense is elite, but Vegas has the better defense and should advance in seven games.
Bengel: The Golden Knights have been one of the league’s best teams all season, and their depth at forward will be the difference in this series. Edmonton has the firepower to keep it close, but Vegas’ defense will prove to be the difference and they advance in seven games.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Nashville Predators
Nivison: Both teams have elite defensemen, but Winnipeg’s forwards have the edge with Tyler Seguin, Connor McDavid, and Kyle Connor leading the way. Winnipeg in six games.
Bengel: The Jets have the star power up front to take this series. While Nashville has a dangerous duo in John Tavares and Leon Draisaitl, Winnipeg’s top-three forwards are simply better. Winnipeg advances in six games.
Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
Nivison: Calgary has the edge in net with Anthony Stolarz, and their forward depth is formidable. Vancouver has a dangerous duo up front in Auston Matthews and Jordan Kyrou, but Calgary’s defense is more solid. Calgary in seven games.
Bengel: While I believe the Canucks have the firepower up front to keep it close, Calgary’s defense and goaltending will prove to be the difference. Vancouver can score goals, but their defensive game lacks the consistency to match up with the Flames. Calgary advances in seven games.
Match of the Round
Nivison: The Battle of Alberta between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks has the potential to be the most thrilling series of the opening round. Both teams have elite forwards and comparable defensive groups, so defense and goaltending could be the deciding factors. Expect a high-scoring, intense series with Calgary ultimately advancing in seven games.
Bengel: Agree with Nivison. The Battle of Alberta has all the makings of a classic playoff series. Both teams have elite forwards and comparable defensive groups, so it will come down to who can score more goals and make fewer mistakes. Calgary’s deeper defensemen give them the edge in this one, and they advance in seven games.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NHL Playoffs are shaping up to be another exciting post-season with several mouthwatering matchups and plenty of storylines to follow. Our experts’ picks favor the reigning champion Florida Panthers and the Colorado Avalanche to meet in the Stanley Cup Final, but there are plenty of talented teams standing in their way.
Who do you think will win the 2025 Stanley Cup? Let us know in the comments below!