NHL Playoff Race 2025: Analyzing the Wild Card Chaos and Stanley Cup Contenders

NHL Playoff Race: A Battle for the Wild Card Spots

The 2025 NHL season is heating up with several teams vying for the final wild-card spots in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The playoff race remains unpredictable, with teams like the Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues making late pushes to secure their postseason berths.

Key Teams to Watch

• Montreal Canadiens (Eastern Conference): The Habs have surged recently, posting an 8-1-3 record in their last 13 games. With a 48.8% chance of making the playoffs, they are a dangerous team for any potential first-round opponent.
• St. Louis Blues (Western Conference): The Blues have turned their season around with a 12-2-1 run, now holding a 71.1% chance of clinching a wild-card spot. Their strong second-half performance reminds fans of their 2019 Stanley Cup-winning season.

Stanley Cup Contenders

While the wild-card race is intense, the focus for many teams is on the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup. According to Stathletes, the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes lead the pack with the highest championship probabilities.

• Vegas Golden Knights (14.3% chance): Despite injuries, Vegas remains a top contender, boasting a balanced attack and strong defense.
• Carolina Hurricanes (14.0% chance): Carolina’s dominance in puck possession and penalty killing makes them a formidable opponent.

Playoff Bracket Projections

Here’s a look at the projected matchups based on current standings:

Eastern Conference

• M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
• M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils
• A1 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
• A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Florida Panthers

Western Conference

• C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 St. Louis Blues
• C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
• P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
• P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers

Final Thoughts

The NHL playoff race is always full of surprises, and this season is no different. With just a few weeks remaining, the battle for the wild-card spots will be intense, while the top teams aim to position themselves for a deep playoff run. Who will rise to the occasion and lift the Stanley Cup? Only time will tell.