Welcome to the early stages of the Stanley Cup playoff – two of the best weeks on the annual game calendar.
Welcome to intensive clashes, thrilling goals, saving saved and perhaps some upsets, with the additional audience of sudden death.
Now that the regular season of NHL is in books, the second season and the chase for the magnificent trophy begins with a series of eight rounds.
All those meetings are worth diagnosing, but here are three which we are particularly interested in seeing how they play:
Dallas Stars vs Colorado avalanche
Call it Mikko Ranton Bowl. Dallas had defeated the avalanche in six matches last year, and it forgot at a loan meeting with about two clubs that ended in the top eight of the standing.
The stars loaded for a run, including the acquisition of Rantan, who re -signed Denver before doing the Carolina storm and later trading in Dallas.
This is only a story. The stars, who won one of the only three regular-season meetings, would be without their top defenseman, Miro Hycanon to start the series, while the lead goal scorer Jason Robertson set out in the conclusion of his regular season.
The avalanche rebuilt beyond the removal of Rantaneen, including the lead forward Martin Nekus, Brock Nelson, Charlie Cuckoo and Jack Drawi, and Macenzi Blackwood include new Golmetors – who have never netted in playoff games – and Scott Vegwood. Captain Gabriel Landskog can also return even after recalling about three full sessions after taking his team to the cup.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
April 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, Can; Florida Panthers in Skatebank Arena against Skates Skates against Brad Marchand (63) skates skates. Compulsory Credit: John E. Socolowski-Imgon Images Florida battle. For the fourth time in five years, Sunshine State Club meets each other. Tampa Bay won the first two meetings – to win the second consecutive crown in 2021, and the second in 2022 before losing in the final. Panthers won five matches in their title last year, reaching a Team Championship round in Florida for the fifth consecutive year.
The clubs divided the season series 2–2, and both teams did what to retio and load for the playoffs.
The panthers have struggled below stretch due to injuries, Matthew Takachuk, and a suspension for top defenseman Aaron Ekblad, which will keep him out for the first two matches. Florida left all of their last 10 matches, which ended with a 5–1 defeat to lightning.
The rivalry will go to a new level in this season undisputedly this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senator
April 13, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, Can; The Ottawa Senator Center Tim Stutzal (18) controls the puck in overtime against Philadelphia Flyrs at the Canadian Tire Center. Compulsory Credit: Mark disorganization-imagan images Talking about rivals, the battle of Ontario takes the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Maple Leafs has won the last four playoff meetings.
Toronto will be undeniably favored, not only ended further in standing, but will also have more experience. But this meeting is a study under pressure and its influence.
From Game 1, the Toronto season was always being judged by the success of the playoffs – or in its absence. Maple Leafs and Star Forward’s core – Auston Matthews, Mich Morner, William Nilender and John Thawres – are running out of winning opportunities before changes. Another early exit for the franchise that has never reached the third round of the playoffs, it will mean acute probe, and those stars know it.
On the other hand, Ottawa, who won all three regular-season meetings, is a team playing with house money. The senators provoked the seven-year playoffs drought and know that they are very large underdogs with a young and talented group that are gradually forming in this moment.
An additional bonus will see how Ottawa captain Brady Takchuk performs in his first playoffs, seeing his elder brother’s exploits closely.
