NHL Playoff Picks and Predictions: Who Will Claim the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy?

The 2024-25 NHL season has ended, and the postseason has begun. Sixteen teams are in the running. ESPN's experts have made their predictions for each first-round matchup, as well as who will win the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy. In the Atlantic Division, the consensus leans towards the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the Metropolitan Division, the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes have strong support. The Central Division sees the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche as favorites. In the Pacific Division, the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings have their backers.