The 2025 NHL playoffs are set to commence on Saturday, with 16 teams vying for the ultimate prize – the Stanley Cup. The journey to become champion is known to be long and challenging, but incredibly rewarding for the team that emerges victorious.
The question on everyone`s mind is: Which team will hoist the Cup this year? With a competitive playoff field, several teams have a legitimate shot at winning. The outcome of this postseason is quite unpredictable. NHL experts have shared their early predictions on which teams are most likely to go all the way and have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup.
According to SportsLine`s odds, the top contenders are the Colorado Avalanche (+750), Florida Panthers (+750), Dallas Stars (+800), and Vegas Golden Knights (+800). However, the playoffs are known for surprises. Could an underdog team, such as the St. Louis Blues (+3500) or Montreal Canadiens (+6000), defy the odds and make an unexpected championship run?
Over the next few months, hockey fans will witness intense competition as the world`s best players battle for the most prestigious trophy in the sport. With so much at stake, experts have made their initial picks for the team they believe will be crowned Stanley Cup champions at the end of the playoffs.
Stanley Cup Picks
Nivison: I believe the Western Conference champion will emerge from the series between the Avalanche and Stars, and I`m leaning towards the Avalanche. In previous postseasons, a lack of center depth hindered Colorado`s deep playoff runs. However, with the additions of Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle to support Nathan MacKinnon, their center position is significantly strengthened. This improved depth should be sufficient for navigating the challenging Western Conference. In the East, I anticipate the Lightning will reaffirm their status as a playoff powerhouse. If Andrei Vasilevskiy performs at his peak, the Lightning are capable of securing another conference title.
This sets the stage for a rematch of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, where the Avalanche defeated the Lightning in six games. While Tampa Bay might put up a stronger fight this time, the Avalanche`s superior speed and skill will likely be too much for the Lightning`s veteran defense to handle. Pick — Avalanche def. Lightning 4-3 (Avalanche future odds: +750)
Bengel: The Lightning faced the departure of franchise icon Steven Stamkos, who signed with the Predators as a free agent in the offseason. However, the Lightning proactively addressed this loss by acquiring Jake Guentzel before free agency. This acquisition might be the missing piece, as Guentzel achieved a career-high of 41 goals during the regular season. Guentzel, alongside offensive stars like Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Brandon Hagel, forms one of the most potent forward groups in the NHL.
Unsurprisingly, the Lightning led the NHL in scoring with 3.56 goals per game and boast one of the league`s most effective power-play units. Kucherov, the NHL`s points leader, remains an elite playmaker capable of carrying the offensive burden, although he doesn`t necessarily have to with the team`s overall offensive depth. Furthermore, the Lightning`s playoff trump card is the experience of Andrei Vasilevskiy. He is a goaltender who has consistently excelled on the biggest stage. Interestingly, Vasilevskiy recorded a 1.90 goals-against average in both of Tampa Bay`s Stanley Cup-winning seasons in 2020 and 2021. When Vasilevskiy is playing at his best, he is among the league`s elite netminders.
After early exits in the first round in the past two seasons, the Lightning have reinforced their roster with players like Guentzel and the returning Ryan McDonagh. Their offensive firepower, Victor Hedman leading the defense, and Vasilevskiy in net create a Stanley Cup-caliber formula. This team has the experience and resilience needed for a deep playoff run. Pick — Lightning def. Golden Knights 4-3 (Lightning future odds: +900)
